This is a common question. I want to buy a cello but don't know if I should buy 4/4, 3/4, or 1/2. I'm twenty-two but only 4'9. Is a full sized too big?

Thanks so much

May I'm wrong, but az I recall my teacher, it depends more on the size of Your fingers. I think the best You can do is to ask an advice of a cellist / cello teacher in real life.

I see that you are an adult, so really you would want an adult instrument. 3/4 and smaller are "toys" for children so that they can start learning before they are fully grown. Generally, they do not produce the right tone and are only usable to learn what fingers to put down to get a particular note. You can get a 7/8 size instrument a so called ladies cello and these are designed to be proper instruments. I am sorry to say that if that does not suit then you may have to consider whether a cello is right for you at all.

I think your best bet is to go to a music store and try out the various sizes. The folks there can help size you and help you get into the right size. Remember you are not obligated to buy from the store.

4/4 sizes vary greatly! There is no set size for a 4/4 instrument. You need to go into the shop and see how the cello feels under your fingers. If you can feel yourself straining to put your fingers down on the finger board you'd know it was too big. If everything feels cramped then its too small. its not just about putting your fingers down though. The entire cello depends on how big you are and the way you're built. For example, you've managed to find a cello that's perfect size for your fingers but you can't get it to rest on your knee's because the lower half is too big!

The people in the shop should be able to give you good advice about what size is correct for you but you'll know yourself. If it doesn't feel comfortable then its not right for you. As well as this don't just try one shop! You need to try as many cello's as possible so don't just keep your search localised to one shop.

Hope that helps