For instance, a 4/4 cello may have a string length of 72cm or greater, while a 7/8 model usually has only 68cm. While the 4cm difference may not seem like a lot, spreading this distance over the fingerboard can make a significant difference in playing comfort. If you’ve been struggling with a full-size cello before, on a 7/8 cello, you’ll suddenly seem like you have longer arms! The table I provided earlier should give you some general guidelines for choosing a cello size, but it is by no means exhaustive. As I mentioned earlier, I was eleven years old when my parents bought me a ¾ cello, and it worked well for me. However, according to the table, I should have had a ½ – this just goes to show that it’s more about comfort, not specific details. cellos are often targeted towards classically trained children who are excelling at the instrument. Perhaps a 15-year-old cellist is performing particularly well and is expected to begin making use of the full range of an orchestra-standard cello, but their height and arm span simply are not suitable. With most of the strain in your left arm gone, you will find that you can play much more conveniently. As such, you can improve your cello skills much faster! Conclusion

That sure was a lot of information to cover, but I hope that you have a much better understanding regarding cello sizes now. It does feel like a minefield when you first get started, but once you’ve tested a few cellos, you’ll start to feel a lot more familiar with the process. To try your cello for size (once you have worked out the size using those handy charts) find a chair and sit up straight (make sure your feet are touching the floor), set the endpin of the cello to around 12 inches in length. Let the cello rest against your chest at about a 45-degree angle. The top of it must rest at the centre of the chest, and the C string peg must be near the left ear. However, you shouldn’t be expected to know this stuff already. This is why it is great to get advice in a music store – they will have dealt with similar situations many times before and will be able to advise you on how a well-fitted cello size will feel. Trust me, it will make all the difference, and you get to test out different cello brands whilst you’re at it! Recognizing when a Size Fits Stentor II 16″ Viola Outfit (Inc set up, case, bow, shoulder rest &, D’Addario Ascenté strings & rosin) I hope that I have helped explain the ins and outs of cello sizes to you! I can relate to how daunting the whole process of choosing can be, but it’s pretty simple when you break it down.

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As I just explained, the vast majority of music stores will have a cello expert ready to help find you the perfect cello size, it does make a massive difference to the experience. However, it is important to prepare for the potential situation in which there is no cello guidance available. The larger option may simply be too large for the child, and they may have to wait years until they “grow into” it. On the other hand, a smaller alternative will be instantly useable and will keep them going for at least a few years. FAQ The most commonly stated benefit of the violin is that it is more practical. Its lower cost, smaller size for ease of use, storage and transport and the range and tone mean that many would make this choice almost automatically. For the case of the cello its lower range and the fact that there are fewer students studying the cello mean that there are more opportunities to play. As in all things it is always important to bear in mind the natural preferences as an instrument that is fully enjoyed is always the best choice. In case you were not already aware, cellos are massive instruments. They’re far bigger than violins and violas, with full-sized cellos standing at a huge 5ft or more. Despite this, the cello is a universal instrument, you won’t need to be six feet tall to play it. However, you will need to consider choosing your size carefully.

Apart from the benefit of lower costs lower prices cellos are often easier to play, especially for those new to the instrument. The quality of lower priced cellos, many of which are Chinese made has improved over the years and can make a good starting point for many budding cello players. For a child where the size of the instrument needs to be upgraded lower prices instruments can be a real benefit. Das Instrument scheint völlig in Ordnung für Anfänger, der Klang gefällt und es ist gutes Zubehör dabei. Auch die Pflege- und Stimmanleitungen überzeugen. Für den Preis ist kaum ein ordentliches, gebrauchtes Instrument zu bekommen. Variety is the spice of life, they say. Not surprisingly, this saying also applies in the world of musical instruments, and more specifically, cellos. Based on the value you get, you can then compare it with this table and determine the arm length’s ideal cello size.

You will now want to set the endpin of the cello to roughly a foot in length and rest the cello against your torso at approximately 45 degrees. If the cello fits well, the top of it should rest against your torso comfortably, and the C string tuning peg should rest close to your left ear. Ellen, thanks so much for the tips on how to find a good fit. I've never known what to look for in that area. I have lots of trouble with it because as far as height, I'm average, maybe even a little tall (5'7)- but I have a very short torso, short arms, and very small hands. I carry a lot of tension in my right shoulder, and I think it's because I have so much trouble getting my bow hand around the instrument, I have a tendency to try to reach over it instead. So what would you think, something narrower around the middle, or less deep maybe? First, you should find a comfortable cello chair in which you can test the instrument – the music store should provide this. You will need to keep your posture straight and adjust the chair so that your feet are touching the floor – this is generally good practice for playing the cello, not just for testing sizes.

You should note that smaller cellos are identical to the larger models in both construction and playing range. They merely undergo a scaled reduction to aid younger and smaller players). You see, the cello size determines the distance through which the player must stretch to reach the instrument’s fingerboard. Also, it defines the distance between the notes on the fingerboard. Therefore, an ill-fitting cello can negatively impact the cellist’s playing ability and cause posture problems and more. There is no better way to understand cello sizes than to simply hold a few and see how they feel. When you find the right size, it will sit comfortably and you will be able to navigate the fingerboard with ease. Stentor II 15″ Viola Outfit (Inc set up, case, bow, shoulder rest &, D’Addario Ascenté strings & rosin)As a general rule, most adult cellists will use a 4/4 cello, while young 4 to 6-year-old players will typically start with a 1/8. However, this rule is not set in stone. Some adults are not as tall as others, while some children may grow faster than their age. Indeed, it is vital that the size of a cello corresponds to its player’s size, and we’ll tell you why. Hidersine’s range includes the Vivente Academy Cello, available in Full size, 3/4 size and 1/2 size. Admittedly, you can train your hands to be more flexible. But why suffer through that when you can change the size of your cello?

If you are between two different sizes, you’ll likely be more comfortable with the smaller instrument. The best way to find out what works is to visit a music store to try one out, but as a rule of thumb take note of the following different ways to measure cello sizes. CELLO SIZE Andreas Zeller 16″ Viola Outfit (Inc set up, case, bow, shoulder rest &, D’Addario Ascenté strings & rosin) I ended up choosing my ¾ cello based on the advice of a store attendant. I was initially going to go for the ½, but he suggested that considering my role in the orchestra, that I at least try a ¾. My parents and I were skeptical, but I was really surprised when it was fairly comfortable to hold. Answer: No, this is a common misconception – cellos are smaller than double basses and can be played whilst sitting down, whilst double basses are around a foot taller, are played from a standing position, and produce much lower tones. Conclusion As for adults on 3/4, I have had a number of these customers over the years. If you are petite and you need a petite instrument that you can control instead of always fighting with a larger one, then you play with what fits. A percentage of the population is in a height range, and some of those play cello, and some are adults and never getting larger. I would say "Do the math" but you're going to have to be happy just knowing that you are not alone in the universe.Andreas Zeller 15.5″ Viola Outfit (Inc set up, case, bow, shoulder rest &, D’Addario Ascenté strings & rosin)