Are you finally ready to invest in your favourite instrument? If the answer is yes, there are some things you should know before making a purchase. Cellos come in many varieties and can have different properties. It’s important that you familiarise yourself with the details and then find the right instrument for your skill level and music taste.
Contents
Types of Cellos
Acoustic
This is a traditional cello instrument that makes sounds with its strings and the resonating body. It’s completely free of any electronics or electronic amplifiers. In fact, there’s no artificial amplification at all. It’s usually made of some type of wood and can be used in a variety of genres, varying from folk to classical music.
Carbon Fibre
This type of instrument is a modernised version of the traditional woodwork. It’s made out of a combination of carbon fibre and either plastic or resin. This beautifully designed instrument is lightweight, durable and very strong. The combination of these three positive features is what makes it suitable for children and musicians with limited strength. It’s also practical for people who often have outdoor performances.
Electric
The electric cello type is another modernised version. It has an electric pickup and amplifier. These electric connections mean that this instrument should be plugged in an amplifier to get the amplified sound. A PA system is another amplifying option. This is not an option that’s often recommended to beginners because it’s difficult to have it as your first instrument.
5-String
You probably know by now that these instruments have 4 strings as a standard setting. However, there’s also a 5-string version. You can also find it under the name pomposa. It has a low tonal range, just like the traditional version. The extra string is there to give it a higher and expanded tonal range.
Baroque
The baroque version of this instrument is inspired from the version the musicians played in the baroque period. It usually has a lower pitch than the others, and the strings are made of guts. You’ll often see it performing in orchestras and individual who are performing Baroque music.
Small-Scale
The small-scale version includes the ¾ and ½ cellos. The ¾ one is smaller than the traditional version and it’s usually used by children or shorter adults. The ½ one is smaller and the first choice for many children musicians and beginners.
Full-Scale
This cello is the most common of them all. It has all 4 strings: C, G, D, and A. It’s mostly used by professionals. In many cases, the front and the back are made of different woods and it’s lacquer-coated.
What to Consider when Buying?
Material
Creating these instruments involves a complex process that includes a lot of woodworking and different techniques. The neck, back, and sides are usually made of the same material. Putting the body together takes a lot of carving and shaping of the wood. There are several types of woods used to make it.
Basswood is a very popular choice because it’s very soft and easy to work with. It’s very lightweight and has a distinctive light almost pale colour. The thick, black colour and long-lasting form retention of ebony make it a highly valued hardwood. Many implement this wood for the making of the stringed instruments to make their tuning pegs and fingerboards.
Generally speaking, maple is the preferred wood used on a neck, back, and sides. This wood is renowned for its beauty, strength, and stability. Flamed and birds-eye maple are the most commonly used varieties. Poplar is also a nice option because it’s light and soft. However, because it lacks resonance, it’s not the first choice.
Spruce is another popular material, especially for the soundboard. It’s strong, has good vibrations, and makes rich and resonant sounds. Carbon fibre is used to make the modern version of this instrument. It’s an alternative material chosen because it’s durable and resistant to humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Size
The cello is the second largest instrument in the big string family, but it still comes in several sizes. This means you can find a fit no matter your size. Most people who are taller than 150 cm can play a full-sized version. There are smaller options available if you’re a child or an adult shorter than 150 cm.
People shorter than 130 cm are well-suited for the ¾ size and others who are smaller than that will work perfectly with the ½ version. Finding the right size is crucial. It’ll determine your level of comfort and how much progress you make.
Rent or Buy
Is it better to rent, or buy a cello instrument? This is a common question beginners have. If you need the instrument for a child, then there are music services and schools that will allow you to rent or borrow it. However, if you’re an adult who has private lessons with a teacher, it’s most likely that you’ll need to buy the instrument. When you decide to buy, make sure it comes from a reliable brand, one with lots of experience and many satisfied customers.
Accessories
Strings
When you get the instrument, it should already come with strings of its own. But it’s a good idea to always have a spare set with you wherever you go. Strings can snap, and you don’t want your performance to be ruined just because you don’t have a spare. The most common string types are Kevlar and Perlon. They’re synthetic and respond rapidly. Other string varieties can be made of sheep gut wrapped in metal.
Rosin
Rosin is a must-have accessory for every cellist. It helps you by giving you more grip for the bow on the strings. Rosins come from different trees and can have different colours, smells, and make different sounds. The cello version is often dark red.
Music Stand
When you start playing from sheet music, this will be an essential accessory. It’s usually made of metal and it’s very adjustable. It’s also lightweight so you can take it with you anywhere you go. Some of them even come in their own carry bag.
Cello Case
The majority of these instruments come with their own case. But if the one you buy doesn’t, you should definitely buy one separately. The case is there to protect the instrument from bumps and damage. There are soft and hard-shell cases, both with their pros and cons. Choose the one that fits your instrument perfectly and provides maximum protection.
