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What size cello do I need? - Hidersine Orchestral Instruments and Accessories

By A Mystery Man Writer

You won’t be surprised to learn that there isn’t a one-size fits-all solution when it comes to cellos. As with violins and violas you need the right sized cello for your age, shape and height. Cellos are measured by the length of the back, from the full-sized cello of 30 inches or more intended for
You won’t be surprised to learn that there isn’t a one-size fits-all solution when it comes to cellos. As with violins and violas you need the right sized cello for your age, shape and height. Cellos are measured by the length of the back, from the full-sized cello of 30 inches or more intended for adults more than five feet tall, to 1/8 cellos designed for children between four and six years old. Just to add a little more variation into the mix be aware that different manufacturers make cello sizes at slightly different lengths, but they will fall within a few inches of each other. The important thing is comfort and practicality. If you are between two different sizes, you’ll likely be more comfortable with the smaller instrument. The best way to find out what works is to visit a music store to try one out, but as a rule of thumb take note of the following different ways to measure cello sizes. CELLO SIZE AGE RANGE 1/8 4-6 years 1/4 5-7 years 1/2 7-11 years 3/4 11-15 years 4/4 15 and above CELLO SIZE HEIGHT 1/8 - 1/4 Below 4 feet 1/2 4 - 4 1/2 feet 3/4 4 1/2 - 5 feet 4/4 5 feet and above CELLO SIZE BACK LENGTH 1/8 17.75 - 20 inches 1/4 20 -23 inches 1/2 23 - 26 inches 3/4 26 - 27.25 inches 7/8 27.25 - 30 inches 4/4 30 inches and above To try your cello for size (once you have worked out the size using those handy charts) find a chair and sit up straight (make sure your feet are touching the floor), set the endpin of the cello to around 12 inches in length. Let the cello rest against your chest at about a 45-degree angle. The top of it must rest at the centre of the chest, and the C string peg must be near the left ear. Hidersine’s range includes the Vivente Academy Cello, available in Full size, 3/4 size and 1/2 size. Supplied with a padded gigbag/carry case with bow holder and accessory pockets it also comes with a Brazilwood, Half-mounted bow and Hidersine Rosin block. All for around £750, which is about mid-price for a cello but still a sizeable outlay for a beginner. If you skimp on quality too much, however, you will be buying an inferior instrument that will not enhance your playing and may in fact make it sound a whole lot worse. Beginners need every encouragement when starting out so a good quality instrument that plays well and sounds good is essential. The cello itself is ready to play and has a Solid Spruce Table, Solid Maple back and ribs with graphic flame, Carved Maple Neck, Genuine Ebony fingerboard, Maple Bridge, Wittner FineTune geared pegs, Wittner Ultra lightweight tailpiece with integral adjusters, Carbon Fibre endpin and Steel Strings. - Play violin or viola? We have guides for you too. What size violin do i need? READ What size viola do i need? READ