WHAT SIZE CELLO is right for you? This is my trick for beginning adult cello players.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ส.ค. 2021
- Adults learning how to play the cello often select and instrument that is simply too big. This causes tension and pain in the left hand - which is simply unnecessary. In this video I will show you the simple trick to finding the right size cello. This is very important if you are an adult just learning how to play the cello.
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I'm petite with small hands. A 4/4 size was such a struggle that I would get frustrated. Eventually, I got a 7/8. The difference was phenomenal. Worth it.
Your tips were something I’ve been needing to hear since the idea of playing Cello crossed my mind… no even one of my teachers understood the importance of the size when playing, they were so focused on their idea that I was new and needed more time to let my hand adjust to the ranges that even ignored my pain complains… thank you for guiding me and confirm I had some reasonable argument, tomorrow I will go and by my 3/4 Cello
Excellent. You will love the smaller instrument. :)
Thank you Carolyn! This revelation rescued my relationship to the cello. My small double jointed fingers didn’t have a chance with a full sized cello.
I am very new to cello , and as a 5’2 and small size hands plus short fingers That was so helpful, i will try a 7/8 cello because 4/4 is quite large for me.
Thank you so much! This was such a well informed and clear video. If confirmed my guess they I would need at 3/4 size cello. Thank you!
You are welcome!
I'm about to start another string instrument and I stumbled on this video, this is very insightful, thank you! I'm now considering on getting one for myself, most likely a 3/4 since my palm is considered small and I'm 5'2"
My hand measures 6-3/4" from the tip of my middle finger to the base of my palm and 3" across my palm. My finger width is 5-1/2" from finger 1 to finger 4, which was the only measurement that the various websites I looked at mentioned as being important. Nobody mentioned palm width or the vertical measurement to the middle finger tip. My first teacher insisted that a 4/4 was fine for me, although I had a feeling it wasn't. Shortly after purchasing my first cello, I realized I had collapsing pinkies and discovered ring splints, which allowed me to play without hurting myself, although I ended up downsizing to a better quality 3/4 after about 4 months, as I felt it was going to catch up to me eventually. Even the 7/8 wasn't enough to make a difference. The ring splints do interfere a little with my ability to do 4th finger extensions, as they keep my pinky from flattening out quite as much as I could use, but I'm hoping to eventually put them away. My pinky strength has definitely improved since I started wearing them. I also have tendonitis in both wrists, both elbows and both upper arms (susceptible much?), as well as Fibromyalgia and Reynauds. I'm 67 and have been playing now for about 15 months.
In any case, I still run into people who think that I should be able to play a 4/4 or at least a 7/8, because 3/4 cellos are for kids. And just try to find good quality strings for them! My current on-line teacher gave me a list of string suggestions and none of them are available for 3/4 cellos. It has been suggested that I just use 4/4 strings, but shouldn't I be getting something that is made for a 3/4? I've also had trouble finding someone to play my 3/4 for me, as I want to see if some issues I'm having are me or my instrument, but the one professional cellist I took it to, just gave it a cursory run up a scale or 2, made some excuse for not doing more and said it sounded fine. I think he just didn't want to sound bad if his intonation was off. A couple of luthiers I took it to, really couldn't play. Maybe I should find a student who plays well...
Anyway, excuse the lengthy back story. You mention once that 3/4 cellos are one of 3 sizes acceptable for adults, but neglect to go into it any further and just say that if a 4/4 is too big, get a 7/8. I'm not concerned about playing with an orchestra, although I might like to try a small ensemble some day. Are there not decent quality 3/4 cellos out there? I might actually have one, although it's hard for me to tell at this stage of my development.
Hello Donna, I also have small hands and decided to go with a good quality 3/4 cello. Don't listen to anyone who says you shouldn't play an instrument that you're comfortable with! That makes no sense at all.
Strings are designed for specific vibrating lengths in order to produce the right sound when played, and 4/4 strings are a few inches longer than 3/4 and wouldn't sound right if mounted on a smaller size. How does your cello sound now? Are you trying to bring out or suppress certain qualities? Mine was strung with a Larsen A and Helicores. The Larsen was too bright and tinny and the Helicores were mushy sounding. I found a set of 3/4 Thomastik dominants (synthetic core w/ chrome winding for a nice warm resonant sound) and feel like they're bringing out the qualities of my instrument that I want. You might also need a better quality tail piece. Even the endpin mounting can affect the overall sound.
