It is a well-known fact that learning and becoming a cellist costs a fortune. That’s why for anyone keen to learn how to be one, there are certain things that you should thoroughly assess to guarantee that you are purchasing a quality cello.
- SET A BUDGET
Determining your budget should already give you an idea up to what extent you’ll pursue your interest in playing cello – may it be becoming a professional cellist or making it one of your hobbies. However, even cello for beginners cost at least $800 – $1,000 or more depending on the brand and quality. This is to guarantee that even if you don’t pursue a career in this field, you’ll still get the best experience of learning how to play the cello. Cello that costs half of the abovementioned price has a high probability of having poor materials and finishing and out of tune pegs.
- DEFINE THE CELLO YOU ARE LOOKING
You should look for these following qualities as it signifies that your cello is made of good quality:
- It should be made out of maple and spruce and both are glued correctly.
- Fingerboards and pegs should be made out of ebony or rosewood.
- Endpin should be able to adjust and the soundpost proportionally positions inside the cello.
- The nut should also be placed correctly as well and the bridge should fit just right against the belly of the cello.
- Tailpiece can be made out of either plastic, metal, or wood (i.e. rosewood or ebony).
- CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE
As a beginner, you should remember that not all sizes are suitable for everyone. For musicians that are taller than five (5) feet, a full-size (4/4) cello should be ideal. On the other hand, if the person is between four (4) to five (5) feet, the cello size to be purchased should be in 3/4. ½ sized-cello is perfect for people whose height range from four (4) feet to four and a half 4 ½ feet. The best way to know your cello size is to personally visit the store you desire and try for yourself.
- BE MINDFUL OF CELLO ACCESSORIES
Usually, a cello comes with a bow and case. However, you may want to purchase an extra set of strings, music book, stand, and most importantly rosin and endpin to complete your learning experience.
- TAG ALONG A CELLIST
Of course, you’d be more confident in purchasing a cello of your own if you’re bringing along a professional cellist with you. Since professionals have been trained for quite some time, they’d definitely know at a glance if the cello is made of good quality and if it has the ability to produce superb sound.
- TRY OUT RENTING BEFORE BUYING
If you’re quite hesitant to purchase a cello especially if you are undecided whether or not you’ll invest your time with the instrument for quite some time, it’s advisable to try renting out a cello. This way you’ll get to practice and assess if you’ll enjoy pursuing a career or hobby out of the instrument.
Aside from buying the most cost-effective yet quality cello, you should also get yourself a musical instrument insurance in circumstances that the quality of your instrument will be put at risk. This way you can guarantee that it’ll be fixed in no time.
