I am doing the same. I just love both instruments. But I am aware that I'd make more progress on one instrument of there wasn't always the other one. For how long have you been doing it? So you ever struggle with the question which one you are going to practice?
Ooooooo nice! I chose Violin . . Cello is kinda making you sit down and it’s more bigger and plus I’ve already told my parents I wanted to do Violin and I won’t make any changes. . I don’t feel regret though! ☺️💞💕
I am considering in looking to buying the cello in the future but the direction to which the strings are tuned seems symmetrically disturbing to the aesthetical nature of the others, would It not make more sense for it to be tuned in perfect 5th from left to right as to make bowing make more sense.
I’m a cellist and decided to learn the violin as well and it’s going great. Once you get used to the different bow hold and posture, the principles are exactly the same
I'm currently working on learning violin but eventually I want to learn viola, too! You're right...the viola is a great compromise between cello and violin. Besides, what's a few viola jokes if you really love playing? 😁
@@pambradbury2814 thats great to hear! As a viola, the jokes are my least concerns. The worst is when i get the "what's a viola?" question xD I hope you start playing the viola, its so worth it! #ViolaGang
This was good. Thank you so much for the info. I love both instruments. For me, as an adult beginner, it was a choice of what was the most comfortable me to play with arthritis. The 7/8 cello was a good fit for me and I LOVE it.
This is such a great segment. I played violin in High School for about a year or maybe two, but I was interested in the visual arts, and didn't really take it seriously, and I was always looking at the cello section. In my 30's I decided to learn to play the cello, and did and carried on for many years. Now I have returned to the violin, and being a string player has helped me quite a bit with regards to bow pressure etc. I think the most important message here, is the devotion to it, coupled with the dedication to it. So thank you for sharing this wonderful moment. One needs to be reminded, that despite the challenges we are facing today, there is no excuse not to follow a dream and to take the time each day to practice and work hard to achieve that goal.
This is so inspiring Gary! I'm in my 30s (32) and I've always wanted to learn the cello, reading this is reassuring me that I can. I'm considering taking online lessons. My only issue is how to pick a cello, I have no musical knowledge whatsoever, I think I'll check out some RUclips videos like this one. Thanks Gary🙏
@@ReincarnatedViolinist I am so happy that you are doing that, the cello is a wonderful instrument, and very challenging. One thing that I must recommend to you. Do not try to learn the instrument without a private teacher, as there are so many little nuances that you will miss out on not being in the room with a teacher. Trust me on this and have a wonderful time with it.
I am a student of Miss Beth and I truly love her program online because I can watch those videos whenever I want and especially on long drives. I have been considering the cello and I am so happy to see the video. Thank you both so much I am so happy I picked up the string instrument.
I took violin lessons with my kid at the beginning. My fingers were too big to do trills/mordants in first position, so I bought an acoustic student cello this week to try. I think as adults (I'm almost 50) we need to choose our own goals, and it's perfectly ok for those goals to be different than a young person's goals.
This is a great video which I enjoyed. I play double bass, in addition to other instruments (brass and woodwind). Unfortunately, the high school orchestra program I had (half a century ago!) was taught on a very elementary level, so a cellist and I sometimes exchanged instruments to relieve the boredom. I think of the cello and the bass as being much more 'forgiving' in terms of intonation because of the distance between the notes, whereas being a quarter of an inch off the mark on a violin will result in being grossly out of tune. A few years ago, I had an opportunity to play a cello, and I realized I had forgotten how far apart the notes are, because I started out underestimating them! However, one of the biggest differences I've encountered is that the cello (and the two smaller instruments) are tuned in fifths rather than fourths, which has to be kept in mind. If I had to choose between a cello and a violin, I definitely would choose the former. I prefer low-pitched instruments, and it is played quite similarly to a double bass (compared to the violin). I've never had to fly with an instrument, but the size of the cello otherwise would not be a deterrent as I have both the double bass and a BBb contrabass tuba (with the latter requiring TWO cases--one for the body and the other for the bell!). About a year ago, I saw a cello being sold for $295 in a music store, and played a few notes on it. I was tempted to buy it, but I figured I might be depriving some young student whose financial resources are considerably less than mine (plus I have several instruments already!). An issue I would like to point out regarding instruments bought from eBay, etc.--typically, one cannot try out the instrument before purchasing it, and stringed instruments can have quirks that aren't easily resolved except by professional service, and sometimes even that may not possible. However, I tend to prefer used instruments made by a respected manufacturer to new ones made by an unknown maker (particularly from India and China), but if buying from eBay, it's best to purchase one from someone who deals in such instruments (or repairs them) rather than an instrument sitting in the attic of a seller who knows nothing about it.