I am 78 years old, 5’1’ 95 LB, small frame person. Started with 3/4 cello. Thank you for your input.
Being a guitar player who tends towards smaller scale guitars due to my small hands, I appreciated this video. I assumed anything other than a 4/4 cello was meant only for children.
And you are not alone in your thinking! That's one of the main reasons I decided to make this video. Too many people are frustrated playing on a 4/4 cello but they just don't understand that there are other options!
Educational!
Great video on cello sizes. I play a lovely ⅞ cello with a very big voice- good strings help a lot ( my cello has versus Solo strings and they are lovely, in case anyone asks.. Just a comment, consider the type of cello too. I played a ⅞ Montangna design cello for a few years and when it came to playing in the upper registers, the large upper bout was a real hinderance and my cello teacher commented it was way too big for my arm! I eventually traded it in on a ⅞ Stradivarius pattern cello with a smaller body and it was such a good change for me.
thank You !!
Thank you Carolyn. I’m an adult beginner, size S in gloves 🙂and I felt intuitively that a 7/8 is the right size for me. It took me a few months to find one while I was renting a 4/4, but I persisted and now rent a lovely 7/8 - the difference for me is amazing - from comfort and sitting posture, to ease of fingering. My whole experience rehearsing has greatly improved. It takes some time to adjust from the 4/4 but I think that the few months on it were valuable in helping my body signal clearly how different the experience with the smaller cello is.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’ve recently started to learn to play the cello and currently I’m renting a 4/4 cello, and I’ve been wondering if I should select a 7/8 cello when I’m ready to buy. Very useful information
Hi Sophie! You might see if the company where you are renting will allow you to trade the full size for a 7/8 - or at least let you try one. I tell ya, it's really a game changer!
I have a 7/8 cello. I'm a 172cm (5'8") man, but I have fairly small hands. My (female) cello tutor has (marginally) bigger hands than me. I found that the 7/8 was a great cello for me as I have to reach just that little bit less.
This is so interesting. I was just talking with my son yesterday about what size I would need. I am just over five foot . My feeling is that I would need a smaller than full size cello
When I was shopping for a cello, I was never told that there was a 7/8 size, there were only the 4 sizes and I went with the full size or 4/4 cello, which is fine, but I always have difficulty with extensions. None of my teachers even told me that maybe I needed a 7/8 size, they just told me to do exercises to extend my fingers or they would do a shortcut by moving into another position. Most websites for cellos don't even advertise the 7/8 size, which is really sad, because if they had them available then there would be a lot more happier adult learners like myself. If I get the opportunity to try out a 7/8 size, my next purchase will likely be that size.
I totally agree with you, Andrew. I'm still so surprised that so many teachers and string shops fit adults to a full size when there is indeed another option! I hope you are able to try one at some point.
Thank you for such a helpful, thoughtful guide, particularly important for senior adult learner like me 😊
Would like get clarified if the string length for a 7/8 is 67cm? as opposed to 69 cm for a 4/4 .
The circumference of my hand is 7 inches but my whole hand in length is 6 inches. I am a whole 5'1 😂😂😂 I bought a full size a few years ago. Been struggling with it for quite a while and I have been debating about buying a 3/4 or a 7/8. I injured my hand a few months ago. It hurts to play, so I'? Still debating. Thanks for your video. It was really educational. Never has anyone said what you so well explaned here.
Thank you. I was worried my cello was too big because I have short pinkies on both hands but with large width span. I also notice your pinkies are short like mine, what cello size do you play and how should i hold the bow? I have a 4 4 which I find it hard to play even though I can fit into the L size Mens gloves.
I'm a senior (early 70s) and have been playing a 4/4 for nearly 2 years. Despite Herculean efforts, I cannot get my fingers to stretch where I don't need to do a "microshift" up the fingerboard to hit the #1 finger position once I end up using finger #4. The fingers just close together and I need to adjust for that to make an acceptable sound. My fingers aren't short, just a bit arthritic. I just have not found a way to stretch comfortably. I wear a large men's glove but my finger spread between #1 and #4 finger is a tad over 5" rather than 6" for a 4/4. I tried a 7/8 for a few minutes and it seemed to solve most of my immediate issues but need a longer test run and get used to a 7/8. I am waiting on renting a 7/8 if possible. I own the 4/4 and love it's sound. I stopped by a shop recently and they said I should be using a 4/4 and that I could stretch. Seems that I simply can't. Any suggestions? I don't know where my breadth of the hand fits into everything.
Thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim- Your scenario is what a lot of folks encounter - especially at rental shops. There's this thinking that if you are an adult (and a male adult at that) then you should be on a 4/4 cello. You sound like the perfect candidate for a 7/8, especially since you tried one and found luck with it. Why struggle when you don't need to?! There are many beautiful sounding 7/8 cellos as well. I recommend you rent (or purchase) the best one you can.
@@cellodiscovery Thanks. the local shop here has some coming in sometime between now and mid October so will try the rental if i can get one.
Nope, next year at best. sigh...
FYI, rented a 3/4 this week for a month. So far, it’s proving interesting. Not sure its going to help. I could not find a 7/8 for short term rental. Bt this 3/4 s very close to a 7/8.
@@jimseger2477 I'm in my mid 50s with some arthritis in my fingers, 3.75" between 1 and 4, and I went with a 3/4 as I'm starting again. It feels pretty good so far. The 4/4 was -0- fun to play.
Thanks for such a concise video!
I have an odd situation and your perspective will help.
I am short waisted. From the top of my hip, my legs are 40”, and from hip top to shoulder, 15”.
I know the scroll should end up behind my ear, but also my knees should be below the cut out! I *also* have long arms and fingers. Longer than my height by almost 2”.
As an … alien? Mutant? 😆 with joints that collapse, I’m at a loss for dealing with correct left shoulder position relative to the cello. If I lower it to be scroll at ear, then I end up having my legs in the cutouts. If I raise it a bit, I notice I hunch my shoulders.
Im going to work with a teacher soon ish, but if you had to prioritize alignment, I’m curious what you would advise me to focus on?
Last, I’m sharing my cello with my tall, long armed teen, but am considering moving to a 3/4 size, since I practice more often than he does (he played the violin for 3 years so of course he plays metal & jazz on it, I’m still learning good king wenceslas 😆)
Again, I’ll see a teacher in about 6 weeks, but any input you have is welcome.
I'm curious how you resolved this. I'm 5'4" and my lowest ribs sit inside my pelvis, and I do have small hands with short fingers; 3/4 seems like a good place for me to start and feels tons better than the full size I gave up on ten years ago.
@@gr8bskt Hello there! I agree on the 3/4 switch. I ultimately got switched and the smaller length means that my positions are closer to feeling correct/less distorted. My biggest problem now is remembering to order a rock-stop so it stops slipping on our rug, and remembering to wear the hand brace.
I know the full size tone is supposed to be richer (laws of physics and all) but I'm still such a beginner that being able to play in better position is the fastest "sound' correction I could ask for. Hope your journey is going well!
Thanks for the info. My daughter has outgrown her 3/4 rental. She’s petite (4’10 - probably not going to grow much more). I haven’t been able to find any 7/8 rentals or used. Any suggestions on where I could find one? Thanks!
Hi there! Are you in the U.S.? If so, try Linda West Cellos. I'm almost certain they carry the 7/8.
Carolyn, thank you for this video. I started cello lessons at 60, almost 4 years ago, but where I live in Abu Dhabi, a cello teacher is hard to find. Between my teacher leaving and then covid, I have not had lessons for at least two years and am right back to square one. But as hard as it is to find a cello teacher, it is much harder to find a cello. I imported my full size cello at great expense from the USA. Now I wish I had bought the 7/8, but there you have it. I have to make do with the full size. I have medium sized hands for a woman, with a 6" spread from first to fourth fingers on my left hand. My cello teacher had smaller hands than me and had no issues with my cello but my, her hands were flexible! anyway, can you please tell me it will be okay! ):
Hi Rebecca! Yes, it will be ok. :) I played on a full size for several decades before I got a 7/8. Just be sure to warm-up your hands before you play and remember that your whole arm is part of the hand movement. Your arm can help you reach notes easier.
