Can anyone shed any light on the price i could expe tto pay for a 2nd hand beginner model cello, as i may be looking to take it up and don't want to go buying anything i can't do justice to, just yet.

Any thoughts or prior experience would be most appreciated.

Not sure about 2nd handers, but don't be tempted into a crappy Stagg or similar! (Currently living to regret it!)

The Gliga range of new instruments have a pretty good reputation, more at: http://www.elidatrading.co.uk/ .

Hi,

The best advice I could give (as a 'cellist), is to rent one for a few months before buying. Most music shops do a three month or so rental plan on a decent beginner's 'cello with bow, case etc. It tends not to be too expensive, and they'll deduct the price you've paid if you purchase one at a later date from their shop. (Phone around first though to see what their deals are).

Buying a 'cello at any level is full of pitfalls. You could end up buying a cheap beginner's instrument for under £200 but find it horrendously difficult to play because it's been badly set up or worse. The 'cello is difficult to learn and you need the best instrument you can get for your money or else you'll find yourself giving up in exasperation before you've been able to give it a good go.

Having said that.......'cello is brilliant and addictive. I hope you love it.

All the best
Iona

When I see adverts in the local paper it is usually about £200. If you have a teacher in mind,he or she might go with you to the house-I know my teacher does that for her younger pupils. I know you need to check that the sides are joined together nicely-(the back of mine once came apart).also check the pegs move easily-I was once lent a Cello when mine was being repaired, I could not tune it up to pitch! also make sure the end pin is secure.
(I am a amateur cellist-just about to play mine!)

As cello player says, it's certainly a good idea to have a cellist come with you to look at the cello and make sure it's in full working order etc. My first cello was truly disgusting; it rattled, buzzed, squeaked and was just generally so horrible it was discouraging to play. It might be a better to rent for a few months and then if you decide you want to continue, buy yourself a nicer cello which will last you some time and you'll enjoy playing.

Your teacher may be able to recommend somewhere for you to rent or borrow until you are convinced that cello is for you. I still have my first cello that I started on about 8 years ago which I have lent out several times to adult newbies.
If you have to buy, beware of ebay, you will really need someone to go along wih you to try it out!

Hope you enjoy learning, it's a great instrument.

whereabouts in the world are you greenheart?

Hi all

I hired and subsequently bought 'my first' cello from J P Guivier in London. Easy enough to find on tinternet.

However - I haven't actually played in about 5 years and really want to find a good and cheap local teacher. I'm thinking about contacting local University's and possibly the Birmingham Conservatoire (now living in West Midlands) to see if a student needs some extra cash. Anyone done this before - or got any other ideas? I'm sadly on a very strict budget. And I don't drive - so ideally need someone to come to me!

Not asking much am I

Listening to a bit of Jaqueline Du Pre and blissing out......

Hi,
Contacting the local Uni/Conservatoire is a good idea. That's how I got one of my teachers (some time ago now ). I'm now at College myself and it's fairly standard practice for requests to go through the Dept. You should be able to find Dept. details on the web, so just fire off an e-mail. Otherwise, you can check out all the other standard avenues.......music shops etc.
Good Luck.
iona

I'm based in Cheshire.

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