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Cello

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What Cello size is right for me?
Getting the correct size Cello for you can be judged from your height. For those over 1.5m (5 foot) tall a full size 4/4 cello is appropriate for those between 135cm and 150cm (4 feet  6 inches to 5 feet) a ¾ size would be the best choice and for those shorter than 120cm (4 feet) should look for a ¼ size instrument. If purchasing for children the following guide can be used;
• 1/8 Children 5 or 6 years old
• 1/4 Children 6 or 7 years old
• 1 /2 Children 8 to 10 years old
• 3 /4 Children 11 to 13 years old
• 4/4 from 14 years old to adult
Remember that when purchasing a smaller Cello it is also important to purchase a bow of an appropriate length.

Will a cello fit in a car?
Most cars will fit a cello but the opinion on how best to do it is split across a number of options. If the car is large enough and it will fit in the boot this is the obvious choice but many car boots aren’t of this size so other options are to carry a cello slotted into the foot well in the front or back of the car or to carry the cello laid down across the back seat is the size of car allows. In all cases it is important to strap your cello in, not only will this lessen the likelihood of damage to your cello from moving around the car it will also protect the occupants of the car from being hit by the cello or case in the event of an accident.

Is a cello better to learn than a violin?
The most commonly stated benefit of the violin is that it is more practical. Its lower cost, smaller size for ease of use, storage and transport and the range and tone mean that many would make this choice almost automatically. For the case of the cello its lower range and the fact that there are fewer students studying the cello mean that there are more opportunities to play. As in all things it is always important to bear in mind the natural preferences as an instrument that is fully enjoyed is always the best choice.
What are the benefits of a lower price cello?
Apart from the benefit of lower costs lower prices cellos are often easier to play, especially for those new to the instrument. The quality of lower priced cellos, many of which are Chinese made has improved over the years and can make a good starting point for many budding cello players. For a child where the size of the instrument needs to be upgraded lower prices instruments can be a real benefit.

What is a cello made of?
The cello is typically made of carved wood although aluminium and carbon fibre can be used, especially in electric cellos. Traditionally spruce is used for the top and maple for the back, sides and neck however this is often replaced by other woods according to manufacturing preferences.

How does a cello bow differ from a violin bow?
A cello bow is thicker and has more height or distance between the hair and the stick as well as being shorter. A cello bow also has more hair to give more pressure on thicker strings. It also has a rounded lower corner rather than square on a violin bow.

Is Cello rosin the same a violin rosin?
Cello rosin is usually of a medium hardness whilst Violin players tend to use a harder rosin. The softest rosins which are the stickiest are used mostly be bass players.

Which Cello case is best?
For protection undoubtedly a hard cell case is best, giving real protection from the knocks and bumps that can affect any instrument in transit most come with trolley wheels so the extra weight isn’t a problem and giving the best protection possible from rain. Soft cases are of course useful for their lighter weight, the fact than most will come with backpack straps making it easier to carry and of course soft cases fold up into smaller places when not in use.

What are cello strings made of?
Historically catgut was the main material used for cello strings but now strings are metal and wound with nickel, chromium, and other metals to produce durable high performance strings.

See our accessories for cellos here