Getting into Cello

[Dirk]

Hi,

I have been playing the piano for some years now. Recently I was at an open day on a music school nearby, and I tried some other instruments. I have always loved the sound of a cello so I tried it. The sound is beautifull! Especially when you play it yourself, your whole body moves with the instrument it seems.

So there is a slight problem, I'm a student and I can't afford something expensive nor can I afford to make noise in this house. The walls are thin and I just know that if everyone can hear me while I practice I feel like everyone is listening and practicing like that is something I don't like to do. I don't think I will practice much at all when others hear me.

So whatever I'm buying it has to be second-hand on craigslist or something. And it has to be an electric.

First question, how much volume does an electric cello make, compared to say, an electric guitar? When using a headphone ofcourse.

Also, what is the quality of an electric compared to acoustic? With pianos the difference is immensely huge. But for guitars it doesn't matter that much. Cello is also a string-instrument played directly on the strings so it should be fine, but I just want to be sure before I buy such a thing.

And, is there a big difference in quality between expensive electirc cellos and cheap electric cellos?

[cellotech]

First of all you need a teacher. There is no way to teach yourself to play cello to even an adequate level.

You can rent a cello from most music stores. Find a store that specializes in stringed instruments if possible. Stores will let you apply the money you spend renting as credit towards purchasing an instrument.

Ask your roommates if practicing is an issue. There are heavy practice mutes which will significantly dampen the sound while you're practicing at home. If the people you live with are nice at all I'm sure a little noise is fine. If you practice in your room with the door closed most people in the house won't notice or hear you. Be able to practice with a true, full sound is very important because your bow technique won't develop properly if you are constantly trying to play as quietly as possible.

[Dirk]

First of all you need a teacher. There is no way to teach yourself to play cello to even an adequate level.

You can rent a cello from most music stores. Find a store that specializes in stringed instruments if possible. Stores will let you apply the money you spend renting as credit towards purchasing an instrument.

Ask your roommates if practicing is an issue. There are heavy practice mutes which will significantly dampen the sound while you're practicing at home. If the people you live with are nice at all I'm sure a little noise is fine. If you practice in your room with the door closed most people in the house won't notice or hear you. Be able to practice with a true, full sound is very important because your bow technique won't develop properly if you are constantly trying to play as quietly as possible.

I already know practicing is an issue, I've had complaints before. It made me stop practicing saxophone (those things make a hell a lot of noise) so electric cello is the only option I'm afraid.

[cellotech]

Ahh. That's very unfortunate. I'm sorry I can't help you with electric cellos, I don't know anything about them.

[Dirk]

I guess I will have to try and find an opportunity to try and fine one and just try it.

I will be playing an acoustic cello someday in the future. But rather than starting to play it when I'm much older, I'll start practicing now on an electric.

[The Gem Dr.]

Hello Dirk,

I'm new to the cello too, but I have an electric and an acoustic. An electric is basically a plank with strings, same as an electric guitar. The expensive part is what you plug it into...grin.

My electric was $500 and is a chinese cheapie, I don't know if a Yamaha is worth paying 4 times that. The sound is determined by the amp, and the playability of any cello can be perfected by a competent luthier. With an electric a lot of adjustment is possible without horrible accidents. You can take the strings off! With an acoustic cello this often will cause he sound post to fall and needs a luthiers touch to put it back where it belongs.

HTH
Tony.

[Dirk]

Hello Dirk,

I'm new to the cello too, but I have an electric and an acoustic. An electric is basically a plank with strings, same as an electric guitar. The expensive part is what you plug it into...grin.

My electric was $500 and is a chinese cheapie, I don't know if a Yamaha is worth paying 4 times that. The sound is determined by the amp, and the playability of any cello can be perfected by a competent luthier. With an electric a lot of adjustment is possible without horrible accidents. You can take the strings off! With an acoustic cello this often will cause he sound post to fall and needs a luthiers touch to put it back where it belongs.

HTH
Tony.

Cool!

So how loud is it when you play it with headphone? I can imagine even though there is no case to amplify the sound, a string being scratched like that it still makes a lot of noise, maybe thats just me though.
I can plug it to my pc, I amplify my electirc guitar with my pc aswell, with a good soundcard you can give it any effect you like with no delay.
Which do you prefer playing?

[orchestracelloplayer]

My best recommendation is to get a nice pair of studio(not a brand) head phones that are comfy on you head. Studio quality head phones are about 50 bucks for a nice set. About the same as a mini Amp but if you go to a guitar shop that has guys that know electric guitar and you bring your electric cello in, they will ask what the heck is that or be aw struck by how amazing cellos are. show them the seet up and they can hook you up with some good head phones in 30 minutes max.

Best of Luck,
JMH

[The Gem Dr.]

Hello Dirk,

I have to agree with JMH, take your cello to a guitar shop and play with all their toys. I guarantee they will be extra helpful as a cello makes a refreshing change of pace for them.

I don't use headphones on my electric cello, in fact I don't play it unplugged at all, it's always set to just a little bit too loud...grin. I use my acoustic to work out tunes and such as it is more critical of intonation, but I rarely play it with my band any more. I do have pickups installed but its size and awkwardness make it my second.

A solid body electric cello is no louder than a bowed electric guitar.

Tony.

[Dirk]

This is really helpfull, thanks guys!

[Dirk]

I want to buy it online, is there a shop you guys recommend?

I'm located in Europe, Netherlands. So shipping will cost extra, but I'm curious for prices any way. Shop prices here are 2 times higher than online prices.

[The Gem Dr.]

Hello Dirk,

With an electric cello there is little the instrument offers to the sound it's all in the electronics. Any cello can be made playable so there is not a lot of advantage in spending huge sums for a 'name' brand.

A quick check on ebay shows many e-cellos for $200 and up. At this price it isn't much of an investment although you will certainly have to spend an additional $100-150 on proper strings and possibly a better bow. Also expect a luthier setup fee of at least $100, more if there is fingerboard shaping involved.

It certainly looks to me that you can get yourself an enjoyable instrument for about $5-600 by the time you're finished.

Tony.