My 12-year-old daughter has been taking cello lessons for about 5 years using a 1/2 size cello, and her teacher tells me it is now time for her to move up to a full size version.
My daughter is committed to the instrument. She enjoys playing and is getting very good, though she is not looking to a Julliard/professional direction. I anticipate that she will continue to play for many years.
However, this purchase would need some scrutiny! I don't have an ear for the "quality" of the instrument and don't really know what criteria to be looking for, which means I would be vulnerable to inflated prices or rip-offs. On the other hand, it seems obvious that some instruments are better than others.
I have similar questions about the larger bow that would also apparently be necessary.
Does anyone with experience in cellos (or perhaps violins, violas, etc.) have any advice or information? What price range would be reasonable? What features (manufacturers?) should we be looking for? Should we actually be trying a 3/4 size rather than 4/4? Craigslist versus the well-regarded string instrument store in town? Rental would be another possibility but that seems like a losing option over the long run...
Somewhat surprised there arent more answers... maybe Mustachians aren’t often musicians compared to the populace?
I played violin, not cello, but perhaps this will give you some value.
You should rely on your daughter’s private instructor if she has one. It is possible for you to get a decent-but-not-extraordinay instrument. Stringed instruments are very expensive, especially the classical ones. The quality price graph is very exponential.
You can’t choose an instrument if you don’t play it yourself. Ideally your daughter would, but she might not be old or mature enough to make the best choice.
If you dont have a private teacher, go to a reputable shop and ask for advice on what to look for. A reputable shop is not Music and Arts (etc...). You need to be talking to people who play professionally in groups and/or orchestras.
My parents got me a decent violin when i was a young teenager, after i had demonstrated for a few years that i was dedicated. It cost $2000, 20 years ago. I would guess that is $5000 today.
It is not a strad by any means, but it is certainly sufficient for a non-professional. Actually, i have always liked its sound, and I 100% feel it was the right choice. It will last me a lifetime.
My friend who started at a younger age than me and was defintely better but not extraordinarily better, had a $10000 violin (again, 20 years ago). This price is not uncommon for people who are at or near the top of their high school orchestra in a competitive area. I don’t think its necessary to get that expensive... but i also dont know cello prices vs violin. My friend sounded better than me, but not thaat much, and i think it was more his skill than the instrument.
I bought it new. Good violins (and probably cellos) often improve with age. Not all instruments are this way. You can always buy a used instrument looking for a deal, but you are definitely going to need someone else’s help in the selection/evaluation of it. Especially for valuation of the price.
Fast forward a few years, and i quit in college. Post school, i have interest in playing again, but not enough free time. I wish i had stuck with it longer, but eventually the passion fizzled because classical music wasnt ultra exciting to me.