Does the instrument make the difference?

[Free For All]

Shit, you forgot the colophonium.

I thought you only needed to get one of those after you turn 50.

[Upright Bill]

My son is a cellist and we are headed to SoCal this weekend to Studio City where we will be buying him his own cello.

I'd like to know the answer to the first question on this thread as it relates to stringed/orchestral instruments.

Any help will be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Spend your money on a great bow. Cello as with Double Bass the bow is more important than the instrument. Go here and look around. With both the bow and the instrument you need to try a bunch of them before you make a choice. If you can arraign to take his instructor along do it. If you haven't asked you may be surprised at how willing s/he is. Buying a good cello or Double Bass is much tougher than buying a factory manufactered instrument. Talk to symphony members near by and get their recommendations as well.

Thanks, Bill.

In fact, his cello teacher recommended this place in Studio City and will either be there in person or have her friend there.

I think we're in good hands

What I found most enlightening is the comment you made about the bow being most important.

Tell me....why is that?

Very interesting concept.

Wow, sorry I missed your question. I'll answer it even though you have already bought the instrument.

I've never owned a cello but in the world of Double Basses a great bow sells for $3,000. A "good" Double Bass sells for $12,000. The bow contributes at least as much to the tone as the bass goes. Therefore, the "common wisdom" among bassists it to first get the bow which will improve your tone significantly for "only" $3,000. Then start saving again to get that great bass for $20,000 to $30,000.

[Hardbopjazz]

My son is a cellist and we are headed to SoCal this weekend to Studio City where we will be buying him his own cello.

I'd like to know the answer to the first question on this thread as it relates to stringed/orchestral instruments.

Any help will be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Spend your money on a great bow. Cello as with Double Bass the bow is more important than the instrument. Go here and look around. With both the bow and the instrument you need to try a bunch of them before you make a choice. If you can arraign to take his instructor along do it. If you haven't asked you may be surprised at how willing s/he is. Buying a good cello or Double Bass is much tougher than buying a factory manufactered instrument. Talk to symphony members near by and get their recommendations as well.

Thanks, Bill.

In fact, his cello teacher recommended this place in Studio City and will either be there in person or have her friend there.

I think we're in good hands

What I found most enlightening is the comment you made about the bow being most important.

Tell me....why is that?

Very interesting concept.

Wow, sorry I missed your question. I'll answer it even though you have already bought the instrument.

I've never owned a cello but in the world of Double Basses a great bow sells for $3,000. A "good" Double Bass sells for $12,000. The bow contributes at least as much to the tone as the bass goes. Therefore, the "common wisdom" among bassists it to first get the bow which will improve your tone significantly for "only" $3,000. Then start saving again to get that great bass for $20,000 to $30,000.

Or take out a second mortgage. 20 to 30K damn.