A cello is a sophisticated instrument that produces sounds that are simply out of this world. While mastering the cello instrument can take decades, it is possible for beginning cellists to gain hours of pleasure and entertainment only after a few months of practice.
Given that even a beginner’s cello is an investment, there are naturally plenty of questions that most newcomers to the music world have about buying a good cello instrument. Here’s what you need to know.
First, you want to look at the size of the cello you have your eye on. Most adults will be able to purchase a full size cello instrument with no issues, while teenagers and young children may want to purchase a cello that’s 3/4ths the size of a full one.
There are smaller sizes that that, but those are the two most common sizes available online. Even if you decide to purchase online, you may want to take a trip to a local instrument shop and try a few different sizes to see what will fit your arm length and hand-span properly.
Next, you want to look at the construction of any cello instruments that you have your eye on. With the rise of the Internet, it’s very easy to find a wide selection of cellos online. However, not all cello instruments are constructed equally.
The best cellos are made out of actual wood, primarily maple, but spruce is also a common wood found in most cellos. In addition, you want to avoid any cello made out of plywood as this does not give the beginning player the opportunity to create the sound that they’re ultimately looking to produce.
The strings that make up the cello itself should be tight, and the bow that you will need to play the cello should also be made out of fine wood. Many bows that are used in playing the cello are generally sold separately.
In the past, ordering a cello instrument online was virtually impossible. Now, most sites go beyond standard retail offerings by allowing experienced cellists and music enthusiasts to leave reviews on which cello they found to be the best one for their needs.
Take the time to look at plenty of reviews before you rest on one cello over another. In the beginning, it becomes tempting to get something based on price. However, this is not the best decision to make for several reasons. First, a cello is an investment that needs to be made for the long term.
There are plenty of cheap options in the cello world, but are they really made for someone trying to play the cello for years, even decades to come? It all comes back to your purpose for playing the cello. If you’re trying to develop the skill over a lifetime, you want to buy a cello instrument that will be able to last a lifetime with the proper care and handling.
