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!
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.