How about picking out a student cello?!

weenie
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 21:05:40 +0000

Allmusic:
In my opinion, 10 years old is definitely not too young to buy a decent instrument for. There are kids that age playing on $10,000 instruments (and more, way more!).

The thing is, even a 10 year old can hear the difference between a good instrument and a poor instrument. If her goal is to sound her very best then it is worth the investment (assuming you can swing it financially).

String instruments are expensive, there’s no getting around it. I just had a bridge replaced and some adjustments done to my son’s cello and it cost $250. His bow needs to be rehaired, that will be another $150. New strings, $300. Oh well.

Inform her orchestra director that she owns her instrument and that you hope care will be stressed to all the kids in the orchestra. You should see that already - no running, no food/drinks (!), musicians carry instruments out of room first, total respect (hands off!) for other kids’ instruments. Most teachers know this, most practice it too.

We carry an inexpensive rider on our homeowners that covers the cello. It’s worth it I think.

And here’s the thing – a decent cello will hold its value. A reputable dealer will trade it in for full value towards the next size, and even if she quits they should take the cello on consignment.