The Cello
Known for its versatility and its virtuosity, the cello has been an important member of the string family for almost 500 years. Invented around the same time as the violin and the viola, the cello was created to add bass and depth to stringed instruments but it took a while to gain popularity due to its large size. While violins and violas are played on the musicians shoulder, the cello is too big to do that. Today the cello has a tailpiece, which helps balance the instrument and makes playing easier for the musician.
Why Cello?
The cello is known to have a wide range of moods. A good cellist will be able to play a variety of styles and should display proficiency on their instrument. Even though the cello is larger than the violin or the viola, that doesn't make it any harder.
How does Cello contribute to a band or orchestra?
As a lower tenor instrument, cellos are often used for their strong booming voices to be examples of power, but they can also be soft and serene. The cello is often featured as a solo instrument and sometimes plays the melody with the violins. The cello adds an important upper bass voice to the string section and adds depth to the overall sound of the group. In general, concert bands don't have stringed instruments like cellos.
The parts of a Cello
String instrument have essentially all the same parts. The main difference between them is size.
- The bridge supports the strings and transmits their vibrations to the body of the cello.
- The f-hole, shaped like a cursive "f", let the sound get out... just like the bell of a trumpet. It also helps amplify the sound.
- The vibrations from the strings create different pitches, depending on the player's position on the fingerboard.
- The fine tuners and tuning pegs make the strings longer or shorter to help tune the cello.
- The bow has horsehair stretched over the top and is used to play the cello.
- The player sets the tail spike on the floor and balances the cello between their legs.
Tips
Be sure to clean your cello regularly. Use special cello cleaners instead of household products to protect your instrument.
Rosin is a product you put on the bow when it gets too smooth. You probably won't need to use it that often, even if you play a lot. Be sure not to use too much because you could ruin the bow.
If a string breaks, that means you need to replace it. Usually if one breaks, its not too long before the other three break, so you should change them all at the same time.
Ask your instructor to teach you how to replace the strings on your cello so you can do it yourself.
If you are having problems balancing your instrument on the floor, you can get a product called a "rock stop" that helps keep you cello still.
Drastic changes in temperature can damage your cello. Ask your teacher for some ways to avoid this
How to pick a good Cello
Getting your first cello is a big deal; here are some things to consider.
Full size or fractional? Many students just starting the cello have trouble stretching their fingers up and down the neck of the instrument. Because of this, many schools and stores offer 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and even 1/8-size instruments for students with smaller hands. As you grow, you can get a larger instrument until you can handle a full size instrument. Be sure to check with your teacher or a local retailer to see what size is right for you!
New or used? Your local music retailer will be able to advise you on pre-loved instruments that they have in stock. This can be a worthy alternative. Unless you know specifically what you want, beware of the internet! You will not get the support, advice and service you will get from your local retailer.
If you are going to buy a used cello, be sure to check the body for any cracks in the wood or imperfections in the carving. Look for signs of wear and see if any pieces are loose or need to be replaced. And since cellos are made from natural material, they don't all sound the same. If you decide to get a used cello, make sure a professional looks at it to make sure it's a good instrument. You will have it for a while.
Did you know?
The full name of the cello is actually violoncello. Violon was the original name of the double bass and violoncello means "little violon."
