When to Upgrade Instrument, ~preparing for grade 6~ Options

[celloml]

My teacher is preparing me to sit for grade 6 in upcoming exam session (at least I think he means 6 and not 7;)) He says my cello, which is an intermediate entry-level model, will "do" for grade 6, but that I need to start saving up for better one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) ... not that I'm displeased, of course. I've always wanted a better cello so I'm glad he thinks so too. Just that I might have to rob someone to get the $$$.

Wondering what is considered an appropriate time to upgrade an instrument from entry level to advanced to professional? Would I suffer any if I had to take grade 8 on my current instrument?

[lottie]

I'm quite intrigued by this because my new viola has such an astounding sound compared to my old one that I can't see how that wouldn't affect marks in an exam (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

I mean how much of that 'quality' would an examiner put down to a player's ability to get that sound out of an instrument - would an outstanding player be able to do it from a cheaper instrument? I think probably. But an amazing instrument must 'impress' an examiner - especially if they're NOT a string player and are unaware of the difference in quality between instruments and would therefore attribute sound to the player (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) .

All I do is bow the strings - the new viola is doing all the work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)


Oh cellomi - an upgrade may not be as expensive as you think. It might be worth you trying some cellos out sometime in a shop to give you a better idea.

[jojo]

I'm quite intrigued by this because my new viola has such an astounding sound compared to my old one that I can't see how that wouldn't affect marks in an exam (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

All I do is bow the strings - the new viola is doing all the work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Lottie!

how wonderful,

you sound SO HAPPY with your viola (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

that is fantastic (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Hooplah]

It's kind of a weird situation - mine is similar in that I have a good student Cello that will start to be pushed in the upper grades, but could probably manage it.

I've tried to disconnect my new instrument purchase from the grade/exam system, and am thinking more about how much I'll need to spend to upgrade, and whether that would be a final upgrade, or a similar step towards my final instrument.

I'm tending towards the former - I don't want to spend a lot of money that only gives me a small increase in quality/sound. Personally, I feel that my current instrument will take me to grade 7 and 8 quite comfortably, but I am starting to save up, with the expectation that I will change in around two to three years time; and that change will be to an instrument/bow combination that would see me not having to change again.

My Cellos weakness is in the region beyond 7th position, particularly when using thumb position - the current grade 8 syllabus doesn't really stretch those areas too hard - but again, it would depend on what else I was doing, performance wise - I'd like to do quartet, Trio and Solo repertoire, as well as orchestral, so having a higher quality instrument to accomplish that might change when I buy.

I'd rather not spend thousands of pounds if all I'm doing is playing to myself! I ask myself, if I had the money now, could I justify an upgrade? The answer is no, and when it's yes, I'll do it. That's a bit vague I know, but I think it's only you and your tutor that can know when you should change.

On the other hand, I do think that there's a psychological aspect to this - If you sound better, you play better. It's kind of the 'Look good, feel great' syndrome kicking in (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[BadStrad]

About 18 months ago I almost brought a fabulous violin, but advice here and the circumstances meant that I didn't. Then six months ago my teacher found a similar instrument but in even better condition, that just roars out. It's a real performers violin.

Now I know there are people who think as a beginner (~ grade 3) I probably shouldn't have bought such an instrument, but the price was right and it's a forever instrument. I'll never need to upgrade it. There are no cracks, no tonal weak spots, it's really smooth all the way along the neck. I doubt I could actually afford to replace it with anything better. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

So my advice would be if the right instrument comes along at the right price - go for it.

[jojo]

So my advice would be if the right instrument comes along at the right price - go for it.

that's just what I did (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

(the price was a little 'stretch' for me actually but my family 'jumped' in and helped me out, it was my birthday after all and that's the excuse they used (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I doubt I'll buy another violin, well, unless I jump into a little fortune which is highly unlikely or a very precious violin drops on my head! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif))

[lottie]

I'm quite intrigued by this because my new viola has such an astounding sound compared to my old one that I can't see how that wouldn't affect marks in an exam (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

All I do is bow the strings - the new viola is doing all the work (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Lottie!

how wonderful,

you sound SO HAPPY with your viola (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

that is fantastic (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I am, I'm so lucky! It still feels like I have to 'grow-into' it (like big shoes) so I think it's the forever-viola for me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

The down side is that I haven't had time to play it for nearly 3 weeks now! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) AND my show in Edinburgh went so well last week that instead of being able to take life a little easier now (ie more playing) things have taken off for me and career-wise I'm busier than ever and will be for the forseable future. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

While I'm obviously delighted about that it means, I think, I'll have to cancel plans for an exam in November. It's going to be a real struggle to fit in enough practice time.

