Choose the Right Cello for You
Choosing the correct cello is a very hard task. If you are a beginner cellist, buying an inexpensive cello is recommended. On the other hand if you are an intermediate or advanced cellist, then it is recommended buying a cello with a better tone (since price can't speak for how the instrument sounds). Price doesn't determine everything. It is very possible to find an extravagant cello that doesn't sound great, but another that is cheap but sounds better. Price isn't solely determined by tone, but by the origin, whether it is mass produced in a factory or individually made, and if so the maker. For example: the famous Antonio Stradivari created well made cellos as well as poorly made cellos. The correct cello for you should be the cello you like the best. It can be determined by the cellos beauty, but it is highly recommended that you choose your instrument by the tone. A great cello also needs to have power. Another determinant is the state of the cello, it could be antique, but if it has cracks and holes, it is nearly useless. Even if it is repaired, if the instrument is in certain weather or conditions, the same injuries may reappear. Wolf tones are another thing to look out for, even if certain gadgets can fix the problem, they could dampen the sound.
Steps
Experienced Cellists
- Find a good and reliable music store that specializes in stringed instruments (preferably that are handmade).
- Go to the store. If you have a private teacher, see if they can come or have a student who is moving up a size, and see if you can buy theirs. They will usually know which cellos sound better.
- Talk to the maker of the instrument, or his/her assistant(s). Talk about your price range and ask about the different types of cellos (high arched, low arched, two piece back, one piece back...).
- Test the cellos for the tonal quality. Even if your teacher says to choose a certain cello, but you prefer another cello, choose your cello. You should know that you will be using this cello for quite a long time. You wouldn't want to regret your decision. Remember not to be hasty, there are always other cellos in other great workshops.
- Get a good bow. The cello may be great but the accompanying bow might not be. Ask one of the specialists and your teacher which one to get. Just like with the purchase of your cello, don't be hasty. Pick one you feel comfortable with, that feels balanced. Many people recommend getting a wooden bow, not a fiber glass one. Having two bows can also be convenient.
- Purchase some strings. If you buy a cello, the strings provided might not be the best fit. Ask a specialist and your teacher for their opinion. If no help is available, stick with the best brands, Obligato, Larsen and Jargar, or dominant for the less advanced. It is very important to have the cello well set-up to its advantage. A cello with great potential could sound poor with the wrong accessories. Do not buy Red Label strings, they are about $10 a string, but they are cheaply made and sound bad. Other types may be $40-$100 per string, but they are higher quality, last longer, and sound much better. Titanium string are more than $100 per string, but are excellent, and are extremely high quality. Make the investment if you can afford it and know that you are going to keep playing.
- Change the tailpiece and and the fine tuners if necessary, and purchase a wolf tone string eliminator/ gadget if encountering problems with wolf tones.
- Choose a good secure case, preferably hard. If you are using a cello that is smaller than a full sized, hard cases will be hard to come by. Also, good rosin is also important.
Beginning Cellists
- Find a good and reliable music store in your area. Before going, find popular brands online and check the prices and the quality. The better cellos should be more expensive, but not necessarily.
- Go to the store. If you have a private teacher, see if they can come. They will usually know which brands are best.
- Find a helpful and friendly employee. At most stores there will be employees just waiting to help customers like you.
- Find out what size cello you need. Different heights require different size cellos. The employee will probably have you try out a few different cellos. If a cello's C-peg comes to your left ear when you put the end pin out, it is a good size cello for you. Be sure you do not have to put the end pin out more than a foot or so, otherwise you will have to get a new cello very soon.
- Get a good case. A good case is one that will protect your new cello and have room for a bow, rosin, and a cleaning cloth without having any of them banging up against the cello. Most cases are just made of fabric but there are also harder cases that have wheels. These hard cases are usually more expensive, but are more durable than the fabric ones.
- Find out if your cello comes with a bow. Some cellos include a bow, some do not. If yours doesn't, you need to look at the bow selection. A good bow is not too long or too heavy.
- Get some rosin.
Tips
- Play a few notes on your cello before you decide to buy it. If it doesn't feel right, don't get it. Many music stores will allow you to borrow the instrument. If possible, do this because you don't want to spend money without knowing the cello in and out.
- You may also want to get a tuner and a metronome.
- Sometimes you can determine the cello size you need by your height.
- Have a budget. You can also rent one and try a certain type of cello so you can see what style and sound you like. Also they have colored cellos if you don't like the wood type.
- Wood cellos are highly recommended, because they usually sound better. The paint on colored cellos usually adds more friction and makes it not sound as nice.
