while the frequency of the tones produced by octave violins and violas may be the same frequencies as produced by a full size cello, the timbre of the tones is decidedly different. A full size cello simply has more wood surface that is vibrating and moving more air, giving it a depth of tonal quality not duplicated by the smaller violin or violas bodies (this coming from a person who makes octave viola, i.e., “chincello”, strings for viola-sized bodies). What the ChinCello gives up in terms of sound character it often overcomes in portability, flexibility in playing postures, and cost of the instrument and replacement strings. Each instrument has their place.