This is also a very common question asked by students or parents.The short answer is.. find the *best* instrument for you based on a certain budget.
However there are 3 main considerations:
– Resale Value? If so, it is better to invest in something that is of better quality and workmanship. A cello of such quality will withstand the test of time and appreciate through time even if the appreciation is just through the following: current value = initial purchase price + inflation + personal premium (more on that in another future article)
– Playability. This is very common sense but exceedingly difficult for a newbie beginner to ascertain. Therefore, it is very important to have someone around (a teacher or more experienced player) to test the instrument. There are many factors that affect playability but that in itself is already another area of knowledge.
– Quality of Sound. The sound tag is somewhat tied to the price tag. But a huge disclaimer: it is entirely possible to get a very decent sounding cello that is beyond their price tag. Setup plays a huge role in this as well. But generally, a more focused sounding cello will aid in learning. Why is this so?
This is because a musician is training his or her listening and aural perception and a clear pitch will aid in building intonation accuracy. This aspect is often very under-appreciated and under-valued in choosing a starting cello.There are much more intricacies involved but these 3 should get you thinking on the right track, either for yourself or for your child.