Who knows about Cellos
 

Because I am the awesome, attentive boyfriend I am, I want to get my girlfriend a Cello for christmas. She does not play the Cello. She has mentioned several times that she has always wanted to learn to play the Cello since she was a little girl and has even investigated taking lessons. I figured this would be a cool surprise for her.

The bad news is an acoustic Cello would probably not garner the best attention from our neighbors. Actually, I've never been near an acoustic Cello in person so I actually don't know how loud they are. But I'm assuming it wouldn't be a good idea.

So I was considering getting her an electric Cello. I think she may like this even better, as she is learning I would not be able to hear how bad she is. But I know nothing of such devices. I'm seeing price ranges anywhere from $300-$3000. I'm not sure what is considered 'acceptable' quality, especially for a beginner, as I have never played a string instrument. Price isn't a huge issue as I actually wouldn't mind trying to learn to play this thing either.


Anyone have any advice here? Would I be better off just going to a used musical instrument shop here in LA and getting a real Cello?

As always I am grateful for the wonderment that is the PPOT braintrust.

Friend of mine plays and has since grade school. He says the Yamaha silent cello SVC-220 electric cello is decent to good.

Addendum:

Adding to my lack of stringed instrument knowledge, I see that Cellos are made in different sizes - 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 full...

This girl is about 5'2", 100 lbs, and has hands the size of a 5th grader. Would a full size Cello drawf her?

Again, never even held one of these things. I'm thinking I might need to take a trip to a music shop.

Get an acoustic cello. They're no louder than a tv, and I really can't see it bothering your neighbors, even if you live in a 100-year-old apartment building. Electric cellos are usually just acoustics with a pickup (mine is). If it's a solid body, it's probably very expensive, and not a good idea for a beginner.

Go to a proper music store that sells used gear to students. Get a student-level one, should be under $500. Get a full-size - 1/2 and 3/4 size are for kids. Any decent store will allow you to exchange it if she's not happy.

Awesome idea for a present - I'll bet she loves it!

Better idea... Get her lessons and rent first. If she decides it's not for her, it's easier to cancerrl the lessons and return the rented cello.

Acoustic cello. They aren't THAT loud. I'd rent one, personally.

On a side note, I recently put a spare pickup on a friend's cello. Was pretty cool to hear it through a Marshall stack.

Not knowing anything about Cellos either I believe I'd compromise and get a diamond. Can't go wrong there my friend!

Mike, they make them in Carbon Fiber....


Don't disappoint me.

We now have the framework for Chapter 9, "The Cello and the Seagulls."
A cello ferchrissakes. Mike is an incurable romantic.

Schumi, you are getting deep into this. Take SLODave's advise and consider renting and lessons.

Violas are cooler...............just sayin' ;^D

Brian

Oddly, there are few things sexier than a seated woman playing a viola. Just sayin'.

I'd rather have an acoustic cello than a pretend (electronic) one. They are not very loud. But....they are a PHYSICAL instrument and your woman might not find the aggression and confidence in her soul to make it 'sing.' But....I am thinking "double bass," as opposed to cello.

I'd say steer her toward the viola thing. Really sexy. But then, most of the women I have seen playing them have been luscious, curvy brunettes.

Hey, it's Saturday night and that's the best I can do for input. It's all about the sex.

Daughter took up Violin so we rented the first year because we were not sure she'd stick with it.

Would have been cheaper to buy her one out right.

Cello NEW

Toss in a years worth of lessons.

Cellos are incredible! Take the advise above and rent / buy an acoustic from a real music store. Lessons are a must.

As a bass player from age 9, I have always had a real soft spot for cellos.

Congrats,
Larry

I know nothing about them, but my wife did a series of ads for the Yamaha silent Cellos. They sure look great, Prince saw the ads and used a bunch of them in one of his music videos, can't recall which one off hand.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...M9ASJ8-WTtBs8A

Renting the cello? Or the girl?

+1

You mentioned your drum kit in another thread...set that up and your neighbors won't give a rat's behind about a cello :). Nice idea for a gift I might add!

ps: I endured two different neighbors' kids learning the drums in their garages some years back...fun times.

If it fly's float's or ...... rent it !