Anyone play the cello here?
Anyone play the cello here?
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Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

294 months

Wednesday 6th April 2022
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Having played guitar for 35 years I bought a cheap Hidersine cello 6 months ago (cost about £700) and have been making good progress.

Only thing is, I’m not always happy with the sound. Some of it is surely down to technique but sometimes I have the impression that the odd untoward harmonic octave or squeak is not entirely my fault.

Bearing in mind a decent guitar costs £3-£4K+, would I see a significant improvement in the sound if I spent this on a new cello?

Or should I stick with what I have and practice more? Also, I know the strings and bow are as important as the instrument itself.

I’ve tried finding the answer on the net but to no avail: where is the sweet spot with a cello, the best ratio of quality-price?

Thanks for your thoughts.

elise2000

1,764 posts

235 months

Wednesday 6th April 2022
quotequote all
Driller said:
Having played guitar for 35 years I bought a cheap Hidersine cello 6 months ago (cost about £700) and have been making good progress.

Only thing is, I’m not always happy with the sound. Some of it is surely down to technique but sometimes I have the impression that the odd untoward harmonic octave or squeak is not entirely my fault.

Bearing in mind a decent guitar costs £3-£4K+, would I see a significant improvement in the sound if I spent this on a new cello?

Or should I stick with what I have and practice more? Also, I know the strings and bow are as important as the instrument itself.

I’ve tried finding the answer on the net but to no avail: where is the sweet spot with a cello, the best ratio of quality-price?

Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi

I own a violin/cello shop. I’m assuming it’s the Vivente model you have at that price? If it has the factory supplied strings on, the tone won’t be great. Upgraded strings will make a massive difference. Something like d’addario preludes will improve it noticeably, or something like thomastik dominants will really transform it. Of course spending more on an instrument is generally going to make a difference. I’d recommend some lessons if you’re not taking them already, as bowing technique may well be a significant part of the problem. For a beginner cellist the model you have is fine, but if you have the budget a better instrument will make playing both easier and more enjoyable! If you’re after better strings (or a better instrument) send me a PM. Decent PH discounts available!

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

294 months

Wednesday 6th April 2022
quotequote all
elise2000 said:
Hi

I own a violin/cello shop. I’m assuming it’s the Vivente model you have at that price? If it has the factory supplied strings on, the tone won’t be great. Upgraded strings will make a massive difference. Something like d’addario preludes will improve it noticeably, or something like thomastik dominants will really transform it. Of course spending more on an instrument is generally going to make a difference. I’d recommend some lessons if you’re not taking them already, as bowing technique may well be a significant part of the problem. For a beginner cellist the model you have is fine, but if you have the budget a better instrument will make playing both easier and more enjoyable! If you’re after better strings (or a better instrument) send me a PM. Decent PH discounts available!
Yes exactly, the Vivente fine tune outfit. By the sound of it, I should gets some better strings then and play for a bit longer then trade up to a better model.

How much of a difference would a better now make?

Good shout for your shop (and the ph discount ;-)). Could you pm me details do I can see where you are?

elise2000

1,764 posts

235 months

Wednesday 6th April 2022
quotequote all
Driller said:
elise2000 said:
Hi

I own a violin/cello shop. I’m assuming it’s the Vivente model you have at that price? If it has the factory supplied strings on, the tone won’t be great. Upgraded strings will make a massive difference. Something like d’addario preludes will improve it noticeably, or something like thomastik dominants will really transform it. Of course spending more on an instrument is generally going to make a difference. I’d recommend some lessons if you’re not taking them already, as bowing technique may well be a significant part of the problem. For a beginner cellist the model you have is fine, but if you have the budget a better instrument will make playing both easier and more enjoyable! If you’re after better strings (or a better instrument) send me a PM. Decent PH discounts available!
Yes exactly, the Vivente fine tune outfit. By the sound of it, I should gets some better strings then and play for a bit longer then trade up to a better model.

How much of a difference would a better now make?

Good shout for your shop (and the ph discount ;-)). Could you pm me details do I can see where you are?
A better bow will make a big difference, particularly as you become a better player - a lot of people don’t realise how much it can change tone and playability until they try other ones out. A good guide is you should spend a 1/4 to 1/3 of the value of the instrument on the bow. For context, the bow that comes with the Vivente package can be bought on its own for £28! Will send you a PM now.

Driller

Original Poster:

8,310 posts

294 months

Wednesday 6th April 2022
quotequote all
Message received, thanks.