Hello all! Wow, I`m so happy I found this board. I`ve been reading posts and I have some questions.

I`m 26 and have had an interest in cello for about 5 years. I have never learned to play any musical instrument and don`t know how to read music. My husband studied jazz bass for 6 years and has given me practical advice on what it takes (time, discipline, patience) to learn an instrument to a decent aptitude. He has shown me how to play many bass chords and has said I have a good aptitude in learning fingering quickly, so I`m hopeful. I am a visual artist and have been painting for over 12 years. So I know about the kind of discipline and time it takes to master anything. (http://www.sara-la.com if you`re interested.)

That being said, I have a few questions.

My husband says that I can look forward to practicing at least an hour every day, but to not overdo it in the beginning as I may injure my hands. Do you agree?

I have found a person in town willing to sell a 1960 German made cello (don`t know what brand name) with bow, case and a new set of strings for $2200 - $2500. Sound pricey? I`m looking to spend more like $1500, but have been told that my determination to learn an instrument will be directly tied to it`s quality, and thus it`s sound.

The same seller also gives lessons. $45 an hour and $30 for half hour. She says that for a beginner, an hour a week is sufficient. Does this sound right?

Thanks for your answers! I am excited to begin learning. I don`t have aspirations to become a professional player, nor do I see myself seeking out a band. I do see myself trying to compose in the future, but I think that`s just the painter in me.

Sara

A couple of things..... I have studied with some of the best teachers where I live, and they usually charged around $35/hour. Depending on the credentials of this particular teacher, he/she may or may not be worth it. The price of lessons will vary depending on what part of the country you live in, and what demand etc. Supply and Demand... You know all of that. Anyway, check into the credential first, and check with some other teachers.

As far as the cello, again, it could be worth the asking price, and it could not be. I would suggest getting several appraisels on it and then make your decision. If you think this cello will be out of your price range, I have a cello that I need to sell. I have it on another post, but I`ll go ahead and dido a lot of what I say in that post here to save you time.

My cello is a 4/4 Kohr, dark finish (working on pictures right now), beautiful deep tone. I played on it for the better part of 4 years and have recently needed to upgrade to a better instrument. I`d say that this cello would be perfect for a beginner. I have a bow, and a case that I`d be willing to sell to you as well. The case is a hard case, and the bow is a Londoner two star (they sell for around $300 online). The whole package together would be $1700.00. As far as you getting to try the instrument out, I am flexible, and we can arrange something. Please let me know if you are interested, and what your location is. Thanks.



Titus

I played cello from 4th grade through high school then for 2 years in a symphony. That was about 8 yrs ago and have recently started playing again (now that I have the time).

1st . . . if you are just thinking about it and want something to use while you are discovering this wonderful instrument, I would suggest either renting or purchasing a student 4/4 cello. I (since it has been so long) recently purchased one on Ebay pretty cheap (email me and I will tell you more) only because I don`t want to sink a ton of money into something I may or may not continue to practice (I also have 3 kids and a husband).

I encourage your pursuit into the cello (biased I know) and good luck!

Email me anytime with questions!

(Oh and about the "hurting your hands" coment . . . you can get tendonitis or other types of strains if you "excercise" muscles that are not used to the activity . . . so until you have practiced for a little while I agree with your husband!)

This is actualy a reply I made to another post but the information may be useful.

I just started to rent my first cello and received it last week. I choose to rent from stringworks (www.stringworks.com) since they have a great rental and upgrade program. 2/3rds of your rental fees go toward the purchase of an instrument if you decide to buy your rental or any other of their line. Also, they have a great upgrade program that will atribute 100% of the cost of your previous instrument when you upgrade to another. The cello I received is absolutely beautiful and much nicer then any I had to choose from at music stores available for rent. My wife is curently renting a viola from a local shop and stringworks sent out 2 violas for her to try. The two they sent out were much nicer then her rental and plans to purchase one that sounds absolutly amazing (soloist viola) and is roughly the same cost as the rental she had intended on purchasing.

Give their website a look as I was in your shoes just 2 weeks ago.

Best regards,

Marc Webster

Hey Sara,

I checked out tour work and I wish I had the ability to draw like that. I am a design engineer and my conceptual sketches are horrible but I make up for it once I get the design in solidworks.

I also forgot to mention something that you may want to consider. I too wanted to rush out and buy a cello and get started ASAP. I decided to do some research on the net that led me to the above mentioned stringworks website. My main decision to rent was that I am untrained and realy don`t know what I want in an instrument. I figured I would rent for some time then most likely attribute the funds towards the purchase of a cello from stringworks when I have a good idea of just what I am looking for. Also, if for some reason I find I do not have the time to continue with the lessons I am only out the cost of rental fees rather then the cost of an added instrument purchase.

Just something to think about,

Marc Webster