What is the difference between different sized cellos?!
Question: I am thinking about trying to learn the cello. What is difference between the sizes? Do they make different sounds? What should I begin with being a beginner. I am a 21 year old woman and I am 5'1".
Answers: I am thinking about trying to learn the cello. What is difference between the sizes? Do they make different sounds? What should I begin with being a beginner. I am a 21 year old woman and I am 5'1".
If you're 21, you're probably not going to grow taller ;)
I have a 13-year old student who has played a full-size cello for a couple of years. It was a stretch at the beginning, but she's fine now (her mom is tall, so it was a safe guess).
You should try 3/4 and full (there are also a few 7/8 around, but not so easy to find). If at all possible, play a full-sized cello, as there is a much greater selection of quality instruments (in all price ranges). If you already have a teacher who can help, their input would be really helpful. There are also some smaller full-sized cellos (shorter fingerboard, less wide, other variations) that might be slightly easier to play than a large Montagnana-model.
As an adult, you should find the size that works for you and stick with it. The smaller going up to larger sizes are for children as the grow larger. You could try renting a full-size for a month and take lessons, then go down to a 3/4 or 7/8 if your teacher advises or it just seems impossible to play. The bows also come in smaller sizes (you may have trouble playing all the way to the tip if your arms are shorter).
Lastly, have fun doing it! It may not sound great for a few months, but if you stick with it I'm sure you'll enjoy it for the rest of your life!
basically personal preference. If your are small you want a cello that is also small so you can play it better.
Basically: size.
It's a personal preference thing ... for small kids learning strings in school a small 1/4 or 1/2 size instrument might be best for fingering notes with small hands. For you a 3/4 or full size instrument might be ideal.
Have a string teacher measure your hand-spread and size and make a recommendation.
size DOES make a difference.
bigger sized 'cellos have a bigger/fuller sound
Some are big and some are small. And others are in-between.
I know I'm being unhelpful. Sue me.
The typical sizes for cellos are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4. They do go smaller. Generally, as you get a bigger cello, the sound is more melodic and projects more. Even if you are a beginner, you should definitely get a full size or 4/4 cello. Most adults use full size.
you should probably be playing on a full size cello. the different sizes are essentially the same in proportions, but the different sizes make it easier and more comfortable for people of different heights to play. if the cello is well made there should not be too much difference in sound for the different sizes.
If you are an adult then you should get a full size cello ie 4/4
The smaller sizes are for children.
The full size cello will have a fuller and more rounded sound than the smaller sizes