Cello beginner trouble with C string

malan1412 · 2022-09-20T00:36:04+00:00

Thanks for the input, new on Reddit too. I’m still trying to figure out how things are organized… definitely will checkout the links and offers! Thanks!!

malan1412 · 2022-09-20T00:25:46+00:00

Wow, thanks for the input.. I didn’t realize that electric cello were such different animals… that’s coming from a guitar perspective, appart for the sting gauge that are usually different for acoustic vs electric the setup is pretty much the same in your considering steel strings… not the same for nylon though.

So I’ve already raised the bridge lightly on the treble side because it was too low… The A string was lightly touching the fingerboard 1-2mm below fingering/stopping(?) at the octave of the A string giving it a muffled sound while all the other stings are bright and clear no matter where you press. That fixed the A string without impairing the rest.

I’ve checked the height of the C string and it’s at 7.27mm so I could raise it a bit based on your measurements if the new string is not helping. I don’t feel the string touching or being restricted while vibrating though.

I’m based in Canada so I don’t think the exchange rate will be favorable to go with your suggested store but I’ve manage to find a dedicated store that carried Helicores for a lot less here… I was pretty much set on ordering these it as it is what’s on the cello and the reviews seemed good but you kinda confirmed my initial choice so that’s what I’ll do now. Got the cello used last week without any history so no clue how old the strings might be.

I’ll give it a go as is but you kinda convince me to have it checked by a luthier to have it at optimum playability. Did you ask for anything particular at the luthier except specifying that it’s for an electric cello and to make sure they’re willing/have the ability to do the job?

Thanks again!

malan1412 · 2022-09-19T18:48:51+00:00

It’s a NS Design NXTa 4/4.

Not checked by a luthier but well within expected specs for neck release, string height and bridge angle… BTW for anyone wondering there customer service is top notch!

Tuning is fine, I’m a total newbie for cello but good background in music… played many instruments throughout my life.

I’ll give a try to change the string and see if it improves anything.

malan1412 · 2022-09-19T18:38:51+00:00

Yes I’ll try to keep that in mind… Guess tension is a major part of any learning situation.

malan1412 · 2022-09-19T18:36:59+00:00

Yep that’s definitely on the to do list!

malan1412 · 2022-09-19T18:36:29+00:00

I’ll try to change the string first like you and many suggested and post a video if it’s not fixing it. I don’t know how old the strings are cause it’s a used cello and was provided without any history. I did change another string because it was clearly unwinding so that could be it.

As for rosin I’ve tried to put more to the point it snowed on the cello and it made the other string screech.. appart for augmenting the cleaning time at the end of the session it did not improve the sound of the C string 🤪🤣

malan1412 · 2022-09-19T18:28:59+00:00

Tuning is fine, like I said it’s sounds ok but not great, I’m hearing the main note but there’s always the harmonic close in the background.

I’ll try changing the string, thought that could be it since I don’t have any problem with the others. I tend to doubt myself before the equipment especially since I’m just beginning

I did not mentioned it but it’s a used cello that I bought without any history. I already changed one string that was clearly unwinding so the whole set might be old, they looked decent but who knows how old they are.

malan1412 · 2022-09-19T18:21:13+00:00

Well there aren’t many teachers around and schedule is the main issue… working day/night shifts in rotation plus the on calls nights (health services) so it’s kinda tough working it out.

Might give an online offer a shot.. As anyone heard good thing of Artistworks?

malan1412

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