A complete set up with a new bridge , pegs , tailpiece, strings and soundpost for a violin at a reputable experienced workshop will cost at least $400.00 dollars so keep that in mind when you buy an instrument that isn’t properly set up . If you pay $1500.00 dollars for a student or semi intermediate fiddle at a reputable shop it is WELL WORTH IT . You also build a rapport with both the luthier and shop which can be beneficial not to mention you have the option to upgrade in the future . You can purchase a less expensive instrument with Shar or Fiddleplayer to see if the violin or cello ( or viola) is “ right for you “ but you have no upgrade option or one on one personal service. Also keep in mind the quality of the BOW itself makes a HUGE difference. Spend the xtra $$$ at the shop for a well made BALANCED bow . That is of utmost importance. Plan on spending at least $300.00 for a well made semi intermediate bow . True , there are less expensive bows but don’t bother . I would also like to add that there are a few payment options available these days should you not have the immediate funds available in pocket or on a C/C . Enjoy and good luck . If I could do it , so can YOU ! 😀 🙏
I definitely agree with you rose. As a student, you do not need to be fighting with an inferior instrument and bow. If you are dealing with an instrument that even a master can't make sound decent, you are in for nothing but frustration. It is a bad idea to try to buy a starter instrument without a teacher or experienced player to help. A reputable violin shop is the place to go. Be aware that some shops will give a kickback to the teacher. I think this practice is ethically dubious if the student or parents are not made aware of the arrangement. The teacher should be looking after the student's best interests and not trying to make an extra buck on the side. I would suggest scheduling a lesson at the violin shop for the purpose of finding a suitable instrument and bow. The idea is to get an instrument good enough to not be a source of frustration to the student, but with the understanding that the student will eventually need a better instrument and/or bow. Rentals are good for this. As far as bows are concerned, at the entry-level, carbon fiber is your friend. Many of these play well above their price points, when compared to wooden bows. They're also nearly indestructible and accidents do happen...You might be able to obtain the instrument and bow separately. Advanced players look at the instrument and bow as "co-instruments." Some instruments and bows (and players) just work better together. The instrument will seem like it "likes" a particular bow better than another one of equal or even better quality. (But this is advanced stuff.) Beyond setup, an instrument needs to be responsive and deliver good dynamic range. I struggled for years with a violin that had good tone quality in the middle range of volume, but when I tried to play loud, it just got ugly and scratchy. When I tried to play soft, it just got anemic. I play violin and viola, and it got to where a couple of friends who were familiar with my playing of both, wondered why I was noticeably more expressive and musical on my viola. I could play plenty of NOTES on the violin, but I couldn't get MUSIC to happen. Then, I stumbled upon an excellent violin, and my violin playing improved overnight. It seems nobody, including my teachers, realized my violin was the problem. Maybe they did, since I was applying the right mechanical actions to the violin, and they could see that. I just wish one had suggested I needed a better violin. At different times, I had taken lessons on violin or viola, but with different teachers for each. None of my teachers had heard me play the other instrument in their studio, until my last one, but by then I had the fabulous violin, and had upgraded my viola, too.
