currently I have a full size normal range fitted with larsen strings which my teacher says can last till grade 8. however, I am looking to invest in a slightly better cello as I am travelling to china soon and am keen to look for a good quality oriental instrument. (I know some can be very bad mass produced, but would like to see what people think of these cellos.) I don't mind fitting new strings or replacing the bow, just would like opinions on the actual cello.-if you can tell the quality from the description.

thanks,

here's the link:

http://www.yitamusic.com/products.asp?cid=18

trammie x

p,.s. any comments or advice will be appreciated.

I wouldn't advise buying anything without trying it, and especially not a Chinese cello, when the quality can vary so widely. You really can tell nothing from the website, and if you want a cello to play on for a number of years, you should try it first anyway!

If you're in a position to actually visit the factory then presumably you can try the instruments - and you will get a much better price too. There are vast numbers of instrument makers in China so if you've nothing else to do you could spend your entire trip searching. I can't honestly see that one being much good beyond grade 8 but if you search around you might well find higher models elsewhere. My only experience of that particular company is with bows, which were about of the quality I would expect for the price (but nowhere near as good as they looked)

Liz

Yitamusic's instruments are exceptionally good - the quality beats anything in a similar price range hands down - European, Chinsese - pretty much everything. Many professional players use their top level instruments these days (the T20 level), and with a good set up they sound as good as instruments that cost easily ten times more.

If you can get one of their T20 cellos (I think it will set you back a couple of thousand) you would have an instrument that would likely see you through to professional level orchestral playing.

Their bows aren't excellent, though.

A friend/colleague of mine (and several others) have played T20 and T21 violins in the English National Opera Orchestra. For the occasions where you'd rather not take your top-class instrument, they are ideal substitutes for the 'muddy field' concert too.

I've used a T21 violin on and off for teaching recently. As a petite female, physically I found it a little on the large side for me to play really comfortably, but aside from that, it had a full and warm tone to it.

Where are the T20 cellos available from?

thanks for all the advice. I will be going there so I can try them out.

You can order directly from Yita. They have an online store on Ebay, but don't fear, they're very good to deal with and if you don't like the instrument they will take it back (unlikely, though, if you're buying a high end one).

Allan

could you send me the link for t20 cellos because I have tried getting in touch with them and cannot find them? thanks.

Trammie, if you pm me I'll give you their direct email address.

Allan

I can't speak for their cellos but a pupil recently bought one of their T19 violas second hand - I was initially a bit wary as I had not come across them before but have been very impressed by the sound and build quality.

Good luck!

pm?

private message! Sorry!

i 've private messaged you already. waiting for reply.