Cello is a beautiful string instrument that can portray human emotions really well. While there are many aspiring artists who would love to get a cello, the price of a good and new cello can be a little out of the budget for most of them. Beginners have to be very careful when the time comes for them to let their passion form wings and take flight.
There is a lot of difference between cellos for beginners and advanced players. An advanced player can handle the cello much better and they are well-versed in recognizing a great cello from an average one. A beginner does not have the same luxury or knowledge, which is the reason why we have gathered all the vital information for you if you are a first-time cello player.
From the price of a cello, a buyer’s guide to taking care of your big string instrument, here is everything a beginner should know before they buy a cello.
Tips and Tricks for Buying a Cello for the First Time
Here are some tips and tricks that will make the cello buying process much easier for you.
The Size of the Cello
Although all cellos are pretty big, there are actually 6 different sizes in cellos that you can choose from. Anyone under the age of 4 should opt for a 1/10 size cello whereas students between the ages of 4 and 6 should get a 1/8 size cello.
Students between the ages of 6 and 8 need a 1/4 size cello while aspiring artists between the ages of 8 and 11 need a 1/2 size cello. Anyone between the ages of 11 and 14 should have a 3/4 size cello and anyone above the age of 14 should have a full-size cello.
Price of the Cello Matters
Now that you know which size cello you need it’s time to consider your budget. Cellos aren’t the most affordable music instruments, so you need to save up a hefty amount of money to get a good cello. On average, a cello for a beginner can cost you between $200 and $2,500. Any cello that is being sold for less than $1,000 is not going to be the best in quality. However, if you can get a cello for less and it is in good condition, don’t hesitate to seal the deal. If you are confused with how much you should spend, do not forget that there are many online services which analyze the market. Their goal is to provide you with the list of most popular products. For example, Prime Sound compiled a list of cellos for beginners and advanced players. So, that’s not that hard to make the right choice, after all.
The Tone Quality Needs to Be Checked
The tone quality of a cello is very important. The tone of every cello is different because most of the cellos are handmade and each will have its distinct characteristics, which is the reason why artists are so emotionally attached to their instrument. It is important to check the projection and the timbre of each string before you actually buy a cello. Some cellos will make a dark or mellow sound while there are some that make the most beautifully blissful sound. Pick the one that suits you the best.
Pick the Accessories That Suit You
There are certain accessories that you will have to purchase along with your cello. With cello, you absolutely have to purchase a solid case as cellos might be big but they are perhaps one of the most fragile instruments in the market.
Along with a case, you also need rosin that will help you keep your bow in perfect condition. Experts also recommend purchasing an endpin stopper to make sure your cello doesn’t slip; some extra strings in case of emergency and a music stand that will help you keep your music right in front of your eyes.
Cello Maintenance Tips That Everyone Should Know
Cellos are notorious for being one of the most difficult instruments to take care of. When you get a cello, you need to know how you are going to take care of your instrument. Here is everything you need to know:
Scratches:
Your cello is bound to get some scratches as you move it around. If your cello gets any surface blemishes or scratches, you can use a soft cloth and pumice or paraffin to rub it out.
Open Seams:
The sides of your cello can come apart quite easily. If the seam opening is small, you can simply seal it up with some cello glue and allow it to set overnight. If the seam opening is larger, it needs to be taken to an expert and you need to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Caring for the Bridge:
The bridge of the cello can easily be warped if you are not careful. Excess humidity and continuous change in temperature can affect the bridge of your cello. If you continuously tighten your strings, you will also get this issue. While putting it back in its position is easy, if the bridge is warped beyond repair, you will have to replace it.
Maintain the Strings:
Don’t clean the strings every week, but don’t let the string cleaning go by for months. It is okay to clean up the strings with just a little alcohol on a soft piece of cloth. Ensure that you don’t get any alcohol on the cello as it will destroy the varnish. Always change the strings one at a time and never loosen one string after the other.
Care for the Bow:
Your bow needs to be treated like gold. Make sure you always place your bow inside the cello case so that it isn’t broken or bend by mistake. Never tap the bow on anything, keep it clean and loosen the tension on the bow when you are not playing your instrument.
Is There Anything Else You Need to Know?
The biggest issue with a cello is its transportation. As cello is a big instrument, it can be a little hassle to move it to and from. Going on tours with an orchestra or for performance can become a whole pre-meditated war for some artists, so make sure you have a hard case to carry your cello. Hard cases can become especially heavier with the cello inside so do make sure you get one with wheels so that you don’t bang it on things by mistake. Other than that, just enjoy the music you create and have fun.
