Cellos

Cellos

Cellos are large stringed instruments that resemble a violin with a leg attached. People most often play it with a bow while seated, although they can also pluck it with the fingers. Its tone ranges from tenor to baritone. The best sound and ease of playability comes from a hand carved spruce or maple body with a rosewood or ebony fingerboard, but every musician is unique. Playing an instrument is a deeply personal experience, so experiment with cellos until you find the sound and feel that you are looking for.

Choose a cello size according to the age or height of the player. Having the right size cello is important for comfortable playing and improving or correcting technique. Smaller hands may find it difficult to appropriately use the fingerboard of the instrument, for instance. The weight of the cello will also increase with the size of the instrument. For children, a 1/8 size cello will usually be a great fit. Size 3/4 cellos are good for adolescents, while the 4/4 size cello is typically for adults. You can also choose from 1/16 and 1/2 size instruments as well.

Cellos are a staple piece in a standard orchestra. They usually carry the lower harmonies in classical pieces and in symphonies; acoustic cellos are almost always the instrument of choice. Acoustic cellos typically have four strings, while electric cellos appear in both four and five strings. Electric cellos have a different shape from acoustic cellos, whose shape and design has not changed much over the centuries. They are often very thin in comparison and a fraction of the weight. Electric cellos can eliminate wolf tones and feedback from amplifiers, allow the cellist to move freely about the stage and allow for electronic effects.

There are a few must-have accessories to be a successful cellist. You will need a bag, case, or stand to keep your instrument safe and clean. You’ll also want a quality bow with rosin to help reduce the amount of friction between the strings and your bow. A foot stopper or endpin keeps your cello from sitting directly on the floor and prevents it from sliding away from you while you are playing. Sometimes, strings break and need replacing. Be prepared for every eventuality while you hone your craft and create beautiful music.

There are many cello manufacturers from John Wu to Eastman to Scherzo and many more. Collectors will appreciate vintage and hand carved cellos by the finest luthiers. While novices may want something sturdy and simple to start on, factory-made cellos are just as durable as handmade and play just as beautifully, but for children, a factory made kit complete with beginner’s essentials may be the better option. Consider your cello playing goals when choosing a brand, as they all offer something a little different.