I am a senior at 66 who has played the cello and really enjoyed it but found that my tendons on the palm my left fingering hand were tightening up and becoming painful. The stretches feel like they're too far between fingers. I am also short waisted so I'm almost 5'2" but my body length is greater in my legs than most people my height. I sit short. I have never found a comfortable way to support the cello with my legs and also the top of the cello body seems high. My full size cello does sound pretty good. I am wondering if I should rent a 7/8 cello to see how it feels. I am also wondering if medium or even soft strings might help with the aching hands. It's like I have been fighting my cello more as I got older so I stopped playing a couple of years ago. I'm willing to try again as my hands feel good when I don't play my full size cello. What do you think?
Hi Heather! You are describing my body type exactly. You should try the "Tush Cush." It's great for short-waisted, long legged people like us. :)
I do think a 7/8 will bring you some comfort in your hand. I play professionally on a 7/8 and I love it.
And "soft" strings don't really feel softer, they just sound softer.
And lastly, it sounds like your bridge might be too high! That's a common problem with entry-level cellos. If it is at all too high, it becomes very hard to press the strings. If you get it lowered as much as you can, you will likely find it so much easier to press the strings.
I have strange hands. Wide palms, short-ish fingers. I can stretch a 9th on the piano, but not a 10th. Does the wideness of the palms compensate for the shortness of the fingers for a 4/4 size, or am I on the road to 7/8th?
This is a wonderful video! Now, here's a question: would it make sense for senior adults (how I dislike that phrase!) suffering from the beginning of osteoarthritis to consider a 7/8? The extensions are becoming more and more difficult (and painful). Any opinions? I'm playing a Jay Haide Ruggieri now, and I know they make some nice-looking 7/8s. Thanks!
Hi Douglas! That's a great question. Yes, by all means a 7/8 will help with those extensions. I'm in my late 50's and I am already dealing with some early stages of osteoarthritis myself and I am so happy I have a 7/8 size cello. I have minimal pain when I play and the extensions are not impossible with the smaller cello. You'll also want to be sure to warm your hands before you play and stretch your fingers a bit as well.
@@cellodiscovery Dear Carolyn, Thanks so much for your quick reply! I came to cello late in life (in my 50s), after a history as a brass player in high school, college, and the military, followed by nearly 30 years as an orchestra conductor (left hand is optional). I also am "blessed" with a short 4th finger, so I'm going to continue exploring the 7/8 option. I'm looking forward to more of your videos. Thanks again, and please keep up the good work.
Thank you for your advice! I have long fingers (female) but notice a large stretch between thirds - for instance, lst position "E" to :"G" or first position third string "A" to "C". Always missing! Would a smaller size cello be the remedy? Thank you!
Possibly - but it could also have something to do with your left hand/arm form. Might watch my video on cello extensions. I've provided some tips which might help you extend easier! My best to you on your cello journey!
As a woman i have bought a 4/4 nothing else was available, also I thought the smaller ones were for teenagers
A lot of people assume that - or were told that, unfortunately.
I am a 155cm for height. I am a women with a plus size. Can you help me to choose what size suitable for me? 3/4 or 7/8? And I an adult learner.
Question: I'm searching for my first beginner cello, I'm a petite 5'4" I have nice long fingers that always helped me on the piano but I'm kinda borderline on the glove size test, I could either do small or medium (medium being a little big but I wear my husbands gloves when I have to lol) I wanted to start with a student cello that was used and invest down the road into a nicer cello when I can really test them and find the one that resonates with me. So my question is does it not make sense/would it be too difficult to start on a 3/4 cello and then later decide I want to switch to a 7/8? Would I just be relearning finger placement
I would say if you can find a decent student model 7/8 go with that. But if not, you can go with the 3/4 for now. It just won't have quite the projection that a 7/8 has and it might feel a little small on you. Hard to say for sure without seeing you. But definitely stay away from a full size. Make it easier on yourself. :)
The problem with 7/8 cello is that the body is also minimized which in turn will lack tonal quality and/or projection. You may need to either to commission a custom cello to be 7/8 without minimizing the body or get a Scala Corta cello which is what I have.
I play professionally on a 7/8. It is a very old cello with a huge, warm sound. But it is true overall, a 7/8 would not be good for someone who needs a big sound in order to project in a large hall. It's a trade-off, but worth it for so many people.
@@cellodiscovery Hi Carolyn, I just traded my 4/4 for a 7/8, and while it's better for my extension, the shorter neck means the C peg is well below my ear. If I raise the cello up any higher I will be playing on the fret board too low. What is the correct way to position a 7/8 ? Should I not expect the same parameters as on a 4/4 ?
