Choosing a Cello - What's Important?
Choosing a cello needn't be a difficult task, as long as you know what to look for. Cellos are available in many sizes, and a knowledgeable instrument maker, music dealer or cello teacher will be able to help you find the right size for you or your child. Generally, the smaller sizes (1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4) are for children, and most adults and teenagers use full size (4/4) cellos. As a general sizing guideline, you should be able to extend the cello endpin, and sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. The top of the cello body should rest against your chest, and the neck and scroll of the cello should be to the left of your head, with the lowest tuning peg approximately the same height as your ear (this may vary depending on the instrument and cellist). If you are not sure, then an experienced cellist or knowledgeable music dealer should be able to assist you in finding the correct size. Why should I play the cello? Watch the amazing Yo-Yo Ma play one of Bach's cello suites and fall in love with the instrument...
First time buyers are shocked to find that even an inexpensive beginner's cello will cost about $1000(£500). It is possible to purchase a "toy cello" for about half that price, but they are stamped out of plywood, improperly glued and finished, with slipping tuning pegs. They sound about as good as a cigar box with rubber band strings! A cello ought to be handcarved maple and spruce, not plywood stamped-out by a giant machine. This is crucial for sound quality. It needs to be carefully glued together with the proper sort of glue, in case it needs to be taken apart for repairs someday. It should be finely varnished and pleasing to the eye. The fittings, especially the fingerboard and pegs, should be made of ebony or rosewood. Inside the cello, the soundpost must be correctly fitted and positioned, and the bass-bar (which one cannot see at all without opening up the cello) must be correctly positioned and glued to the belly of the cello. This is especially important when buying a cheaper cello. So make sure you get your new instrument set-up by a professional. It will make all the difference! The strings must be of a decent quality and they must be accurately positioned on the bridge, with correct spacing and height. The endpin should be easily adjustable. The cello will not play well, and it will not sound good, unless all these things are done right.
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There are many views on what age you should start your child on their musical journey. But with string instruments you can start earlier than most. This is because you can buy smaller versions of the violin, cello and double bass to start them off. Also you do not have to wait for the lungs to be fully developed (as is the case for brass and woodwind) or for their fingers to have grown so that they can stretch far enough. The right age to start is really more about whether your child is mentally up to the challenge of learning an instrument. The last thing you want to do is turn a child off music just because they had one unpleasant experience which could have been prevented. Sometimes if the child waits a year to start lessons their progress can be much faster. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age usually do very well. Now in contrast to this view I have found details of the cello being taught to 3 year olds!
Check out Cello Babies here....
Unpacking & Packing Your Cello From A Soft Case · Always take the bow out of the case first · Always put the bow in the case last Storing Your Cello · Put the spike in when you have finished playing · Leave the cello on its side in the corner of a room for short periods only.Pack it away in its case for anything over a few minutes · Keep your cello away from heat (radiators, gas or electric fires etc.) · Keep your cello out of the cold · Never leave your cello in a hot or cold car for a long period of time (eg. overnight) Cleaning Your Cello · Do not use polish or detergents,simply wipe with a duster Looking After Your Bow · Do not over-tighten the hair · Do not touch the hair · Remember to resin the bow before you start to play · Do slacken off the hair when you have finished playing Accidents Or Breakages · DO NOT attempt DIY repairs, no matter how simple or how skilled the repairer · Please take the instrument to your teacher for inspection
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