Hi,

A friend has her daughter's cello for sale, but doesn't know a lot about it.

It's full size, Romanian and the make is "Regla" or similar (I have not seen it yet to check) and it is about 14 years old.

Any ideas please? and if so how do you rate this instrument?

Thanks.

I think we need some context. Is it good enough to learn on? Quite possibly.
Is it good enough to perform a concerto with the LSO? Almost certainly not.

Good point Discopants, thanks for your reply.

I didn't want to miss out on a good instrument as I know that some of the Romanian cello's are high quality.

Is a "Regla" the early version of "Gliga" perhaps? I don't know the history of Romanian Luthiers.

Choices choices....... I need an instrument that I can grow into but don't want to spend an outrageous amount as I havn't even touch a cello yet!

I know the arguments for/against hire etc.

My teacher 'in waiting' says to try the violin shop in the next town, however, I'm sure I can get a better deal from a supplier/Luthier as the shop has to make a cut too. (Is he on commision perhaps? )

Is a Primavera too basic or should I go for a Prima 200? The Gliga is just more than I can warrant spending.

Mmmm...... *Tomo retires to a dark room to think*

Why is your friend selling her daughter's cello?

Is there any way your prospective teacher could have a look at the cello and give you an opinion?

My guess is it will be "Reghin" - which is the name of a town in Romania. Hora are based in Reghin and I am 99% sure their instruments are labelled "Reghin". Gligas, to the best of my knowledge, never have been labelled thus. Hora, well, let's just say it bears a very strong resemblance to Poller. So yes, it might well be a good buy, depends how much she wants for it and what condition it's in. Bear in mind that these days a set of half decent cello strings will cost you at least £100 before you've even started upgrading anything else!

There is now precisely £5 difference between the RRP of the Prima 200 and the price of the cheapest Gliga.

I agree it's a lot of money to spend if you haven't even tried a cello yet so I'd suggest having a good look at this used one - you can always upgrade later if you get on well, after all.

Liz

Liz,

Thanks again for your helpful coments, you are a boon to this forum

I was under the impression that the Gliga you mention was a beginer type instrument?

I was asuming the Prima 200 was a step up from that?

Much depends on definition. Some people's definition of a beginner instrument is the cheapest you can get that is playable. There's nothing wrong with that definition in my opinion, especially when you are talking about something the price of a cello. Other people define beginners' instruments as anything up to the point where your long suffering teacher begs you to get a better one because the present one is limiting you so much. I would be very suspicious indeed of the motives of any cello teacher who tried to tell anyone below at least grade 6 that any Gliga, or a Prima 200 for that matter, was holding them back - assuming of course that neither instrument has a set up problem which is making it difficult to play. There is someone on these forums (I honestly can't remember who it is) whose son got up to grade 8 distinction on a Stentor student or something similar and another parent here whose son reached something like grade 7 on a very cheap gear4music cello. I know someone who did grade 8 violin on a Zeller and I myself did grade 8 viola on a Poller. But then teachers do vary and I guess those who are used to dealing with rich parents, who are also willing to spend their money, are able to recommend things that other teachers can only dream of.

As for the relative qualities of the Gliga / Prima 200 cello, I couldn't possibly comment without getting into trouble with the mods and neither could I claim to be unbiased, but in terms of specification, quality and manufacture the cheapest Gliga is directly comparable to both the cheaper Poller and the cheaper Zeller (1360/1399)

Just one more thing - if you are looking around comparing prices, do look for up to date prices - our wholesaler has put the prices up several times in the past year because of the exchange rate. For example, something that was £69.50 for years has gone up in stages over the past few months to £89.50, that is a jump of almost 30%. Do not assume that any price you see on a website is correct unless you have checked it. Prices are moving so fast that it is possible some retailers are simply not keeping up - which, of course, makes your friend's cello even better value.

Liz

News Flash,

Good guess Liz. I have the cello here now and it's got Reghin on the label.

It looks and sounds like a "student" instrument.

I have a lesson booked tommorrow evening so I will let my teacher have a look.

I also have a much more expensive instrument that I have on loan from a local Luthier. This has the same name! Even I can tell it's a lot more of an instrument than the other.

This is great fun making a decision. It's a privelage to be able to even consider learning an instrument.

We are all soooo lucky.

Good luck with it all - do keep us informed about your cello journey!