I've just been told (again) that my gorgeous cello is too big for me. It's a large full - definitely at the top end size-wise. It produces a gorgeous tone and just feels like part of me, but I've been told that it could cause injury and problems if I go to music college or do a lot of playing - and I have had a lot of problems over the last year. So, we are officially on the look-out but I do love my cello...
How do other people cope with getting new instruments?!

Awww that's so sad! Like parting with an old friend. Better that than to injure yourself and not be able to play though.

I can't offer any advice I am afraid, but you definitely have my sympathy

Is there any chance that you may still grow enough to be able to play your cello safely - or have you stopped growing?

My daughter plays the cello, is 16 and has stopped growing. She is not very tall and so we had to be very careful when we were looking for a full size instrument for her. She has always been reluctant to change instruments even when she has very obviously outgrown hers, so we have encouraged her to take her time until she has found an instrument she (and her teacher) have loved. She has always been adamant that the next instrument can never be as precious to her as the previous one, but eventually she has always found one that has made her excited. I know that it seems unlikely to you at the moment, but it is possible that you might even find an instrument you prefer.

When we were looking we did come across some very full toned (and powerful) American cellos - modern but not new. Our daughter did not find them comfortable but several other serious music students who happened to be in that shop at the same time loved them. If you would like to know which shop please PM me. In our travels around the dealers/shops over the years we have also found some really lovely (old) English Ladies Cellos - they are approx 7/8 size and I was stunned by the beauty of their sound - would that be a possibility for you?

I know from watching my daughter how difficult this is going to be for you - I really hope you find an instrument you love. Good Luck.

No, I think I've stopped growing. I'm 16 and 5'3" and have been for quite a few years (the 5'3" part, not the 16 part....) It's a real shame - not only am I a shorty, but I can't play my gorgeous cello because of it! Blame the parents...


Oh, I know it's possible, it just seems impossible right now. It's all so odd.



That's very interesting about the American cellos - I've never met a nice american cello. I don't think powerful and full tone is what I'm looking for - I'd prefer a good, mellow tone. The English ladies' cellos seem more likely to be nearer what I'm looking for - in fact, I think I tried one when I was looking for my present cello and it was gorgeous (plus I loved the colour - a very rich dark brown), but a little out of our price range.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'm going to look at some cellos today....*sigh*

Well, I'm only slightly taller than you and I play a full size comfortably. A friend who is a professional cellist and also 5 ' 3" also plays a full size. It isn't always a question of height, but of build and of limb length, hand span, stretch etc. It sounds to me as though the cello you have isn't right for your build, not necessarily that all full size cellos are out of the question.

I have a French cello which has always seemed to be to be ever so slightly narrower all round, including the neck. I can certainly tell the difference if I play a big old C19th German beast. It might not look much to the naked eye, but sitting behind it and moving around it is a very different experience.

So, I think that's all you need to do really. Try lots of different full size cellos before settling on a reduced size. Just to see.

(Try a French full size or French style full size and see if it's any easier).

Good Luck. Have fun trying out all those new instruments.