Hi,

I'm about to hire a cello for my partner who wants to learn but i'm getting confused as to which one is best, and so was wondering whether anybody can recommend any or indeed any decent companies?

So far, i've found online companies including:

Courtney & Walker - offer either Stentor II or a Prima 100
Sheehans - offer either a Used European, New European or Improved Chinese
Djmmusic - offer an Antoni
Bristol violin shop - offer a cello from their rental stock?
Signetmusic - offer Stentor I or II

Basically, I'm, wondering whether any of these companies or indeed instruments are better to use and learn on than others?

thanks

I can't tell you much about the companies except that I know there is a good luthier who works at or for Sheehans. The Prima 100 is OK.

Liz

Hi,
At this level they are all pretty much the same really. What is important however, is how they have been set up. As you are renting from a luthier, I would expect them to be set up properly anyway. The best bet would be to take your partner in and see how he/she feels sitting with them and drawing the bow across them. Personally I'd go for a used European...probably because that's the sort of thing I'm more used to. It will have been played in, and is probably made of decent woods. Make sure it has decent strings on it too.

I really wouldn't agonise too much at this stage.

Have fun.



Iona
(Actually I've just realised you mention the Bristol Violin Shop. I've had quite a few dealings with them.......and they've always been really good .).