Cello for teenager suggestions/info requested

[jpelg]

A buddy of mine has supported his niece's classical music instruction for the past few years, purchasing her two smaller cellos. Now, as a teenager, she is ready for her first full-sized instrument, so it's time for uncle to pony-up again.

Do any of you classical musicians (particularly cello players) have an recommendations wrt what cello to get, look-for, where-to-purchase, name brand, material, etc? Are there any web sources of info on this?

Any info would be extremely appreciated.

TIA.

 

[jpelg]

Here are a couple of listings on Craigslist(NY):

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/msg/392925618.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/msg/392939583.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/msg/392938693.html

Their website: www.alexistrings.com

Thoughts?

 

[ducatisteve]

With something like a cello (or violin, viola, etc...), it's difficult to point to one model as being good quality, and a good value. The right cello to buy will vary from location to location. If there is a local store around, it's totally worth it to go and try out the instruments themselves. Maybe talk to the local private instructors and high school orchestra/band directors. Make sure when they go to a reputable store that they go ready to give some sort of idea what kind of cello are they looking for. Be open with the price range, say if it's going to be used mainly in a solo or orchestral setting, etc. If at all possible, have them bring a private tutor on the shopping trip with them, to give them an idea on what's a traditionally good sound while your friend's neice finds what instrument feels best for her.

 

[jpelg]

Thanks for the reply, steve.

What you say makes perfect sense. The situation is complicated by the fact that my buddy lives here (NY), but his niece lives in the Dominican Republic.

I suggested he try to find a contact a Julliard for advice, or even see if they have a FS listing for instruments somewhere (do musician's upgrade as often as we audiophiles do?)

 

[ducatisteve]

At any college/university with a respectable music school (yeah, I guess Julliard slips in there, haha), the halls will usually be lined with cork boards with "For Sale" ads everywhere. And yes, finding a contact or teacher there will be very beneficial. Especially if he can find a teacher at Julliard, they probably know of tons of instruments students want to unload. And teachers and instructors get paid so little that even a small "finders fee" ($50?) should entice many of them to give up some time to help him find the right one.