Hi,
I am 18 and I really want to learn to play the cello. I can play the piano (though I have never had lessons) and I also learnt the violin for 2 years, and got up to grade 4. My question is, would my background with the violin be an advantage or disadvantage for learning the cello? And also, does hand size impact greatly on your ability to play the cello or does determination outweigh physical restraints? Thanks!

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Also, what are the main things one should look for when buying a cello? I was thinking about buying a very cheap one just to start on, or perhaps a cello from ebay (has anyone got experience buying cellos from ebay?) If I were to buy top quality strings and fit them on a really cheap cello, would this improve the sound until I was ready to move the strings across to a better instrument later?

I really don't have much sound advice to give you except this. I just bought a cello a week ago and have played the violin for about six years. I've spent quite a bit of time with my cello and I can honestly say that my violin training has made it a LOT easier. However, returning to the violin after I have been playing the cello for awhile tends to confuse my fingers. My hardest thing right now is learning the bass clef. Since you play piano though that shouldn't be as hard for you. Good luck!

I am also a violinist that learned to play the cello. If you have a good ear for the violin, you're likely to have a good ear for the cello, so that will help your intonation. It can definately confuse your fingerings, but eventually you'll get used to it. Considering you know the piano, reading notes should be a lot easier for you.

I can't actually read bass clef as I play the piano by ear, though I can read treble as I had formal violin lessons... but I am starting to see that many aspects of cello playing are almost the opposite to violin! Eg making sure you have a flat left wrist, and bowing with the entire arm, and upper arm with little wrist movement, as opposed to only using the wrist and elbow in violin. From what I have read online it sounds as though the cello is a lot harder to play purely because of sheer size compared to violin - harder to shift, play quickly/powerfully etc. Have you found this to be true after learning the violin?

Also, would anybody know whether 'Olympia' brand cello strings are any good? How much would you expect to pay for a full set?

Thanks!

Im a cellist and my best advice for you is try not to get confused with your fingering. Whith the cello you have to remember to use four fingers not like the Violin. And of course take a couple of leasons so you dont get as confused.


P.S
If you need any help just ask me.

Hi Chiva,

What to you mean by four fingers? On the violin you use four fingers as well. In first position on the violin the fourth finger is used for the note of the next string (ie, on the D string the fourth finger plays A)

Also, as for Hofner cellos, is $900 (AUS) a reasonable price for a 4/4? I was told that this was a good price, and I have even seen some as low as $689... for cellos, what brand strings are good quality?

Thank you!

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Sorry about all these questions!

Also, do you have any experience with Enrico student cellos? There is a second-hand one available for $445... (I have no idea about good brands for cellos, all I now is that my violin is a Hofner, and that Hofner cellos are quite nice..)