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bassoonist
Registered User
Posts: 1
(7/28/01 3:02:39 pm)
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sizing
Ack. I just tried to post, and my computer froze on me. So forgive
me if this is a double post...
I am looking into taking cello
lessons, assuming that I can afford it (as a poor graduate student,
I'm having serious doubts about that). I am rather small, and
although my hands have a good spread, they're still small. From
thumbtip to pinky-tip they are about 7 1/2 inches, or
19cm.
For reference (if this helps anybody), I had no problem
playing a bassoon, but troubles reaching some of the keys on a
contrabassoon. So I know that my hands are big enough for something
large... but not something enormous :-)
Do any of you have
advice on what size instrument I should use? Thanks.
Edited by: bassoonist
at: 7/28/01 3:03:37 pm
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CelloBass
Registered User
Posts: 28
(7/30/01 2:19:31 pm)
Reply
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Re:
sizing
I think this question is not easy to answer, maybe that's why you
haven't got any replies so far. My left hand is 22cm which is good
enough for the double bass. However, cellists do more stretching of
the left hand than bass players usually do because on the bass the
forces needed to press the strings down limit the stretching. The
best answer I can give you is ask your teacher. And if you don't
have a teacher yet, first get a teacher, and then an instrument.
Your teacher will see pretty soon whether or not your hand is big
enough. If possible, I would go with a 4/4 instrument because there
are much more full sized cellos on the market which gives you a
larger assortment of cellos available at a given range. In the
meantime, I would not hesitate to rent a cello until it has turned
out if full size is the correct size for you.
Horst
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me4cello
Registered User
Posts: 130
(7/31/01 5:54:01 am)
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small
hands
I am short 5ft 2ins, and when I started approx 4 years ago my hand
stretch was like yours 7.5 inches, my right hand still is but my
left hand stretch is now 8 inches. I have always played a 4/4 cello
and have recently been looking to upgrade my cello, so have looked a
various sizes. I have tried a number of 7/8 cellos but they just
don't feel right, there isn't enough head room and I kept banging my
head on the scrolls! and I didn't find the slightly shorter neck
length of any benefit. I would suggest you go with a 4/4, you will
be able to reach the notes. Enjoy!
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bassoonist
Registered
User
Posts: 2
(7/31/01 9:36:26
pm)
Reply
|
Re: small
hands
Thanks for the advice. I think that I'll get my best answer when I
first meet with my teacher. I would really like to play a 4/4, but
have gotten mixed advice. And Todd has even advised a smaller
instrument.
I don't know if my stretch will increase. I've
been playing instruments since I was 9 years old, and have had
plenty of stretching opportunities. And my stretch is really cool -
my pinky and thumb are almost in a straight line when my hand is
fully stretched. It makes me doubt that any more stretching is
anatomically possible. My hand looks as stretched as a hand can get.
But who knows.
For now, i can't wait to get started (my
first official lesson isn't for over a month :-( ), so I actually
have things to discuss with y'all about playing the cello. I'm so
excited! (Even if I spend weeks or months only making horrid
squeaks.)
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