Still - I'm holding out for 20 mins later today (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[jojo]

AND my show in Edinburgh went so well last week that instead of being able to take life a little easier now (ie more playing) things have taken off for me and career-wise I'm busier than ever and will be for the forseable future. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

but that is GREAT! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

wish you plenty of success in your career (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I'm sure time for viola will come later (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[BadStrad]

Great news Lottie - congratulations! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Back to the original thread - just got my old violin out (I keep her for travelling and playing outdoors). I used to think she made the most lovely sound, but now I have to work harder to create the sound I want. The sound in my head is now like that of my new violin, which is much richer, fuller. It was also funny to notice how loud a B is on the A string compared to the other notes - it really jumps out compared to the smoothness of Calypso.

Taking Lottie's point - Now I'd feel much more confident taking an exam on Calypso, as she's the better instrument - but before I had her I didn't really know any better.

[Blackbird77]

Some people upgrade when they get to around Grades 5-6, as playing and technique improve, some people may find that they've outgrown their current instrument or discover its limitations in the ability to take the player to Grade 8 and beyond. If you feel that your current instrument may be holding you back, then maybe it is time to upgrade.

I've upgraded a couple of times and am considering upgrading again but in my case I need to find out first whether it's me or the instrument (I suspect the former).

If you are thinking of upgrading, ask your teacher if they know of suitable cellos available for sale or if you're looking in a shop, if they would consider a trade in on your current cello.

Good luck for your Grade 6.

p.s. Lottie - wonderful news, absolutely delighted for you.

[jojo]

Some people upgrade when they get to around Grades 5-6, as playing and technique improve

it's 'interesting' as I felt the 'need' to change violin just after I sat my grade 5 exam....

I suddenly developed a strong 'dislike' for the sound of my violin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) it was VERY strong indeed...

when my teacher played my violin it did sound a little better, but it was 'marginal', I still disliked it very much!

I just could not bring myself to enjoy it anymore, he 'had to leave' (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

so I bought a new violin, hang on, not one TWO! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

then as many of you know 6 months later I just 'tripped' into my current violin, fell in love with it and bought it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rofl.gif) now there's no turning back!

So.....to cut a long story short:

I did 'upgrade' at grade 5, but I am not sure it was because I had outgrown my violin, what do you think 'people'? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I suddenly had like an 'allergic reaction' to it, even now if I listen to videos I have of me or my teacher playing it I dislike its sound...brrrrrr

is that 'outgrowing' an instrument?

[Violin Hero]

I bought my 1st violin when I left school as I had been renting through school. I bought a fairly cheap violin and when i got to about grade 6 I upgraded to a 1K GBP violin.

Now I am past grade 8 and working on my ATCL I am planning to upgrade very soon and will be spending a few thousand GBP and I hope that the new violin/bow will last a long number of years. The reason I feel the need to upgrade is that I am unhappy with the sound in higher positions and at my level much of the music goes high up, a lot more than when I was learning graded level music. With a new violin I can produce a richer sound which the music I am and will be playing deserves.

[delicato]

My teacher is preparing me to sit for grade 6 in upcoming exam session (at least I think he means 6 and not 7;)) He says my cello, which is an intermediate entry-level model, will "do" for grade 6, but that I need to start saving up for better one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) ... not that I'm displeased, of course. I've always wanted a better cello so I'm glad he thinks so too. Just that I might have to rob someone to get the $$$.

Wondering what is considered an appropriate time to upgrade an instrument from entry level to advanced to professional? Would I suffer any if I had to take grade 8 on my current instrument?

I think you should up grade when ever you like (or for some when can afford to). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
Some people get a professional instrument from the very beginning (luck them).
Some get a cheap instrument then up grade straight to a professional one, as cannot be bothered with the "intermediate" instrument.
Some prefer to wait till they are more "experienced" before getting a pro instrument.
So i think depends on the individual.
What ever you do enjoy the process of finding a nice cello! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
(or maybe think about renting a better one???? try for a while, then some even allow you to buy if you really love it ---- but do not know how much this costs ----- but just an idea!). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[ffliwt]

I upgraded very gradually and i'm glad i did (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Began on a stentor, got a ?450 violin for my grade 4, ?1800 for my grade 8 and recently got a nearly ?8000 violin. When i upgraded to my ?1800 violin, there was one costing nearly ?6000 that i was SOOO absolutely totally in love with, i was prepared to do anything to get it and was ready to sell all my old instruments and stuff to afford it but my teacher said no, that'd be like giving a learner driver a Ferrari (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I think if i'd have played a ?6000 violin for my grade 8, it'd have been doing a lot of the work for me. But at the same time, it's nice to have an instrument you can grow into and know that it is your forever violin (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I'm fairly sure that's what i have now.
If you can part ex the instruments in as you upgrade them it wont end up costing you any more (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Hooplah]

I'm going to stop looking at this thread, it's going to cost me money - as my mornings web browsing history would attest to... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)