@@skylark5789 - Without actually seeing a photo of the instrument against your body it would be really hard to diagnose. My first thought would be to adjust the endpin length as well as the distance of the endpin from your body. The C peg hits me at the base of my skull, not at my ear. Is the scroll (or the neck of the cello) resting on your shoulder? Make sure there is distance between your left shoulder and the cello neck. And lastly, be sure the back of the cello touches you at the sternum.
@@cellodiscovery Thank you. If need be I'll get in touch and send a pic. I'd be interested in your lessons as well. There are days when it feels perfect, and other days, it feels awkward! Yes, the base of the scroll rests on the top of my shoulder, very uncomfortable sometimes.I need to let the cello rest on my sternum, not fall back towards my shoulder. A lot of this has to to do with posture as well.
@@skylark5789 Very true. Posture is the key to learning to play well. I'd love to see a photo to help you. Email is info@cellodiscovery.com. Last thing... make sure you are leaning into your cello, not allowing the cello to learn on you. So, lean slightly forward.
I'm 5'3 and Medium size hands. I'm a adult beginner. I was a little intimidated by the full size cello which I haven't purchased yet. Maybe a 7/8 size will be good?
Absolutely! Always err on the smaller size.
What about electric cellos, are they all one size fits all?
My hand span is 8 1/4" and my finger span (first finger to pinky) is 6". So I'm guessing a full size cello?🤷♀️
As a girl I had a friend with short fingers who was learning piano, she always envied my big hands with long fingers.😂
Have you considerd a 4/4 short scale.
What kind of cello do you have? It's gorgeous. Is it German?
I bought a workshop 7/8 intermediate level cello in 2016 and have not the chance to learn/play it...We've met in MC before...
Hi there. Is this someone I know?
I'm about 5 foot 5 and I have very petite hands, should I go with a 3/4 or a 7/8 cello? I'm working on renting one and I'm not sure which size to get.
Hi Percy - You are probably somewhere between the two sizes. The trade-off with the 3/4 is that you'll lack a bit with projection. If you are renting, I would say go with the 7/8 if they have one. You can always get a smaller size later if the 7/8 is still too large. It's easier to go from a large instrument to a smaller one than visa-versa.
@@cellodiscovery thank you so much!!!
I've seen so many sizing videos I am rum dumb. I guess I will just have to go in to a shop and see? Hand = 7", Palm = 3.5", finger = 5.50/75. 4/4 or 7/8? I am 5'6" tall.
I hear ya. For sure go into a shop and get sized there. I recommend you try both. See which one feels right with the hand stretch. If you are just beginning, you wouldn't really know this - so... perhaps err on the smaller size.
What if you really need a 3/4 cello, but you perform in ensembles - are there good 3/4 size cellos that have rich tone and good projection? Thanks.
Hi Gail - Yes, there are some 3/4 instrument which have a beautiful sound and will project. You'll likely need to go with a semi-professional cello to get the sound you want. These are typically older instruments. Strings can make a big impact on the sound too. You can get an intermediate level cello and high-quality strings which will enable you to project more.
@@cellodiscovery Thanks for your reply! Is there an intermediate level cello you can recommend?
hi is 3/4 is really good cello for 9 year old beginner could you tell me i hope you have a good day everybody
Hi Sveta - It really depends on your hand size, arm size and height. A really small 9-year-old might even need a half size cello. Whereas a really tall 9-year old will be fine with a 3/4. My advice to you is to get fitted at a string shop by an experienced cello teacher.
And what if I'm planning to hit the stage as a professional instead?
You can do that with a 7/8 as long as it's a professional cello with good strings and a good set up. Many 7/8 cellos have a big, full sound. :)
my wife's height is 160cm and im 175cm, our hands' size are the same.
Exactly - Proves the point!
Did you remove some of your videos?
Hi Greg - I did remove one. Hope to improve on it in the future. Anything in particular you were looking for?
My size cello is 3/4 because my hands small 😁
Hi.. may I know, what is your height? I am 155cm and I am an adult age 40. How bout you, because I wonder , what size actually suitable for me.
Huh? I may not fit into men’s gloves, but i can do ALL OF MY SCALES IN UNIVERSAL PATTERN WITH NO PROBLEM.
Excellent!