Score!

[spacebug]

When s4 and I moved into our new place and were searching for a storage locker, there was one without a lock on it with a cello in it. I'd always assumed it belonged to a tennant, but I checked with the sorta kinda caretaker- my friend and coworker J- who says the old owners of the cello moved out years ago, and I should take it before someone else does. Awww, yeah.

I'm excited, but I've no way of knowing if this thing is at all in working order. String instruments aren't at all my expertise (all I know about them I know from orchestration class), but I've always loved cellos and maintained that if I learned another instrument, it'd be the one. Anyone have any advice? Karlyn? r4c? pied piper? Unfortunately, I didn't find a bow with it.

I don't even know what size it is, or how to tell. It looks as though it needs new strings- that's about as far as I can get. Hmm.

Comments

[spacebug.livejournal.com]

Hee, this is so fun, it's almost okay if it's FUBARed, just 'cause I didn't know what the heck a soundpost was until tonight. From looking inside the F-holes, I've determined I have a soundpost and it's standing up. I don't know if it's in the right spot or not, but I have one, at least. I've been looking online at repair places; it looks as if soundpost and bridge adjustments are pretty commonplace (and not superduper pricey) since strings are so picky with even just changes in the weather. It's a Glaesel (I also learned Glaesel is a part of Selmer, who, if nothing else, makes some darn fine saxophones), and a new bridge made by the same company can be had through the woodwind/brasswind catalog for under $20. I don't know if they need to be specifically adjusted to each individual instrument or not, though. The pegs and fingerboard and tailpiece and stuff seem fine to me, but I really don't know anything. More new words! Woo! There aren't any visible cracks in it anywhere, though, just one ding on the side where the finish came off. I'd LOVE for you to come help me put strings on it, once I get a new bridge. I'd also love to bring it someplace and ask advice about it, though I don't have a case to speak of and would feel slightly odd toting a naked 'cello around downtown...

[r4c.livejournal.com]

Big score! That's awesome. Usually when you buy a new bridge it has to be fitted to the instrument by filing it down and shaping it to the contour of the fingerboard so the strings will sit at the correct height. I had this done to one of my violins (which I later broke at a gig and had to play a borrowed 3/4 size heh) but my cello was already set up when I bought it so I don't know how much that will set you back. Certainly a lot less than buying a new cello.

New strings are expensive! The last time I bought a set they were like $70-80 a set. I would say take it in and get it all set up and have them put new strings on it so you can have a functional instrument.