Happy 50th wedding aniversary, Chuck!

Mudcatter KathWestra also plays cello.

Just an opinion: the cello can be so subtle you don't even notice it until you listen to a recording several times or you see it being played during a live performance. When I do notice it, I realise it's the glue that's holding the bottom together, or maybe what ties the singer to the bottom end. I think I like bowed instruments because, with the sustained tone instead of plucked or pinged ones, it sounds more like the human voice than any other instrument. I've heard songs in which the singer sings and the cello plays the same note and holds it. The singer will stop before the cello does, but it's hard to tell because the cello sounds so much like the voice.

When I was at Old Songs in June, I played some of the most beautiful sounding violins I've ever heard. They were made by Tim Phillips and his web page is here. He makes octave violins - tuned an octave below standard. Just another idea which I think it might be easier for someone who plays fiddle but not cello, and wants to play in the lower ranges. (My favorite instrument was the 5-stringed violin which had the best sound I've ever heard - period! But when I can afford whatever 1750 UKP plus shipping is in USD, they'll be ice skating in Hell. Christmas is coming. Somebody buy me one please. You can surprise me with the color and model.)

...anyway, it's just my opinion, but I feel that the bottom/bass is often thin with the traditional mix of traditional instruments. There are many sustained-note trad instruments that cover the high and middle, but not bass. I really think the cello can fill in that missing sound beautifully.