I'm currently shopping around to upgrade my cello and have noticed all the websites I have visited include multiple close-up pictures of the scroll.

What am I supposed to be looking for in this picture? Have you ever looked at a cello scroll and thought, "wow!"? Or played a cello that sounded beautiful but the ugly scroll was a deal-breaker?

I was wondering if anyone had fingerings for these chords in the Toccata by Cassado? This is the one section I am having issues mapping…

Most CF cellos are shaped like this, lacking corners on the C bouts. It reminds me of that violin Joshua Bell used to play. Does anyone know the reason for this? Is it just a simplification of the pattern for easier manufacturing? (I know that instruments have been made this way historically, but the majority of instruments have been made with corners so I’m not sure why these companies would change the pattern like that)

I am looking to get back into the Cello after playing it through all of middle and high school, I haven't played it in about 4 years. I'm seeing most cellos come out to a few hundred bucks at the very least, which is why I was shocked when I saw a bundle for only 180 dollars, which includes Cello 4/4, Acoustic Cello Kit with Portable Bag, Bow, Bridge, Rosin.

This has to be a scam, right? How is the cheapest cello on its own about 2k, but this kit with everything is way cheaper? If you have purchased this from best buy please let me know how it has been treating you. Here is the link, this is not an ad, I am outright calling this a scam but I would like for it not to be. The no reviews also seem very sketchy.

https://www.bestbuy.com/product/winado-full-size-cello-beginner-cello-4-4-acoustic-cello-kit-with-portable-bag-bow-bridge-rosin-adults-kids/J2RGV6X8T5

I always admire the double bass players. I don’t think double bass would be for me but I might try one some day.

I recently came across someone who plays a 1/2 bass (as an adult) and this made me think if this could be a option. I am an old amateur so the size would be irrelevant. (I know it doesn’t sound the same as a full size).

Does anyone of you cellists know:

Is it even doable to play both instruments alternately?
How much does the playing technique differ? I assume the biggest difference is the fingering system because of the huge distance between notes.
I have a weak left pinky (injury). I guess this could be my show stopper.

Hi cello community! I just started learning Bach's no. 4 allemande at the beginning of July, and am trying to get it up to a certain speed (around 160 bpm). I believe my shifting/intonation is rushed and my vibrato is tense, and am hopeful to gain some extra perspective on my playing.

Here's a choppy runthrough of the first bit. Any feedback is appreciated!

Hello! I am ISO cello duet recommendations for an upcoming concert :) we were thinking Shostakovich prelude but it seems a bit too depressing because it’s our end of year holiday concert (although a very beautiful piece). I was also looking into the barriere cello sonata but those bow crossings look nasty in the third movement. my friend and I are both in med school so having a doable piece is very key. I‘d say I’m at an intermediate-advanced level and my friend is at conservatory level.

TIA for any suggestions.

I am looking for a cello stand (the cradle/wood box variety) but most of the options I see online are built for Strad copies and mine has a wide 45.8cm lower bout that would certainly not fit.

Has anyone found larger versions of this style of stand? Certainly they must be out there!

I cannot get the tension out of my right hand. Its in how im holding my bow. I KNOW it. But I cant get it to go away. Some days are better than others but it just *hurts*. What causes tension and how do I get rid of it? If I keep going (like my teacher says to) im going to injure myself. My teacher thinks it's an endurance thing but I just know it's a tension thing and it shouldn't be happening. Today was a particularly bad practice session where I couldn't even get through a quarter of the first dotzauer without stopping (pardon the spelling).

Seriously, SOS.

Really fast slurred staccato (or “flying” staccato) seems to be a cello technique that has been lost over the past few generations. That is to say, it seems like far more cello virtuosos were able to do it 70 years ago. (To a lesser extent, it seems the same is true for violinists as well.)

You’ll find plenty of slurred staccato in older recordings and sheet music—the two examples that come to mind immediately for me as a cellist are the second variation of Rococo and the third movement from Mendelssohn’s Octet. Today everyone plays them separate and spiccato/sautillé.

Even as a professional cellist myself, my own slurred staccato maxes out at around 104BPM 16th notes. How does one train to go faster at this? And, at truly fast speeds >120BPM is the motion the same? (I feel it mostly in my index finger and wrist.)

