Help buying a cello, please.

Subject: Help buying a cello, please.
From: theleveller
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 04:28 PM

My nine-year old daughter has been playing cello for around a year. She has been renting an instrument from school but now needs to buy her own three-quarter cello. I know nothing about cellos so would welcome some help. I don't want to pay a fortune as it will need to be upgraded to a full-size model in a couple of years, so what should I go for? Would we get something decent for under £250 - my inclination is to look for something second-hand? Any ideas, please. (BTW, we live in East Yorshire reasonably close to York, Leeds and Hull.)

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 04:52 PM

would this be any good

http://dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/38679-stentor-student-i-cello-outfit-3-4.html

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 05:02 PM

Leveller, send Marjorie of Fyrish a message - see the Fyrish Myspace page (or look in my friends). She's an awesome cellist and I'm sure she'll give you some pointers.

Deirdre

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: BK Lick
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 11:58 PM

Ah, this takes me back. Many years ago my younger daughter was a serious cello student (only to put it aside
years later to study psychology). Like you, we started with a beat-up rental before getting her a good instrument
from Gunther Reuter, a Chicago maker. Gunther's brother Fritz Reuter has writtn extensively on the pitfalls and
perils inherent in the violin business. Have a look at his website.

—BK

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: open mike
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 01:24 AM

i know of a music store owner who plays a cello made from carbon fiber
it sounds great, is virtually indestructable, and less sensitive to temp. and humidity changes. http://www.fiddlerscrossing.com,

cellos


there are lots of references to QUINTUS CARBON FIBER CELLO on the net.

of course you do not want a $6,000 model, but you might find something.

good luck.

check out Rushad Eggleston for cello inspiration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMZcEKtijAM
oh maybe he is just jumping around in that video
not playing cello, but this guy is awesome, he rocks

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: open mike
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 01:56 AM

more links to Rushad...the cellist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rushad_Eggleston

http://tornadoriderband.com/

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: mandotim
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 04:36 AM

Try here . This is a reputable dealer in Nottingham, not too far from you. One thing to remember; the bow makes a huge difference to both playability and tone, and good players tend to pay almost as much for the bow as they do for the cello. Don't discount instruments made in China or Eastern Europe. There is a fine tradition of good instruments from Eastern Europe, and the Chinese have some of the best tonewoods in the world, with some really good 'boutique' luthiers now starting to emerge.
Tim (whose father took up the cello as his first-ever instrument at the age of 70, and now plays in a small chamber orchestra at the age of 83.)

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: theleveller
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 04:53 AM

Thanks a lot for the advice, folks. I'll look into it over the weekend.

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: s&r
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 03:11 PM

Just some thoughts, leveller on sizing and purchase.

Size of string instruments is far from straightforward. Many players choose to play 7/8 instruments (these are the same size as some 3/4 instruments). I would suggest visiting a good music shop and trying instruments. If you find one that 'fits' either buy it or take a note of the major dimensions. There are no absolute standards: a 3/4 instrument typically has a back length 5cm or so shorter than 4/4. this site has a lot of useful info.

Music dealers may well offer a rental converting to purchase scheme.

There is also an assisted purchase scheme that is VAT free
"Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme for Students (AIPSS). This scheme enables students having music lessons at an LEA-maintained school to purchase musical equipment without paying VAT. Please be aware that this is a voluntary scheme and not all schools, music services and authorities will participate."

There is also an Arts Council interest free loan scheme offered by most music stores - this is for people over 18, but I can't see why you shouldn't buy yourself a Cello that your daughter can borrow if you see what I mean.


Stu

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: Tootler
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 05:28 PM

I would echo mandotim's comments about Eastern European Cellos. A good friend of ours bought her daughter a Romanian cello while she was at School and took it to a musical instrument repairer to have it set up. It was really only when she went to Music College that it began to limit her playing.

Geoff

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: Weasel
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 05:34 PM

Can your child's teacher not advise? (It's part of their job) They may even be able to help you buy one - trying it out, checking it etc - (not part of their job, but many are happy to do it)

If not, contact your nearest LEA instrumental teaching service - they will be experienced in buying instruments and may even be able to put you in touch with a dealer where you can buy one at preferential rates. Many are happy to check instruments too.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: glueman
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 06:14 PM

In West Yorks I believe the local authorities provides larger instruments - tuba, bass, cello, etc - on 'indefinite' loan to keen students to be returned only when they leave school.

Subject: RE: Help buying a cello, please.
From: Crowhugger
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 10:12 AM

You'll likely get most bang for your buck buying used. What I did was go where the local professionals members get theirs serviced, which also sells viol family instruments, took their advice, then chose one with the sound and feel that appealed in my price range.

New ones up to $2,800 didn't sound as good (rich) especially in the high end. Nearly all sounded well on the C and G strings. I was on sick leave and told them so, asked if they could do any better on the price; I got my German-workshop-made $2,100-tagged instrument for $1,600, bow included, case extra. Most of all, don't buy it if she doesn't love it. The right one is out there.