Antoni Debut 3/4 Size Cello

Advantages: I love it
Disadvantages: size and cost of lessons music extra

...I remember to this day how I took up the 'cello, I was at a junior school in Staffordshire and I was asked if I wanted to take up the 'cello, this seemed like an excellent idea to a 6 year old, my sister played the violin so why not out do her!! For anyone who doesn't know what a 'cello is I am sickened by you but still I will explain; it is the second largest member of the string family, often described as a big violin. To me it is a gorgeous wooden instrument, it has 4 strings (A, D, G and C) and is played with a bow (long stick with horse hair attached at both ends, used for sword fighting with in the early days of playing) In the early days it was a bit of a pain, as a six year old I had to get my mum to move it everywhere for me, (fear of breaking and due to the size) I hated playing it, practise would end with hours of rows... Read review

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Advantages: fun, social opportunity, stimulating, rewarding
Disadvantages: big, difficult, not suited to the tone deaf

...the age of 8, I took Associated Board exams 2,3,5,6 and 8 and I have taught the cello since passing grade 8 in 1994 and still practice regularly. I have taken on pupils of different ages and abilities including a child with special needs who loves his cello lessons. It has also inspired me to learn more instruments myself such as the bassoon and clarinet. Best cello recording has to be J. Du Pre with the Elgar cello concerto - timeless! I have two cello's one is called Charlie and the other is Pablo, although I don't have a favourite, Pablo is used more for public performance as he has a brighter sound. Cellos range from around £500 to £K's so if the bank balance is suffering this may not be the right instrument for you, yet. Strings can be expensive (for decent ones) but most city libraries will have an abundance of cello music available so... Read review

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Advantages: Great fun
Disadvantages: Very large to store and transport

...(have I already said that?), is often preferred by those playing in the jazz, blues, boogie styles. A slap style of play involves a rigorous plucking of the strings which then slap against the fingerboard producing a very percussive type sound. ♫ ♫ My purchase ♫ ♫ After much research on the internet and telephone enquiries to several music shops I decided to buy a Stentor Conservatoire Double Bass. It has a fully carved back and front, is hand made from solid wood, with an ebony fingerboard and brass machine heads. It came with a padded cover and bow. It is available in 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sizes. There will not be much change from £1500. I ordered it through my local music shop where I am a regular customer. They are shipped to order (yes, literally in a container on a boat) and arrive with the neck... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful