Buy Student Cello

What to look for and at when buying that cello

First of all, not all cellos are created equal.  There's a lot of junk out there: On the internet and in shops.  It's also amazing at what huge ranges in quality one finds for the very same price.  Buying a camera or laptop is easy!  One typically looks around a bit, does a little research and then shops all over looking for the lowest price.  We're used to these things and already have some kind of working knowledge about what it is that we're looking at. But a cello? 

The cello has to be well made, have quality "fittings", and how the cello is "set-up" (prepared to play on) is also equally important.  Some instruments are made as quickly as possible with plenty of short cuts used in the making process.  Quickly sprayed varnishes, interior parts that don't fit well or improperly proportioned might make the cello look good on the outside, but inside the inferiority will eventually create more problems than not.

Take a look at our cellos for sale page for detailed photos, descriptions and our low prices.

What are cello "fittings"?

Cello fittings are everything that is combined with the cello to make it a playable instrument.  The tuning pegs should fit properly and not slip or be too tight.  They should also be high quality ebony.  The fingerboard (while most are ebony) should be a very good, high grade of ebony.  (They tend to all look nice fingerboards in the photo, but the way they are prepared can make a huge difference in the overall performance of the cello.  The fingerboards should not be totally flat (from end to end).  This will create annoying buzzes that are expensive to have done again.  The bridge used (which holds the strings up) should be a good quality French bridge (yes, from France).  There are really only 2 companies that are reliable: Despiau and Aubert.   The bridge must also be fit perfectly to the top and 'tuned and adjusted' once the cello is strung up.  The bridge and soundpost are the most important factors for tonal adjustments.

How a cello "feels" and plays

How a cello feels is extremely important.  Strings that are a millimeter or two, too high, can really make a big difference to the student playing that cello.  A cello that is easy to play makes it so much easier for the player to concentrate on without having to "fight" the instrument.  Good quality strings, fingerboard set up, bridge height and fit, soundpost fit and placement all work in tandem and complement each other for a premium performance level.  Interestingly enough, do this is just a few extra dollars and it boggles the mind that so few dealers and sellers do this!

Try the cello out for a week and get that warranty!

One should never have to buy a cello sight unseen without first taking it home and giving it a 'test drive'.  Shipping a cello these days is cheap and you can save hundreds of dollars by getting a good, smart cello this way.  This way you can play it, try it out and show it to the cello teacher involved with you or your student.  This will give you peace of mind and that is priceless.  In the worst case, you might risk sending the cello back, but there should never be a restocking fee ever as long as the cello is returned promptly and in the same condition. Customers (and dealers) often wonder how it is possible for us to offer such an incredible warranty with our cellos and upright basses.  It's simple, with good quality workmanship and attention, we hardly ever have to worry about any quality issues.  But if something should come up, you're covered.  For our cello warranty see our cellos for sale page at the String Emporium site.  Feel free to call us if you should ever need additional help and/or have questions.  (800-600-2689 or 480-785-5491)

Again, buying a new cello is exciting!  Get one that is well made, with good fittings, with a warranty and set up to play at it's optimum while still not having to break the bank or cash in the college savings!