6. Purchasing a Cello

In the case of a ‘cello being bought for a young child, it is worth asking the question – ‘who is going to end up carrying it around for the next few years?’ Having answered that, the next question might run along the lines of – ‘will it fit in the car?’ Even half-size ‘cellos are fairly heavy and a full size instrument in its case will only fit into larger car boots, meaning that in most cases, it will have to go on the front passenger seat, assuming there is one spare. Having, we hope, successfully negotiated these logistical issues, it is crucial that the person who is going to play the instrument takes the major part in choosing which one to acquire.

Even in the case of the absolute beginner, it is not a good idea to present them with an instrument that has already been bought as a ‘fait accompli’. The choice of ‘cello and bow is an extremely personal, subjective one, at every level of price and ability. The instrument that one musician loves may be loathed in equal measure by another, and it is important to love your ‘cello at least a little - no-one is going to want to practice on an instrument they resent from the moment they open the case!