This may sound odd but I keep my cello in a closet with a humidifier. This way it is away from windows and other sources of heat/cold. Since I have started doing this, my cello has stayed in tune. I highly recommend it.
I know this video was posted a few years back but wanted to share my thoughts on the Wittner fine tune (geared pegs) I don’t quite understand the negative comments if I’m honest. I absolutely love them and they’ve been a life changer for me. They cost £133 in the UK for a set of 4 and an additional £200 luthier costs to fit them but they’re worth every penny. I have natural ebony pegs that slipped regularly with temperature changes. Peg paste did help a fair bit but the constant retuning every time I wanted to play was so tedious I found myself practising less and less. It’s worth asking a luthier to check your pegs and how they have been fitted if they slip a lot as occasionally it can be down to poorly fitting pegs. This is more common in the cheaper end of the market cellos. Another thing to check is that you’ve fitted the strings correctly, ensuring you cross them before fully winding. Poorly fitted strings can increase slipping of the pegs. I have not had any change to the resonance of my strings with these pegs. If anything, there’s been a slight improvement as I was able to remove the fine tuners which helps improve the resonance. The only downside, and it’s not much of one tbh, is that when it comes to changing the strings you need to use a string winder on the peg. Winding by hand takes a long time so purchasing a cheap string winder which slots on the tuning peg makes the process really quick and hassle free. I am able to practice for hours daily now with no loss of tuning. They have quite literally changed how I view practising now and instead of dreading it I look forward to every opportunity.
Just a quick tip : I always have at hand two sets of strings, I personally use Daddario Kaplan for daily use and classes, they sound better than most of budget sets, however I have my set of Obligato on C and G and Magnacore on D and A just for recitals and concerts, it's a completely overkill combo
I recently bought my new cello and it came with the geared peg. Personally, I just love them!! They do not have any problems people seem to have in the comment. I guess they key thing is to try them and see if they r the right fit for u. I live in Australia and a set cost about $200. And I guess it's really important to visit an experienced luthier and see what he/ she would suggest, and also, bring it to ur teacher or a fellow professional and ask for his/her opinion.
Wittner tuning pegs (geared pegs that look like real pegs and don't break the aesthetic of your Cello) are at around 120 euro (150 dollars) for a set of 4. They come in different sizes (i.e. diameters), so you need to know what size will fit on your instrument. It may also be a good idea to have them installed by someone who knows what (s)he's doing.
Thank you! Hey! I have one of those white books on your shelf too. That tells me something about you = ) Hope you have a good day! My cello is at the repair shop, but hopefully I'll have it back soon and can get started on learning the cello.
Great video ! Thank you for all these precious advice ! For next time , Could you please make a video about the wrist of the bow hand (i don't really know how to say it ) how to move the wrist when playing on all 4 stings and how to have a "fluid" sound while playing tied notes. Thank you !
The problem with geared pegs (or mechanical pegs as some call them) is that they have a ratio. One full turn of a geared peg is equal to a quarter turn off a normal peg. I have them on my viola, and it takes twice as long to change my strings. They are very nice because they pretty much remove the need for fine tuners, but they're difficult to work with. And if the mechanism breaks, you have to fine someone who knows how to put them in correctly. They can really be a hassle.
Well, I am a bloody beginner. Have a new cello and not sure whether I have it in the beginning tuned directly one octave too high, as example the A instead 220hz rather 440hz. Are the strings really that much tight that even the bridge comes forward and is difficult to readjust even with graphite and sweat by fear to have suddenly two pieces in my hands? The C vibrates much in the current octave but doesn't lie at the board, and when the G played in the same time with full bow, both "collide". Although nothing broke, I was worried about the bridge to break, or the sound post inside / underneath the bridge. Can something unexpected happen, anything - next to the strings - break when tuned too high? Are the strings already in the right octave directly after they leave the board while tightening, or does it reach the right octave with one more turn? Greetings.
I sometimes run into the problem of one of my pegs not sticking. It will just keep spinning no matter how hard I press it back into the hole. It often becomes a game of turn, hold your breath and hope it stays. I wonder if it has to do with the house I stay at being so dry. I recently bought a room humidifier (in addition to a dampit) so hopefully it fixes that issue.
Sarah Joy you are awesome and I love your videos. I bought a cello, cheapest one I could find. The problems with the cheapest available cello: the Fine tuning screws do not align with the levers squarely when under tension. Have you experienced cheap tailpieces with this problem? Should I just get a new aftermarket tailpiece? Also the Bridge, the action [spacing of string to neck] closest to the bridge of the C string is 17 mm. I have only had it set up for 3 days. Will the action settle with string tension? Or do I need to tailor the bridge?
I would recommend just taking it to a luthier who can give it an overall check. These might not be the only issues and you don't want to practice on something that could potentially hurt you (strains, tendonitis, etc..).