Don’t forget good strings! I started on a pretty decent student cello with basic D’Addario strings. G and C sounded muddy and had a wolf note on F#. One year in I upgraded to a better student cello and the improvement was instant. Richer, darker sound and much more responsive. Then I upgraded to professional grade strings!!!! Larsen on A and D, Spirocore on G and C. The C string sounds like thunder and the A practically sings. Cost close to $400 but worth every penny for the advancing student.
My first violin was an Amazon cheapy and I could not figure out why the string height was so high. I bought a better instrument from a reputable shop and discovered that the neck angle was much different. The cheap one had a flat neck which lowered the finger board, so it was basically unfixable...unless you wanted to pay three times what the violin originally cost. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for.
It was the Viola that got me! I PLAY VIOLIN BUT WAS TAUGHT BY A VIOLA PLAYER. THEN MY SECOND TEACHER WAS A VIOLINIST. IM INDEBTED TO THE 1960S 1970S SCHOOL SYSTEM AND SUZUKI VIOLIN METHOD. IM STILL A HACK BUT AT LEAST I CAN STAND TO HEAR MYSELF NOW.
OMG! So good to see you again! The subject of this video reminded me of a conversation I had with a cellist a few years back. She argued that my octave viola could not possibly play the same pitch as a cello (spoiler alert… it does). And, because it’s a 5-string, it also has a low E
Hij there, first of all I'd like to say that it's a really nice way you two approach the pro's and cons about each instrument and I'd like to add something to the story. You've talked about how the sound of the cello resonate through your body. I myself play the double bass (sitting down) so I can really relay to that. I think of you're playing an instrument that resonates through your body, your body produces oxytocine because of it. When I was on a holiday last year I really missed the feeling of the low vibration ging through my body. So the first thing I die when I tot home was playing a scale with really long notes. My choice would be the cello just because of that. In the higher register it's almost like a violin but the cello is so much easier to play because of the natural position of the hands. I've got a violin too but I put an endpoint in it so that I can play it upright 😂😂😂😂
I have both and play both violin and cello...not at same time. But love both sounds. The cello high 3 strings are same fingering as fiddle. My other 5 string violin has same lower strings are the same as viola and cello fingering. I had played violin forever and a day. My mandolin has same fingering as violin, but with 8 strings. I play all these instruments. Luv the cello tone. Your tutorials are outstanding. Blue Dave
I have being trying to decide between the violin and cello, which I find hard. So I started taking lessons for both instruments to help me come to a decision. One thing I find hard about the cello which hasn't been mentioned in this video is holding the bow. The cello bow is just so heavy, I can't seem to hold it right. There is also a sharp edge where my thumb is supposed to be, which hurts so bad. I love the cello but the violin bow is just so nice in that it is so light.
If you struggle with the weight of a Cello Bow or if you are have a big belly that wont allow a good seated Cello playing position (it's like a normal size player putting a big Cushion between their stomach and the back of the Cello)... Using a 'Bent End Pin' could be the solution to many of the problems that players have including upper body fatigue... This video explains all ruclips.net/video/LI0BPWKjK6o/видео.html
Yes. I played with a bow grip for the first year and a half because of the sharp edge in the bow. Now I don’t need it. I also switched from pernambuco to carbo fiber. Much lighter and easier to me.
Congratulations on this video, comparing both violin and cello, clarifying a lot of questions about these two amazing instruments. We have a lot of unique great violins, cellos, and violas in our store
Hello, i have violin, viola, cello,harp, grand digital piano i am happy to learn to play them. Thank you for this video, it is very helpful. Greeting from Netherland.
I used to play clarinet in a orchestra for 13 years now, and I own an old cello from my grandmother and now I am completely in love with this instrument and I'm actually taking classes to change from clarintet to cello
I started to play the violin when I was 59. I love the sound of the cello but I thought portability would be a problem. Also I am not fond of the sound resonating through your body. So I have chosen the violin and I haven't regretted it one day since.
