Cello question: Importance of wood grain patter ?

Question

I have been looking to purchase my first cello. There are only two stores in Montreal selling cellos so my options are limited. The two salespeople I have met told me that the wood grain pattern is important (flamed pattern on the cello). They claim that flamed patterned wood produce a better sound and are generally indicative of a better quality wood. Is this true ? what other aspects should I look into when selecting my cello ?

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

I don't think there is any strict rule about this (i.e., a cello w/ a flamed back is automatically better than one without) but it *can* be indicative of a better sound. Best solution, though? Try some instruments out! See how they feel and sound. Take another cellist along (your teacher, if possible) to listen, too. You may also be able to take an instrument home for a few days "on approval" to see how you like it.

Also visit www.cello.org and search around or ask. They are very knowledgable and helpful!

Answer 2

I think I get what you're saying. But I'm not sure. I play cello too, and I have heard this about the wood in cellos and cello bows: There's the cheap kind, the one that's compressed wood, and there's the nice kind, that comes from ONE only and is not all cut up and separated. I definitely know that the type and quality of the wood that the cello uses is very important. Better wood = bigger, fuller, nicer sound.

Also, i forgot to say that the ones made fully from one tree instead of wood chips cost a WHOLE lot more. Bows that have nice, not-detached wood can cost $500+
But it's worth it, the bow is just as important as the cello itself.

Well no maybe it isn't because if you had a bow but no cello you really wouldn't be able to use the bow, but still. If you have a nice cello and a suckish bow, you will not be happy.

Answer 3

If you have a cello teacher, or an other music teacher, ask him or her.
I do not know the first thing about cellos, but I am not sure I would completely trust a sales persons talk.

There are also chat sites on the web about any topic, so search for Cello + chat or Cello + buying info.
Or compare Cellos.

You are going to part with a lot of money, so it is worth to investigate, spend a few hours on-line.

(If all else fails, try to contact a professional cello player, or the person in charge of the instruments of a music school.)