This was very helpful! On another note, I have a question about practice mutes. Could practice mutes damage the bridge, and is there any major downside to using a practice mute?
I've never used a practice mute, but have never heard of any potential damage. The only downside is that you might not be as aware of the tone you are producing. But again, I've never used one. Hope this helps though!
I have a question for you it's not really related at all to this video but ya. So I have been playing the cello for almost 2 years now but my teacher has moved me up to a third year class. I practice for about 5-6 hours every day. I wanted to know what are good pieces to audition with on cello, I would need something's that isn't super easy but isn't really hard. Can you maybe make a video on this or something???
Since I have never heard you play, I don't think I would be the best person to ask. I would definitely talk to your teacher about it, and see what they say. I wish I could be of more help!
I'm new here and have been binge watch your videos, I'm really wanting to learn cello. I'm in college so I was think about buying an electric one. what's your opinion on electric cellos?
I have one, but don't particularly like playing on it as much as I do my acoustic. If your purpose for buying one is so that you can practice silently, there is always the option of using a practice mute on an acoustic. If, however, you want one for the purpose of gigs,traveling, etc.. then yes, it is a good option.
I am not in Dallas anymore at this point, but do accept students over Skype. I don't currently have any more spots available, but would be happy to put you on a waiting list. You can email me at sarahjoyrecordings@gmail.com
This may sound odd but I keep my cello in a closet with a humidifier. This way it is away from windows and other sources of heat/cold. Since I have started doing this, my cello has stayed in tune. I highly recommend it.
Awesome!! Very good tip. Thank you for sharing. :)
I know this video was posted a few years back but wanted to share my thoughts on the Wittner fine tune (geared pegs) I don’t quite understand the negative comments if I’m honest. I absolutely love them and they’ve been a life changer for me. They cost £133 in the UK for a set of 4 and an additional £200 luthier costs to fit them but they’re worth every penny. I have natural ebony pegs that slipped regularly with temperature changes. Peg paste did help a fair bit but the constant retuning every time I wanted to play was so tedious I found myself practising less and less. It’s worth asking a luthier to check your pegs and how they have been fitted if they slip a lot as occasionally it can be down to poorly fitting pegs. This is more common in the cheaper end of the market cellos. Another thing to check is that you’ve fitted the strings correctly, ensuring you cross them before fully winding. Poorly fitted strings can increase slipping of the pegs.
I have not had any change to the resonance of my strings with these pegs. If anything, there’s been a slight improvement as I was able to remove the fine tuners which helps improve the resonance. The only downside, and it’s not much of one tbh, is that when it comes to changing the strings you need to use a string winder on the peg. Winding by hand takes a long time so purchasing a cheap string winder which slots on the tuning peg makes the process really quick and hassle free. I am able to practice for hours daily now with no loss of tuning. They have quite literally changed how I view practising now and instead of dreading it I look forward to every opportunity.
Sarah thanks again for looking out for the little guys.Un véritable Ciel Envoyé!
Just a quick tip : I always have at hand two sets of strings, I personally use Daddario Kaplan for daily use and classes, they sound better than most of budget sets, however I have my set of Obligato on C and G and Magnacore on D and A just for recitals and concerts, it's a completely overkill combo
very informative! I'm saving up for that geared pegs :)
There are a couple comments on this video that you might read before purchasing. Apparently they aren't as good as I was thinking/hoping. :/
oh :( i see
Bummer right?
yeah :( might stick to the normal pegs for now and hope they invent something decent in the future
I recently bought my new cello and it came with the geared peg. Personally, I just love them!! They do not have any problems people seem to have in the comment. I guess they key thing is to try them and see if they r the right fit for u. I live in Australia and a set cost about $200. And I guess it's really important to visit an experienced luthier and see what he/ she would suggest, and also, bring it to ur teacher or a fellow professional and ask for his/her opinion.
Wittner tuning pegs (geared pegs that look like real pegs and don't break the aesthetic of your Cello) are at around 120 euro (150 dollars) for a set of 4. They come in different sizes (i.e. diameters), so you need to know what size will fit on your instrument. It may also be a good idea to have them installed by someone who knows what (s)he's doing.
Thank you! Hey! I have one of those white books on your shelf too. That tells me something about you = ) Hope you have a good day! My cello is at the repair shop, but hopefully I'll have it back soon and can get started on learning the cello.
Oh that's so neat!! Hope you have a good day as well. :) That is quite exciting! I hope that you have fun learning.
Oh that helps so much! My pegs like to slip, so now I know what to do. Thanks!
Awesome!! Glad I could help!
I love you Sarah so much your such an inspiration !!!!!
Thank you Stephanie
great advice and helpful tips,, thank you.
Great video ! Thank you for all these precious advice ! For next time , Could you please make a video about the wrist of the bow hand (i don't really know how to say it )
how to move the wrist when playing on all 4 stings and how to have a "fluid" sound while playing tied notes.
