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Good quality cellos?

7 replies

SaveMeNow · 29/05/2013 22:39

My 6 year old daughter is after cello lessons -so she needs a cello. Can anyone give me some advice as to good entry level instruments? I am after a good quality make - but that's also cost effective? Many thanks!

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quip · 29/05/2013 22:51

Can you not hire it? Check with your local music service or failing that a music shop. If you do buy, stentor do robust student instruments which sound good. My 5yo has one on hire.

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UptoapointLordCopper · 30/05/2013 09:47

DS1 has been learning to play the cello for about 3 years and we are still hiring - he's on his third cello now (increasing size, not because he's broken them!) At 6 she'll be changing cellos for a while for different sizes. Ask the teacher!

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AnnabelB · 30/05/2013 11:21

Ok thanks - I'll look into hiring, I just assumed this would work out expensive. Any tips on what to look for gratefully received!!

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mamaabc · 30/05/2013 11:30

Not as simple as a 'good make'.

String instruments need to be 'set up' properly... some shops will have you believe that set up means putting the bridge up and tightening the strings... This is rubbish! A good set up fits the bridge properly to the belly of the instrument and ensures that the insrument is easy and responsive to play and it takes a skilled luthier to do this well as there are lots of adjustments to be made to ensure the instrument is easy to play and tune... It is not a task for the saturday staff at your local music store!

Really worth buying / hiring a string instrument from a string dealer not a one size fits all music shop, as a badly set up instrument will be horrible to play and she will be 'fighting' it not working with it.

Many variables to string instruments - a basic model can have a beautiful tone if set up well and if it has some decent strings and a nice bow with it.. Will be nicer to play than a more expensive instrument that is poorly set up.

You may get a bargain off e-bay / internet, but unless you know what you are looking at - you could waste a lot of money...

some 'damage' can be cosmetic and some can be intergal to how the instruments sounds. You need to know what you are buying if you go for a second hand instrument.

Really recommend you take your teachers advice and get an instrument that is the right size and set up for her.

Many string teachers have little instruments you can hire, or can point you in the right direction of a decent string shop. (At 6 you may be looking at a1/10 , 1/8 or a 1/4 size cello, depending on the child's size.) many variables to consider as different makes of instruments will 'come up' differently on a child, so they need to try it and see if it is a good 'fit'.

Sorry if that isn't very helpful - but I really would recommend you take good advice from someone who really knows about strings. - String instruments are hard enough to learn without having to fight the instrument that is badly sized or badly set up.

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UptoapointLordCopper · 30/05/2013 11:30

I'm afraid I don't know anything - we go to a music school and just take whatever we are given! So far it's worked out fine. Can you ask the teacher?

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UptoapointLordCopper · 30/05/2013 11:31

xpost! mamaabc knows more than me. But we were told that on no account buy one from ebay. Grin

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SaveMeNow · 30/05/2013 13:37

Thanks mamaabc - that's really helpful. I am conscious that it's important to give her as good a chance as I can to succeed - and that poor quality/badly set up instruments can make it 100 times more difficult. Don't worry I am not going to be looking on Ebay!

Also conscious though that as a beginner she doesn't need something "top of the range" - so it's finding that middle ground!

I was trying to get something sorted out before her first lesson - but have dropped her teacher-to-be a quick email to see if she can help!

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