I just bought a cheap secondhand cello to learn on. The action seems very high to me. What, roughly, should it be and is this a job that you can tackle by yourself ? Any thoughts would be of help. Thanks

Excuse me for my poor english, but could You please describe, what You exactly mean by "action"? I'm just a beginner with the cello, but I'm happy to help if I can.

I also play guitar and the 'action' is the distant between the string and the fingerboard. I was assuming that it would be called the same thing on every stringed instrument, but I may be wrong ? Anyhow, that's what I meant. Can I lower the strings by filing down the bridge or is it a specialist job ?

Probably the terminology is the same, just I lack this knowledge. Anyway, now that I understand Your question, I can tell You two things:
- At the moment I can only measure the action on my electric cello. At the bottom of the fingerboard it varies for different strings, the biggest is at the C string, atround 0.7 cm.
- If You are not experienced with the cello, I wouldn't move or carve the bridge alone. You can cause serious damage if something turns out badly. Maybe I'm only too cautious, but if only the bridge should be lowered a little, it wouldn't cost You more then several euros/dollars at a specialist. (or at least it is the case here). Thus I wouldn't risk doing it by myself. If the fingerboard should be polished as well, it can cost a bit more.

Yes, I think you are right, too risky. I'll take it to a proper repair shop and see what they say. Thanks for the advice.

I'm happy if I could help. Have a good luck with the cello, and plese leave a feedback here about Your experience, I'm interested. And last but not least, enjoy this beautifull instrument!

The bridge on a cello has a standard height that it needs to be in relation to the fingerboard so that the strings have a certain amount of pressure. The bridge also needs to be a certain curve - that is what makes the A string the distance needed to play comfortably, as well as D/G/C.

Pleaseeee don't try to fix it yourself. It won't be that expensive to fix, 25$ at most, but you should consider a proper setup for this instrument.

PS - I've been playing for 5 years and I've never heard the word "action" used with a cello.

Well, that is certainly the correct term for a guitar, but I was only guessing that it might have been the same for a cello. I have no idea what term to use, but my meaning is now understood so I don't suppose it matters much. Yes, I plan to take the instrument into the 'Violin Shop' is Glasgow after the holiday period is over and get it looked at. Isn't the cello a wondeful instrument, like a human voice.

Yes! It is. That is what I love most about stringed instruments verses the flute, trumpet, etc.

You should check out the Viola D'Gamba. It's a baroque version of a cello with six strings. It goes along with the Viola D'Amore, which can have up to 16 strings and is played on the shoulder like a violin or viola.

If You are interested in viola da gamba and the Bach suites, this is an interview worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHLgwW9oofg

Reccomended heights 4.5mm above finger board a side 6.5mm C side at bridge end of fingerboard. (Source pack of Astrea strings). Don't try adjusting the bridge yourself, rather get a new bridge and fit that, if you make a pig's ear then you havent lost anything. Then again your plan to go to a violin shop is probably even better.