Cello Sale

When buying a cello the would be purchaser should be mindful of a few things when attending a cello sale.

Age and height are good factors when deciding which cello to buy at the cello sale. The cello comes in four sizes depending on the player’s height or age.

1/8 size is for 4 to 6 years old
1/4 size is for 5 to 7 years old
1/2 size for 7 to 11 years old
3/4 size is suitable for 11 to 15 years old
4/4 size is for 15 and above

A good tip is to bring along your teacher or professional cellist to the cello sale. Ask him or her to play the instrument to help determine the sound quality. The cello should resonate clearly and carry across the room. A good test of a cello's sound is to play ascending scales, listening for the change in tone with each change of the string. After one cello has been listened to the same notes should be played on a different model to compare the sound.

The type of wood used for the cello should be a factor as well in the selection process at the cello sale. Some of the best quality cellos are constructed from spruce and maple. Usually cellos with spruce tops and with maple sides and backs produce the best sounds. The purchaser at the cello sale should be selective as the type of wood influences the sound of the music.

Bows should also tested out at the cello sale. A bow that is too heavy will deaden the sound of the cello, while a bow that is too light will make it sound thin. A proper balance between the two is key for the best tone.

If the cello being sought after at the cello sale is for a young player or beginner the buyer might want to purchase cellos made from laminated wood since they are still trying out the instrument or might need to buy bigger cellos as lessons progress.

It is also a good tip to remember to ask cello vendors at the cello sale if the cello's top is made of maple as these are sometimes made from maple laminate. Tuning pegs made from ebony or rosewood are the best quality. Before you leave the cello sale location you make sure that tuning pegs and slots are properly shaped as cellos with properly shaped pegs and slots cannot stay in tune.

Another tip to consider at the cello sale is to look for cello which have endpins that can be easily adjusted. Endpins are the thin post that rests on the floor and elevates the cello for playing.