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 |  | Leasing: $35-$60 per month. Cellos start at $250-$1,000 |  | Average: $1,000-$2,000 |  | 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.
Related articles: Cello Lessons, Violin, Violin Lessons, Piano, Piano Lessons
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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[1] .
- 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: |
- Always play an instrument before buying, or have your teacher or other expert play it for you (but also find out if your teacher gets a commission if you buy from a local music store). ZaretAndSonsViolins.com explains what to consider when choosing a cello.
- Strings Magazines describes how to shop for a cello under $5,000 and provides a guide to cello retailers [2] . The Internet Cello Society posts a list of cello stores[3] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Taylor Leech in Ventura, CA. | Posted: February 6th, 2019 12:02PM |
| New or Used: used |
I bought it for my daughter who played in the school orchestra and has now graduated. |
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| Posted by: Keleigh Hutson in Millbrook, AL. | Posted: January 15th, 2013 10:01AM |
| New or Used: used |
I have found a cello on an auction site and the bid is currently around 175.00. Knowing nothing about them all I have to reference is the name of the instrument and a picture. I know I should listen to the sound first but that isn't an option right now, but before I spend any kind of money I wanted to run it past someone. It is a Gans Wagner cello in excellant condition needing strings. |
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| Posted by: El-Son in London, MI. | Posted: January 28th, 2010 12:01PM |
| New or Used: used |
the cello Ibought was terrible it didnt work and it was a waste of 3 grand !!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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External Resources: |
- www.8notes.com/school/cello/beginner_1/cello1.asp
- directory.allthingsstrings.com/
- www.cello.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=StoreLinks
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