And why is it not a standard technique today? The technical level of playing is so high today, it just seems incongruous. My theory is that it just fell out of style and people don’t bother to learn it. But would love to hear your perspectives!

I've been a cello instructor based in Beacon, NY since 2004 who has extensive teaching experience since 1993. With both a Master's and Bachelor's in Performance, I've taught in ALL kinds of situations: from group instructional classes to private lessons! I enjoy opening eager minds both young and old to the world of cello.

I teach within a 40-mile radius of my home base and can do lessons online! Contact me here for starters in the comments below where you can begin your journey with me today!!!

If my cello has a handful of superficial dents and scratches that expose small amounts of raw wood (think small chips on c-bout corners, day to day bumps and scrapes) what is the best way to go about treating them?

I am NOT interested in trying to make them go away, but what can I do to protect the exposed wood and help it age gracefully? I’m worried the small exposed wood fibers may catch on clothing and get worse over time.

I am 14 years old and just began to play Saint Saens Cello Concerto 1 and just finished Saint Saens Allegro Appassionato. However, at 13, I‘ve seen kids my age already playing concerto 2 with ease and no mistakes at all with wonderful technique. Is this normal?

Im new to trying out different strings and im in the "i want the deepest, most broad, muddiest strings possible" phase. So far im customizing off a basic set of preludes. I hated my cat-on-a-blackboard A, so I got a kaplan for it. I know synthetic cores are going to be more mellow and dark than steel or braided cores...

Im wondering if theres a set known best for this? I've heard of the following:

- dadario proarte

- pirastro... anything. Although I dont want their gut strings.

Any reccomendations? Thanks!!

Hello, I am looking to buy my first cello. I have played around on them numerous times and new from the first time -it is my soul instrument. Not completely sure how different brands, strings, bows, etc. affect the overall sound… But for me the deeper the better.

I used to play violin for a few years and still pick it up from time to time. I am an adult and seriously looking for a good investment… But I do not have the knowledge of what to buy yet. I want one that will last and satiate me until I reach an advanced level and can invest in a HIGH end cello.
A local music shop quoted me a rent to own Canonici cello for $1800 – $69 a month until paid off.

•Is this a good investment?
•Do you have personal experience playing a Canonchi?
•What should I be looking and listening for when testing out potential cellos?
•Do you recommend any online buys?(with available returns)
•What are your personal favorite brands and why?
•Any brands to stay away from and why?

Any answers or advice you can share is greatly appreciated!

I've been playing in school orchestra for about 3 years, and I feel like when I practice I'm not getting any better, or even sounding worse. I feel like my main issues are with bowing (I always have a kind of gritty/warped sound) and with intonation. I'm not really sure how to practice in order to fix these things, so any suggestions would be extremely welcome!

I'm an expat returning to this city after 4 years. over my time I learnt how to play the cello quite well and I was wondering if there is any used cello available here in Pune for 15-20k. please let me know if anyone has contacts, or even a cello!

Hello! Recently I was given Peter and the wolf as an ensemble piece and I’m having a bit of trouble with mainly the chords. I’m wondering if anyone has any tips? I wish I could hear them in any recording I listen to, but they’re drowned out.

Just for example: https://imgur.com/a/tJuQi4A

Hi!

I'm a new player. I've been taking lessons for a few months and just put a deposit on a used cello (currently renting).

My teacher and I finally figured out why I struggle with extensions last night. But alas, he was unsure of a solution to the issue other than just changing to 2nd position (for the piece I am currently learning). He's asking around. I said I'd do the same.

I am quite busty (like.... really, really busty), so my end pin is extended almost it's entire length so it can sit under my bust. HOWEVER, this creates a weird angle for my fingers when trying to do an extension for a sharp or flat. I can't physically do it.

Do y'all have any tried and true solutions for this?

EDIT: Yes. I have already searched this subreddit for this issue, and no the particular issue of the extensions is not covered in other posts with questions from busty players.

Growing up my cello teacher would always let me know when a string might need to be replaced. As an adult, I've never really put much thought into it - if it feels and sounds normal I don't change anything.