Cello - Buying tips & guidelines

It is always best to try out an instrument before you buy it and your music teacher or local retailer will be able to provide advice on makes and sizes. Below you will find some good information and advice to take into account. There are so many different makes it is impossible to list them all. It is always best to try out an instrument before you buy it and your music teacher or local retailer will be able to provide advice on makes and sizes. Below you will find some good information and advice to take into account.

Choosing the right size

Choosing the right size cello is extremely important when shopping for your instrument as this can make or break your performance. Ensuring your instrument fits you comfortably will prevent many issues that can put you off the instrument altogether and will ensure you perform to your best ability. Below is an approximate chart to help you determine the correct size of your instrument based on your height and age, however, this may not always be accurate because everyone is different.

Cello Size	Cello Height	Child Height	Approximate Age
4/4 (Full Size)	121 cm	155 cm+	12 years old
3/4 (Three quarters)	115.5 cm	134 - 155 cm	9 - 12 years old
1/2 (Half size)	101 cm	101 - 145 cm	7 - 11 years old
1/4 (Quarter size)	89 cm	109 - 117 cm	5 - 9 years old
1/8 (Eighth size)	77 cm	104 - 125 cm	4 - 7 years old
1/10 (Tenth size)	71 cm	< 104 cm	3 - 4 years old

It is recommended to try out different cello sizes in a music shop to see which you feel most comfortable with. The right size cello will allow you to sit up in a chair with the knees bent at a 90 degree angle and feet flat on the floor. The cello is supposed to rest on your left shoulder, C-Peg should be near your left ear and the lower bout touching the left knee with the endpin extended. You should be able to reach the full length of the fingerboard comfortably.

Buying tips

Tip 1
Set a budget of how much or how little do you wish to spend on your cello. Remember that the cost is dependent on the size and the condition of the cello. Quality cellos increase in value as they age. Used cellos will be less expensive that newer cellos only if they are inferior or damaged, or if the seller does not know the value. A new cello will automatically come in a case and with a bow. Most second hand violins will also be the same, but do make sure.

Tip 2
Ask for help! Seek advice from professional teachers, music retailers, friends or family members that have been playing the cello for a while. Ask them what make or model they would recommend for you. Research online too!

Some important factors to consider when shopping for your first ever cello are;

Sticking to a beginner model that offers good quality and value for money. As you never know whether you will stick to playing the cello in the long term.
If you are looking to upgrade, then it is important to consider the sound, playability and features of your next cello to make sure it caters for all your needs and really goes the distance.
It is vital that you pay attention to the sound, quality and playability of the instrument no matter what level you are – a poor quality instrument can make learning very difficult and even put you off playing the cello altogether.

Choosing the right one

The guidelines for buying a cello, are somewhat similar to that of a violin. This is because the cello is just like a violin, only bigger. Here are some general Skwiix tips on how to select a cello;

Learn the parts of the cello before you begin looking for one, so you will be able to tell if something is broken or missing.
Generally, any cello that produces a good sound and remains in tune for the duration of a performance will be suitable for a beginning student. You will want to be sure that the cello you intend to buy is in good condition.
It is always advisable to bring along a pro. If you have a relative or friend who plays the cello or know a cello teacher, bring them along when you shop. Let them test the instrument, listen to their opinions and take their advice into consideration before you buy.

If you are looking at a cello and are unable to have any assistance, then here is a set of steps that will help you when deciding whether or not this is a good investment : -

Step 1

Use both your fingers and eyes to examine the body of the cello. You do not want to buy a cello if it has cracks or soft spots. The seams along the ribs should be completely sealed.

Step 2

Listen as you tilt and rotate the instrument. Rattling sounds are a very bad sign. There should not be any foreign objects inside the cello. It is a sign that it has not been handled with care or that it is damaged inside.

Step 3

Use one hand to turn the pegs, one at a time. If the pegs are too tight to turn with one hand, they can be loosened. However, if they are so loose that they slip out of place, and especially if it does not fit snuggly in the holes of the peg box, the cello will not stay in tune. Cracked pegs will need to be replaced.

Step 4

Check that the bridge should be a little thicker at the bottom than at the top, and it should be free of cracks.

Step 5

Turn your cello so that one of the f- sound hole opens toward you. In case you find yourself in a shop that is not well-lit, you will want to have a flashlight handy for this step. Look down into the cello at the sound post, then turn the cello again so you can look at the sound post from the other side. If the sound post is cracked or disconnected, the instrument will be virtually useless until it undergoes major repairs. A knowledgeable cello dealer should not display a cello in this condition.

