beginner cello

[Mark Sauder]

I have some questions about purchasing a cello. My daughter is going
into 6th grade next year and wants to play cello in the orchestra.
She is taking cello right now in 5th grade. We are renting a cello
from a local music store. It is a Engelhardt model #5534.
They want over $1100 for this cello. I have seen cellos on the
internet for less than half this price. What are the differences
between cellos? I don't know the first thing about buying a cello
or what to look for? What should I ask or look for in a cello?
Is it safe to purchase a cello mail order? Where is a good place
to buy a cello mail order?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

Mark

[Greg Beaver]

If you are interested in comparing instruments (and this is a good thing to
do), Shar Music will allow you to try their instruments and return them if
they are not what you need. One of my students purchased a cello and a bow
from Shar for $600 that does everything she will need it to do for years.
In fact, I've played some really advanced pieces on it, like Dutilleux's 3
Strophes sur le nom SACHER, with no noticeable difference in facility, just
sound quality (and I kept pulling the C string off of the bridge with my
vigorous pizzicato, but that is easily fixed :). If you are most concerned
with the initial cost, go for one of these cheaper instruments. However, if
your daughter is somewhat serious, you may find that the best option is to
get a slightly better instrument that will have trade-in value for the next
step up.

Shar's website is http://www.sharmusic.com, and you can call them at
1-800-248-SHAR

Good luck,
Greg Beaver
--
The Chiara String Quartet
http://www.chiaraquartet.net

"Mark Sauder" <m...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:mfs-ya023580000...@news.charter.net...

[Ethan Winer]

Mark,

> We are renting a cello from a local music store.
> It is a Engelhardt model #5534. They want over
> $1100 for this cello. I have seen cellos on the
> internet for less than half this price. What are the
> differences between cellos?

That's a deep question with no one simple answer. $1100 seems quite high to
me for a cello that 1) is already used and 2) is probably made of plywood.
Cheap cellos made of plywood are not good enough for anyone playing more
than a few years and who is serious about eventually becoming accomplished.
I have seen ads for brand new cellos made of "real" wood for as low as $800,
though I admit I've never tried any.

The bottom line is you don't want to pay to much or get a crappy instrument.
So the smartest thing you can do is have a teacher (your daughter's
teacher?) come with you when you try them out. Even if you have to pay $50
or whatever for the service. You can buy cellos mail order and on the
Internet, but pay with a credit card (for your protection) and confirm with
the dealer that you can return it if your daughter and her teacher don't
like it.

--Ethan

[TACORONI]

DON'T get the Englehardt!!! Especially for $1,000, which is insane. These are
the worst of the student cellos. The necks are not the right size, and it
becomes a problem in the higher positions. One young student of mine tried one
of those Palatinos, and that has become a problem, too. I also don't recommend
the "Cremonas".

I, too, would try Shar, Southwest Strings, or the Woodwind & Brasswind's
Discount String Center. All 3 have web sites.

Anne

[PJT]

Thank goodness somebody said it! Englehardts are junk. They definately are
the worst.

TACORONI wrote in message <20000403102346...@ng-cq1.aol.com>...

[Bob Comarow]

The Englehardt is a plywood mediocre thing as well. What saddens me,
is, is that since you're
not knowledgeable in this area, they are trying to rip you off! I would
never do any business with
them again.

The problem with buying from some of those mail order places, is the
instruments will need a setup.

For a few dollars more, I would get the instrument from Kolstein Music,
and it will come with
top quality strings and an excellent setup.

www.kolstein.com

Bob

Mark Sauder wrote:

> I have some questions about purchasing a cello. My daughter is going
> into 6th grade next year and wants to play cello in the orchestra.

> She is taking cello right now in 5th grade. We are renting a cello

> from a local music store. It is a Engelhardt model #5534.
> They want over $1100 for this cello. I have seen cellos on the
> internet for less than half this price. What are the differences

[Michael Simoff]

I had a similar experience with "Lark in the Morning" they ought to
be called "Rip-off in the Morning" The violin they sold me was
completely
unplayable. Looked (and sounded) good on the website....but it is
absolutely awful. Worst part of it - they refuse to even look at the
instrument now.

Buy from a reputable local dealer - avoid LARK like the plague!

Michael Simoff

[Kurt D. Zasadil]

Mr Simoff,

The subject is relative qulities of various instruments and not who is
or isn't a rip-off. Could you show a little restraint please? Your
incessant whining about your debatably poor experience with Lark is
becoming boorish.

Kurt

In article <38FD0F31...@home.com>, Michael Simoff

[David E Allen]

Michael Simoff <sim...@home.com> wrote:
: unplayable. Looked (and sounded) good on the website....but it is

: absolutely awful. Worst part of it - they refuse to even look at the
: instrument now.

Hmm. Would the manufacturer stand behind it, even though Lark will not?
You might also see if a 'setup' would help it - from a local shop. That can
make a huge difference.

dave allen