I have a beginner's Stentor II cello. I find it very difficult to forge any emotional connection with it because it is all shiny and new (even after more than a year) and factory made. I would love to buy a better and older cello but find it difficult to justify the cost to myself at the moment. Its tone is not too bad actually and when my teacher plays it it really sounds quite good. But I often hear people say one couldn't do higher grades with a cello like this. At which grade do you think I ought to get a better one?

There's no "ought to" really, and I've never tried the cello you're talking about. I'd say that, if you're finding it hard to connect with your instrument, I wouldn't go above grade 4 or 5 on it. But it's got to be how you feel. A good instrument is always an investment, with the added advantage that when you change, you could get a pleasant surprise, if you have the technique but not the instrument!

However, be wary of changing because you think it will miraculously improve the way you play. If I played a Strad, it wouldn't make me as good as Isserlis or Ma (more's the pity!)

my son had 1/4 stentor 2 and got 140 in his grade 3 on it. He has just moved onto a 1/2 cheap gear 4 music cello and got 138 in his grade 5. I upgraded his strings to dominants and he has to work a little bit on tone as the cello is so small but he manages.

However he has just be given a bursary to buy a new cello so next year we will get him a more expensive 3/4 cello if he can grow quick enough.

Hmm, yes, I wish I could justify splashing out on a better one because I am still growing taller like your son. You are right, changing the strings on a cheaper cello does make a lot of difference, I put Jargar ones on mine and had the bridge lowered and it does sound a lot better.

I have recently bought a J Haide "Artiste" cello, which cost me just under £2000, from a very reputable dealer. This too is shiny new, but you can also get an antique finish one which is a bit more expensive and might suit you as a next step which isn't (by cello standards) too expensive. My dealer told me that the quality of sound of these cellos is equivalent to models nearly twicw that price and I have indeed found it very good. I'm not that experienced as a player and can make it sound good, and my teacher makes it sound fantastic. It might be something to start saving up for!

Have a look here

I've heard the J Haide ones are lovely for the price - glad you're happy with it sue. I'd love to hear how you find it settles in over time.

Thanks for your advice Suepea and Meerkat. I do know someone else with a J Haide and she is very happy with hers too. However, I have my heart set on an old one. It doesn't need to be ancient, anything over a few decades really is OK, and I am willing to spend about £3000. I just love the idea that other people have loved it and played it. Like my piano, which is from 1929 and has that old smell and appearance which I like. I am just an old romantic I guess, who likes to pretend that inanimate objects have souls after all.

I started on a Stentor 11 cello and did grade 5 on it. I have recently upgraded to a Zeller, (with a Glasser carbongraphite bow) which is more than adequate for me. As cello isn't one of my main instruments, I didn't want to spend a great amount on a new one, just replace it with something a bit better. I'll probably do grade 6 and not go any further. Do be careful when buying an older instrument - it is just as easy to end up with an old piece of junk as a good quality instrument.

Thanks Primavera and Noodle. You are quite right to add that warning. I am certainly planning to seek my teacher's help on this when the time comes, and to use her luthier too. I don't think I am the type that gets taken in easily, but as ever it is best to be on one's guard.
I'd be pleased to hear from folk out there who have happily bought an old cello.....

I think that instruments do have something akin to a soul (my cello is a young and lively three year old!) and I agree with you about old ones, but you will be lucky to get a good old instrument at the price you have in mind. There again, you might just be in the right place at the right time - follow your dream!