Therefore, if you see this in a music store, I would recommend walking away without considering anything else they may have to offer.

Step 6

Optionally, you may be able to read the tag inside the cello. The label is mostly a marketing strategy and generally tells you nothing about the quality of the cello.

Buy vs Rent

The cost of a cello can vary considerably from several hundred pounds to thousands. Buying a cello usually costs about the same as renting it for a year. The main reason for renting is when a younger child needs a smaller than full size cello and will need to replace it one or more times as they grow towards a full size instrument.

Consider renting an instrument from a shop when starting out rather than buying. This is an expensive way to get an instrument, but it's very convenient. The advantages are that you get a good instrument in excellent repair - it will probably be brand new - and you don't have to pay for its upkeep. If it is a string instrument it will come in different sizes and most rental schemes will automatically provide the next size up when you're ready. This is an excellent method of starting out.

Music Shops can sometimes have instruments that have been used by the shop. They should be sold at a reduced rate as these instruments may also have some minor damage to it. Before purchasing, you should expect the shop to give your instrument a full service. Always ask – you may strike lucky!

New vs Second hand

Generally, an older cello has a more mellow sound. A really cheap new instrument may have a sound that is harsh, while many newer instruments sound just as good as older ones. We recommend going for the best sound and worrying less about the age of the instrument. Warning: in buying a used cello make sure that there are no cracks--strings can be easily replaced, but cracks can be expensive to fix. Visit the Skwiix Outlet to see the price range of cellos on offer. You may find them in pawn shops, auctions, flea markets, classified ads, and online

Different ways to buy a Cello

The Cello Maker or Luthier

Serious cellists prefer to purchase new cellos directly from the luthier's shop where the cellos are individually handcrafted and so are of a higher quality and consequently are more expensive. They are also more fragile so are not recommended for beginning students, especially children. However, some cello shops may also have used instruments or a line of less expensive student instruments.

Music shops

Most towns and cities have a music shop. The range of instruments may vary nationally but if you do find a music store that offers (or can order) a cello of appropriate size, this will probably be the least expensive option for purchasing a new, quality student instrument.

Hire purchase or 'Rent-to-Own' schemes

Many retailers usually offer this scheme to make it easier to purchase a new instrument. This is where you rent the instrument for a period of time and then pay the rest of the cost of the instrument in full. Make sure you carefully read the terms of these programs. Some have reasonable interest rates and some do not.

Rental

Consider renting an instrument from a shop when starting out rather than buying. This is an expensive way to get an instrument, but it's very convenient. The advantages are that you get a good instrument in excellent repair - it will probably be brand new - and you don't have to pay for its upkeep. If it is a string instrument it will come in different sizes and most rental schemes will automatically provide the next size up when you're ready. This is an excellent method of starting out.

Music Shops can sometimes also have instruments that have been used by the shop. They should be sold at a reduced rate as these instruments may also have some minor damage to it. Before purchasing, you should expect the shop to give your instrument a full service. Always ask – you may strike lucky!

Demonstration models

These instruments have been used by the shops customers to have a try.

Ex-Display

The Music shop may have an ex-display model available. These instruments have been on display in the shop window.

Ex-Rental

Again these instruments have been hired out to customers as part of their rental scheme and should now be sold at a reduced rate.

Pawn shops

Used cellos may be available at pawn shops. Typically, pawn shops will appraise cellos at a value similar to what you would expect in a luthier shop or music store. However, pawn shops may not have an expert available to tell you anything about the instrument and may (intentionally or otherwise) mislead you concerning the instrument's condition.

Auctions and classified ads

Purchasing a used cello from an individual or at an auction or estate sale may offer the opportunity to save some money, especially if the seller underestimates the value of the instrument. Make sure you get a good look at the instrument before you agree to buy it.

Buying online

Skwiix strongly advises against purchasing a Cello on the internet, regardless of the source without initial research. There are cellos available on the internet that are suitable for beginners and will allow parents to save a significant amount of money when buying an instrument for a child who is not yet, or may never be, ready to make a lifetime commitment to playing the cello. However, there are also some very untrustworthy sources, and there are sellers who, intentionally or not, are unable to judge its condition or provide an accurate description. You cannot accurately judge the condition of a cello from a picture. If you do choose to purchase an instrument online, it would be wise to choose an online retailer with an established reputation. Also, make sure that the seller offers a guarantee that allows you to return the instrument if you are not satisfied once you have had the opportunity to inspect it.