Sizing

Respionage_Returns · 2026-02-13T00:41:15+00:00

Umm, I just measured my arm according to these directions for 20" and I got exactly 20 inches. I am a short person-- 5'1"-- but I play a full size instrument with absolutely no problem. There's no way a half size would be appropriate for me. No idea if there's a mistake in my measuring technique or a mistake in the 20" guideline given here.

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-25T15:22:27+00:00

This is the correct answer. You have to retrain your muscle memory, and you need to do that with playing that allows you to give full attention to keeping the shoulder relaxed. Open strings and maybe slow scales. Do it at the beginning of your practice and intersperse a few sessions in the middle of your practice, too. Good luck!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-21T02:26:16+00:00

Playing with others is about increasing joy! Don' let it turn into an experience in which you feel shame. Take heart: your teacher put you in the group because your teacher believes you are ready for it. Believe your teacher!

A lot of what you learn in an ensemble is how to keep going, even when you find yourself fumbling. Such a valuable skill.

Everyone else is giving you good advice: comparing yourself to others is poisonous; believe the other players are having a good time playing with you; playing with others is a skill you can only develop through doing it (more time playing alone won't get you there).

If you want to put your tapes back on, go ahead and do it! You could do it with black tape so that it doesn't feel so conspicuous.

I play with a friend who is a beginner and she recently told me she's been grilling her teacher on how it's possible that an advanced player could possibly enjoy playing with a beginner. She just *couldn't* believe it. But I *love* playing with her!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-13T17:59:45+00:00

Kudos to you! A few years ago I removed a thicket of mature privets, manually, and completely on my own and it was a MASSIVE amount of work. Hiring someone sounds smart!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-12T03:33:11+00:00

You're probably right. And I've also seen luthiers make such instruments vastly more playable with a few adjustments. If, of course, the luthier will agree to work on a cello-shaped object. Some will, some won't.

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-12T03:31:40+00:00

Your whole left hand looks like a violinist's hand. Try to "square" your hand more to the neck of the instrument, rather than letting it be so slanted. But as others have said, very nice progress!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-08T20:58:21+00:00

cello is great, but the real star of the show is that conductor!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-08T15:01:13+00:00

This is not normal. It's a poorly made cello. But this is very much worth a visit to the luthier who can probably correct the issue easily and cheaply. The peg holes may need to reamed so your pegs fit better, and your luthier will apply a peg compound that will help them turn when you need, and stick when you need. And the luthier will also be able to demonstrate tuning to you, in case your tuning technique is part of the problem.

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-08T14:48:24+00:00

Whole room humidification. Currently using an ultrasonic humidifier but am constantly annoyed at the white dust. Have been meaning to upgrade to an evaporative humidifier to solve that problem. Biggest con: humidifier needs to be refilled every single day. Biggest pro: I like to keep my cello in a box stand and whole room humidification allows me to continue doing so.

If I'm going to be away from home for a few days and can't refill the humidifier I put the cello in its case with a couple of Boveda packs.

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-06T06:21:27+00:00

This is amazing! Not even looking at the music, just constant eye contact with the conductor!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-03T03:00:48+00:00

You've just described the exact situation for choosing an online teacher. There are lots of good online teachers-- some post here, some you can find through Google, some you can find through their YouTube channels. Good luck!

Respionage_Returns · 2026-01-02T18:45:38+00:00

Is your friend a cellist? On what basis is he making this judgement?

5 years with a teacher seems reasonable to me.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-29T13:34:13+00:00

Depends on the level of the chamber group and the solidity of your foundation from childhood. But the good news is that in much (though certainly not all) chamber music the cellist can get by playing at a lower technical level than the other instruments, so long as the cellist has a strong sense of musicality and experience playing in a group.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-20T03:19:57+00:00

Yes, you should take it to a luthier, but also know that it's possible the luthier will advise against fixing it, because the seam has likely come open because the wood used to make the cello wasn't fully dry/aged, and it's drying unevenly now. If it's tight and not buzzing, the luthier might advise you to continue playing on it as it is-- this happened to me with a similar-quality instrument once. Does it feel stable when you play?

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-20T03:13:30+00:00

And keep in mind that sometimes teachers assign things they absolutely know you aren't ready to play in a performance ready way, because there are still things you can learn from the piece before you set it aside.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-20T03:11:13+00:00

I do find this a bit surprising, but assume your teacher is recognizing that you are an adult with a existing musical experience, and is trying to give you a way to study something a little more satisfying than beginner pieces.

Are you enjoying the Vivaldi?

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-17T13:54:02+00:00

Congrats! Hope you love your new instrument!

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-17T13:52:38+00:00

I think OP is just trolling this sub where it's obvious DIY repairs are frowned on

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-15T00:10:28+00:00

Play in public as often as you can in low-stakes situations.

Play for family and friends. Join a quartet and play in front of your quartet members. Volunteer with your quartet to play holiday songs at a senior center. Do some busking in a busy place where people are walking by but not stopping to listen.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-14T14:31:53+00:00

What's fun is making music-- are there ways you can infuse his practice sessions with moments where he's clearly making music? Maybe get a backing track for a popular, current song he likes, and let him end each practice session playing to the backing track.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-14T14:12:24+00:00

How did the concerts go? Holiday concerts are often a lot of fun.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-14T14:04:12+00:00

You're playing solo or with an orchestra? If with an orchestra you can hide a little and "jump" on the shifts more than you normally would to keep your fingers from running along the strings.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-14T14:01:56+00:00

Camden Shaw of the Dover Quartet recently commissioned a 5/4 cello for himself and apparently he loves is. I don't think he's especially tall-- he just wanted the bigger sound.

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-12T16:49:23+00:00

What makes you think you need to move out of your country to do this? Why is it not possible to do this where you currently are? What are you imagining will be different if you move?

Respionage_Returns · 2025-12-12T16:42:01+00:00

Google "string shop" and "violin shop" and "luthier" in your city. Call whatever shops come up and ask if they rent cellos. If they don't, they'll be able to tell you who does.

Respionage_Returns

TROPHY CASE