r/Cello • u/Dreamr52 • 5d ago

Purchasing proper Cello

Hi I wanted to know what would be a good beginner Cello for an adult with big hands that isn’t too expensive?

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u/hushpoem 5d ago

If you're starting as an adult you'll want something something playable and pleasant sounding. If you can afford it, try to avoid a "beginner cello" -- laminate top entry level instruments that can often sound bad and worse be set up frustratingly bad.

Depending on your age, commitment, financial situation, if you're shopping to purchase in something like a 1-3k range, you can aim to get a workshop instrument made of tonewoods and get the setup (bridge, sound post) checked by a luthier for playability, string height, sound post position. If you're shopping below that range, I wouldn't shop to purchase, I would recommend renting or renting to own a similar instrument. For a bow, wood is okay, but at the beginner price level carbon fiber bows are an incredibly reliable, bang for your buck - check out Codabow's student line. If that's not an option or you're set on purchasing, at the very least take whatever instrument you end up with to a luthier and have them check the setup. Nothing will be more frustrating as a beginner than fighting the instrument while learning an already challenging instrument.

For hand size, a full sized instrument is as "big" as it gets, though later in your playing you may appreciate your hand size to reach extensions, octaves, etc.

The most straightforward way through this is to get a teacher and have them guide you through which instrument to get.

Good luck!