Taking Care of a Cello

If your cello doesn't have enough volume, have it adjusted.
Don't overload it with high tension strings. This may produce an initial increase in volume followed by a slow decline.
The signs of an overstrung cello are:
 a thin sound on the A string and slight twisting or sinkage of the table.

Another cause of loss of volume is a bow that is weak or warped.
(Close one eye and look down the stick. If it curves to the left, have it straightened.)

 

Keep your cello in its case overnight and when it is not in use.
Keep it away from strong sunlight and radiators.
Always avoid keeping it in a damp or very dry room.
Wipe off the rosin every day with a clean yellow duster that is kept with the instrument and not used for anything else. Replace the duster every three months (washing doesn't remove all the rosin).
Do not ever use domestic polish - leave cleaning to the experts with their own secret formulas.
Ensure that the bridge is kept upright (not leaning towards the scroll).
Take your cello for a check-up at least once every year.

 

WATCH THIS VIDEO ON HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR INSTRUMENT

 

This information has been gathered over many years playing the cello, teaching cellists and adjusting cellos. Every cello sold has been carefully chosen. Correct size, graceful proportions and good condition are prerequisites. Any old cracks are carefully restored and most cellos receive a new bass bar to counteract the downward pressure of the metal strings. Then a new endpin, fingerboard (where necessary!, bridge, soundpost, tailpiece and strings are fitted.

After the instrument is complete, the fine tuning and tonal adjustment begins. It can include trying different models of bridge, different strings and positions of the soundpost. Finding the natural voice of a cello can be a lengthy process because each piece of wood has individual qualities. Further testing and adjusting is done in large rooms with different acoustics.

Only then is the cello offered to a player. Great care is taken in matching players and instruments (violin, viola & cello). Relevant factors are size of instrument and character of sound required - alongside any limitations of budget.

 

 

Share this site on:
Facebook   twitter   stumbleupon