 | Leasing: $35-$60 per month. Cellos start at $250-$1,000 |
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 | Average: $1,000-$2,000 |
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 | High: $3,000-$5,000+ |
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| The cello has a distinctively mellow, soulful "singing voice." It's a four-string instrument that resembles a violin in shape, except it's much larger and held between the musician's legs; its weight is supported by an endpin/spike that touches the floor. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Leasing a cello runs around $35 -$60 a month, usually with a six- or nine-month commitment. Often a leasing package includes a cello bag/case and bow.
- Cellos start around $250 -$1,000, but average $1,000 -$2,000 for a reasonably good-sounding instrument and can easily climb to $3,000 -$5,000 and more.
- A bow isn't necessarily included in the purchase, and many cellists own more than one bow. All bows are made with horsehair. They start around $40 -$100 for a fiberglass stick, but can easily be $200 -$1,000 or more for better quality materials. Brazilwood is often used in less-expensive wooden bows.
- A case may be included; if not, a canvas cello bag is about $40 -$80 or more, while a hard case could cost $250 -$1,600, and can run $2,000 -$2,500 or more for a luxury model to preserve and protect an expensive instrument.
What should be included: | - Cellos come in full-size (usually for anyone over five feet tall) as well as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 sizes. Generally a good quality cello will have a top made of spruce; back and sides of maple; and turning pegs of ebony. The tailpiece may be made of plastic, metal or a wood such as rosewood or ebony. The endpin (or spike) should be adjustable, and the soundpost and bridge must be properly placed. 8Notes.com describes the parts of a cello.
- All things being equal, an old cello tends to sound better than a new one because as it ages the wood hardens and becomes more resonant. However, cracks in an older cello can cause structural and tonal problems. The most critical characteristics are tone and power; a good cello should be loud.
Additional costs: | - Strings can break unexpectedly; it's good to have extras at $15 -$85 (or more) each or $45 -$200 or more for a set of four.
- A cello tuner or pitch pipe is optional, but runs $10 -$30 or more.
- You'll need a music stand for practicing at home; they start around $10 -$50 but can run $100 -$200 or more.
- A cello stand (to hold your instrument when you're not playing it) runs $30 -$250 or more. Metal stands covered by foam rubber are less expensive, while hand-made wooden ones are at the top of the price range.
- Rosin for your bow can be $2 -$25 or more, depending on quality and quantity.
- If it's not included with your cello, you'll need a endpin rest/floor protector for about $5 -$25.
Shopping for a cello: | |
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Article updated August 2008 |
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