Thank you !
Hm.. You might search around my other videos to see if I explain it. I know that I have several on the bow arm, bow control, etc..
Great video very informative.
The problem with geared pegs (or mechanical pegs as some call them) is that they have a ratio. One full turn of a geared peg is equal to a quarter turn off a normal peg. I have them on my viola, and it takes twice as long to change my strings. They are very nice because they pretty much remove the need for fine tuners, but they're difficult to work with. And if the mechanism breaks, you have to fine someone who knows how to put them in correctly. They can really be a hassle.
That's very, very good to know. Thank you for sharing this information!
They only take twice as long if you wind them by hand. I use a cheap string winder and it takes seconds.
Mine wont stay in place. To make it (almost) stay in place I have to push in and turn and it takes so much strength.
+GD Jad3nX Might try peg putty?
Sarah Joy , could you play duo Vitare Schindlers list
Well, I am a bloody beginner. Have a new cello and not sure whether I have it in the beginning tuned directly one octave too high, as example the A instead 220hz rather 440hz. Are the strings really that much tight that even the bridge comes forward and is difficult to readjust even with graphite and sweat by fear to have suddenly two pieces in my hands? The C vibrates much in the current octave but doesn't lie at the board, and when the G played in the same time with full bow, both "collide". Although nothing broke, I was worried about the bridge to break, or the sound post inside / underneath the bridge. Can something unexpected happen, anything - next to the strings - break when tuned too high? Are the strings already in the right octave directly after they leave the board while tightening, or does it reach the right octave with one more turn?
Greetings.
this happens to me and my music teacher fixed it and I was wondering how
Magic. :)
I sometimes run into the problem of one of my pegs not sticking. It will just keep spinning no matter how hard I press it back into the hole. It often becomes a game of turn, hold your breath and hope it stays. I wonder if it has to do with the house I stay at being so dry. I recently bought a room humidifier (in addition to a dampit) so hopefully it fixes that issue.
I hope it fixes that issue as well. I really think that peg compound might be your best option if that doesn't work.
Sarah Joy you are awesome and I love your videos.
I bought a cello, cheapest one I could find. The problems with the cheapest available cello: the Fine tuning screws do not align with the levers squarely when under tension. Have you experienced cheap tailpieces with this problem? Should I just get a new aftermarket tailpiece?
Also the Bridge, the action [spacing of string to neck] closest to the bridge of the C string is 17 mm. I have only had it set up for 3 days. Will the action settle with string tension? Or do I need to tailor the bridge?
I would recommend just taking it to a luthier who can give it an overall check. These might not be the only issues and you don't want to practice on something that could potentially hurt you (strains, tendonitis, etc..).
This was very helpful! On another note, I have a question about practice mutes. Could practice mutes damage the bridge, and is there any major downside to using a practice mute?
I've never used a practice mute, but have never heard of any potential damage. The only downside is that you might not be as aware of the tone you are producing. But again, I've never used one. Hope this helps though!
I have a question for you it's not really related at all to this video but ya. So I have been playing the cello for almost 2 years now but my teacher has moved me up to a third year class. I practice for about 5-6 hours every day. I wanted to know what are good pieces to audition with on cello, I would need something's that isn't super easy but isn't really hard. Can you maybe make a video on this or something???
Since I have never heard you play, I don't think I would be the best person to ask. I would definitely talk to your teacher about it, and see what they say. I wish I could be of more help!
I'm new here and have been binge watch your videos, I'm really wanting to learn cello. I'm in college so I was think about buying an electric one. what's your opinion on electric cellos?
I have one, but don't particularly like playing on it as much as I do my acoustic. If your purpose for buying one is so that you can practice silently, there is always the option of using a practice mute on an acoustic. If, however, you want one for the purpose of gigs,traveling, etc.. then yes, it is a good option.
You mentioned earlier that you teach students in the Dallas area, are you still accepting students?
I am not in Dallas anymore at this point, but do accept students over Skype. I don't currently have any more spots available, but would be happy to put you on a waiting list. You can email me at sarahjoyrecordings@gmail.com
I tried a cello with geared pegs, and I found that they gave me a very metallic sound.
+M.M.E. Bummer. :( But that is good to know!
I forgot to mention this, but it also makes the strings much, much harder to push down, which can be a good and bad thing.
Really?! Wow.. that's fairly disappointing.
Have you ever tried the evah pirazzi cello strings?
I have not, no. Are they good?
I have them on my cello right now. They give the cello a very bright and warm sound probably more for soloists. So yes, they are good (:
do a game of thrones cover on the cello
I did actually! :) th-cam.com/video/A47N8Sl_JVs/w-d-xo.html
Muito bom 😊você é muito linda casa comigo :3
Thank you!!!