Buying a cello

[cantsleep]

My girlfriend want a cello and i would like to get it for her for.. X-mas or something... she is absolute new to cello so i dont think she's going to need a good one..

which one should i buy? should i buy the cheap one from ebay? how much damage should i be expecting?

 

[bpm2000]

Never buy cheap instruments. Budget, maybe, but cheap, no. Thats my rule anyways.
GL - hope your gf decides to stick with it.

 

[dkjohnso]

http://www.swstrings.com/Store/Shopp...8112DB0B0507CE

Try here. I have never ordered an instrument from them, but they have been incredibly reliable and friendly over the years. And from what I hear, their instruments are of good quality. Should be a good start.

The damage all depends. My first student cello was a no-name Chinese make for $1500, which sounded much better than it should have for the price. However, I soon outgrew it, and my next "student" cello was $9000.

The best option though would be to find a local violin shop and go try some cellos out.

 

[Oistrakh]

sharmusic.com

 

[NiceCans]

Convince her to take up tamborine instead, you will save many dollars

That is very sweet of you to look to get her such a wonderful gift. Hope it works out well.

 

[cantsleep]

im a bit broke at the moment..
seeing the price, i guess it has to wait until X-mas or something..

$1500 for beginner? no decent one for a couple of hundreds?

 

[Oistrakh]

http://sharmusic.com/moreinfogroup.asp?T1=hc120t44

 

[milkpowder]

If she's really serious about it, then $600-1k would be pretty suitable. Bring her along to a string luthier. I don't really believe in buying instruments online. I've played on 500USD violins that actually sound pretty decent (to my absolutely surprise). When string instruments get to about the $5-7k range, they become more than just a one-off purchase, but an investment.

Anyhow, you absolutely must try before you buy. It would also be great if the dealer would let you bring the instrument home and try it for about a week before you bought it. I had my violin for about a month and played with it in multiple school concerts before actually purchasing it. An instrument will grow on you and as you spend more time with it, you'll learn more about it and find out its strong points and weak points. It'll then be clear whether it's the right instrument.

 

[dkjohnso]

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkpowder Anyhow, you absolutely must try before you buy. It would also be great if the dealer would let you bring the instrument home and try it for about a week before you bought it. I had my violin for about a month and played with it in multiple school concerts before actually purchasing it. An instrument will grow on you and as you spend more time with it, you'll learn more about it and find out its strong points and weak points. It'll then be clear whether it's the right instrument.

I don't really agree that this is necessary for absolute beginners. When I first started out, I went to the violin shop and told them I wanted to rent a cello. I took whatever they gave me, which worked since I wouldn't have had any clue what a good cello felt or sounded like anyway. The first priority is building the skill, which you can do on any cello, and I have played some really crappy cellos (duct tape on instruments is never a good sign). Next, after this is established, you have the tools to pick a good cello that will fit you well. So, I wouldn't rule out buying online. I know many people who have done it and had good results. Speaking of course of beginners. Above a certain level buying online is just not a good idea.

 

[watchluvr4ever]

www.wwbw.com

They also have a showroom in South Bend, Indiana you can visit and play the instuments. Buying from them you will probably save hundreds of dollars over buying from a small shop. BTW, my wife plays the cello and violin and I play the trumpet and our dealings with this company has been very good. Combined my wife and I have spent $10k+ at their store and have probably saved just as much. They also have a very knowledgable staff who are all musicians and are specialists in their respective field.

 

[milkpowder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkjohnso I don't really agree that this is necessary for absolute beginners. When I first started out, I went to the violin shop and told them I wanted to rent a cello. I took whatever they gave me, which worked since I wouldn't have had any clue what a good cello felt or sounded like anyway. The first priority is building the skill, which you can do on any cello, and I have played some really crappy cellos (duct tape on instruments is never a good sign). Next, after this is established, you have the tools to pick a good cello that will fit you well. So, I wouldn't rule out buying online. I know many people who have done it and had good results. Speaking of course of beginners. Above a certain level buying online is just not a good idea.

I getcha. I think I missed reading the bit about she being a beginner! Sorry

In which case, online will be fine. What about consulting her teacher?

 

[SysteX]

Like headphones, string instruments get expensive VERY quickly. I moved from a $3500 violin setup to a $15,000+ setup in less than 5 years.

If she's serious about sticking with it, don't go dirt cheap for your first instrument--you'll end up buying a nicer one fairly soon and your initial purchase will have been a waste. I'd budget ~$3000 for a full setup (don't forget things like a bow, strings, rosin, case, lessons, etc.).

And, lastly, GOOD LUCK! I know that I sounded absolutely dreadful for a couple years--I'm not entirely sure how my parents put up with it for so long.