Is Cello the instrument for you?

You have decided to break into the world of stringed instruments, but you are not sure where to start. From violins and violas to guitars and a host of other instruments, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Today we will look at the cello, which offers deep, warm, brilliant tones that are singularly arresting. The cello can access a range of musical emotions, allowing composers to feature it in both joyous and sorrowful pieces.

Additionally, one of the benefits of playing cello is that you can either sit or stand while playing. Therefore, cellos are excellent for people who are interested in embracing their instrument and moving with it to the music. If you are interested in playing one of the most historic and richest sounding of the stringed instruments, then the cello is the instrument for you.

It's not just about the music

Learning to play an instrument is about more than making music. It’s about mastering discipline, rhythm and timing, physical strength, and patience. Maybe your goal is to play cello with other artists. In that case, you may be performing support parts and harmonies. This requires you to connect and sync with the ensemble or orchestra.

When choosing the cello bow be aware that, despite being made of the same materials as other stringed instrument bows, the cello’s is made to suit the unique voice this famous instrument produces. The bow should always match the size of the player and the cello. A cello tends to have more reverberation than its smaller cousins and much of that comes down to using an appropriate cello bow.

And let’s not forget the electric cello, which also produces the delicate and precise tones of its acoustic parent. Musicians that desire to play rock will most likely have an electric cello. Cellists that love classical but also love blues or jazz may have both acoustic and electric. Another positive of the electric cello is that it allows you to plug in headphones and rehearse even the most energetic passages quietly. If you are a cellist who lives in an apartment with thin walls, this means that you can avoid annoying your neighbors by preventing the resounding tones of your cello from permeating the walls.

If you're going to play, you're going to need a Cello...

You can shop for cellos online, but it may be difficult to choose the right one without seeing it in person. Going to a music store first to get an idea of what you’re looking for can help you make an informed decision before you decide to purchase.

At the Johnson String Instrument storefront and online, we have knowledgeable staff trained in customer service who are ready to help you choose an instrument that is best suited for you. If you are not quite committed yet, you can rent a cello before you take the plunge. Our rentals are hand selected and professionally set up ensuring quality, sound and playability.  Your journey to learn an instrument is important to us.