My 10 year old plays a 3/4 sized cello, it seems to be fine right now, but I`m getting a little anxious about the cost of a suitable full sized cello. Can anyone tell me what age children typically move to a full sized instrument and roughly what I`ll need to spend (pref. in UK pounds) for a cello suitable for higher grades? I think I need to start saving!!

I was about 13 when I went to my full-size cello. I`d suggest asking your teacher what they think about it, or if you don`t have a teacher find a cellist around that might be able to help.

Unfortunately, all I have is AMD ammounts, and we paid $1250.00 for my cello. You can find them cheaper, but I`d suggest going with a good instrument. Also, we spent $300.00 on my bow. Recently, I`ve upgraded to another instrument, the new instrument being worth $7500.00 (I didn`t pay that much for it), and I am currently looking at some bows in the $1000.00 price range. The sky is the limit on the instruments and bows. Just depends on what you want.



Titus

Speaking as a dealer .. most children we see moving up to full size cellos seem to be right at the end or primary school, so 11. But of course it depends very much on height (I taught a girl who started at 12 and was only big enough for a 3/4). Perhpas 5 foot 2 upwards for a 4/4 cello? Usually you can delay these things for a while: any teacher is well aware of the cost and is likely to give you plenty of warning.

As a rough guide to price: typically the new brands of cello that would be recommended for higher grades in the UK include Zeller, Poller, Stentor Messina / Elysia / Arcadia, Westbury, Paesold, and then of course there is always the option of an older cello.

We sell two different cellos that in my view are entirely suitable up to grade 8: one sells for £600 (Chinese competitor to Stentor Messina etc, no more likely to be available until March) and the other for £1000 (Romanian, well above the Zeller / Poller level, obtained to order, two to three weeks lead time). Both outfits include a good quality padded bag and a good bow. In both cases we import directly and specialist shop prices on comparable models will be a lot higher.

Otherwise, a discount warehouse type of shop is by far the lowest price you will get for cellos above beginner level, but you will need to be aware that such shops are likely to simply take the box off the shelf and send it to you without actually opening it, and you should allow for a collapsed soundpost (probable) and possibly further problems, so it is worth checking the returns policy.

Liz

O yes, one more thing, which really does become significant in this price range. If your daughter is at an LEA school and the school agrees, then as long as you buy from a dealer who is VAT registered, you can easily arrange to get the instrument VAT free through the AIPS scheme. This saves you about 15% of the advertised price (assuming the prices are advertised inclusive of VAT)

Liz

Responses have been good, that a child will generally move from a 3/4 to full size cello from ages 11 to 13, I would have said 12. Begin looking for a good used instrument by canvassing the schools and orchestras. That`s what I have done, and there have been useful referrals and opportunities. Strat man Dwight

Thanks for the responses. As I suspected I`d best start saving. I`ll hope for another couple of years use from the existing one.

im 5`2, 5`3 (somewhere around there) and i use a 4/4, it fits perfectly

I agree with the approximate ages given. But every child is a different size and responds to different instruments.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with ALL stringed instruments is moving up a size too early! Develop the technique, the correct positioning and so on, on a slightly smaller instrument, rather than stretching everything and getting set in the wrong ways. Obviously not two or three sizes down, but one would be OK for a while.
On pricing. I can obtain German handmade cellos,individually made not factory, for between £1500 and £2000, depending on the wood used.

i started on a full size cello when i was like 12.im currently 14 and its so perfect.ANCIENT RITUAL RULES!!!!