I think you need to mention for adults…take into account any joint or arthritis issues, if you have these issues it can be difficult to find a teacher who will help to modify for example your bow hold/cello. I’ve stopped and am thinking of selling my cello simply because my hand cannot physically deal with a strict bow hold. The only thing holding me back is that I really love the cello and this is my only shot at it, the moment I sell I won’t be able to buy one again. Will check out your web site.❤ I only wish there were teachers willing to think outside the box for adults…I don’t want to play in an orchestra I just want to play and enjoy my instrument 😔
Please do reach out to Carolyn at cellodiscovery.com. She has THE best resource for learning cello and I'm sure she'll work with you to modify your bow hold.
I play the ukulele. It’s portable, it’s fairly simple, but can also be challenging. I’m self taught. But I’m here to tell you, cello and violin aren’t self learning instruments. Get a teacher like one of these gals.
"There's no such thing as standing up playing the cello"... In Hauser's books there is. He's played some pieces standing up by seriously extending the endpin. A useful video, ladies. I went for violin - the sound of those soaring high notes in Barber's Adagio for Strings never fails to get to me BUT, I equally love the deep resonating sounds of the cello... What's a gal to do? Maybe I should consider giving cello a go when I've begun to master the violin... in 10 years time!
I saw a gentleman on RUclips who plays cello standing up and walking around. He uses some sort of shoulder strap much like a guitar strap. Kind of weird looking though. LOL
@@JSWilliamssr Weird, indeed. Hauser once said that he'd show the cello's so versatile, that it's the only instrument capable of playing any genre of music; his '2Cellos' era being a case in point.
I started violin in 3rd grade up until HS sophomore, had a side interest in cello in middle school, would go to the orchestra room after school every day to play cello and learn the cello parts to the pieces we were leaning, then finally switched to cello my junior year and went into college with it. Wonderful video!
I have taken cello lesson while learning to play violin at the same time. It’s been 1 year already. I realize that it is very hard trying to improve on both that even my husband told me to better focus on the violin until I have a lot better basics and technique before I start cello. My violin playing skill is beginner-intermediate right now. Well, I don’t expect to be professional musician, but I love playing classical pieces on both of them. Is it really impossible to be good at them both. Any advices? Any tips? Thank you… Ps. Sorry for my bad English. English is only my second language. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I have been playing the cello for 5 years and my best advice is to take your time. Dont expect to sound good immediately. I think i had been playing for 2-3 years when i started to sound good, so don't worry if you don't sound good yet. I believe it's also possible for you to learn 2 instruments at the same time. I might pick up violin as well.
I've played both and loved both. But something to bear in mind which Beth and Carolyn didn't mention - the fiddle is much more versatile if you want to extend beyond classical music. In many genres such as celtic, old time, bluegrass, klezmer, hot jazz, tango etc there is a highly developed repertoire and tradition for the fiddle, with a rich choice of teachers and learning resources. The cello is beginning to carve out a greater role in traditional and world music, but it's more marginal and you are usually playing as an accompanist. Teachers will be harder to find. Plus finding the physical space to play at sessions and festivals can be a problem. For classical music you can't go wrong with either - in my biased opinion they are the two finest instruments yet devised! But in the wider world of traditional and world music, the fiddle has a distinct edge.
I am at a crossroads, as you mentioned flexibility becomes an issue with violin. A previous injury has prevented me from doing vibrato on violin. Wishing to progress further I was debating switching to a left handed violin or a cello. I've recently bought a cheap left handed violin to see if that will work. I may end up with a cello eventually.
Getting a left handed violin is a good start. But if rotating the arm is still a big issue, cello would be more comfortable. Whichever you choose, both violinlab.com and cellodiscovery.com are the only learning platforms on the wen with a cohesive curriculum.
As a 30" inch scale baritone guitarist I personally lean towards the cello. Violins are too rinky dink. Don't forget viola! All are cool instruments though.
My favorite one is the viola, but I've always played the violin due to the biggest repertoire, as I play principally to please myself. I don’t like neither the low notes of the cello nor the highs of the violin. Someday I'll learn the viola.
Me watching this while I've been working on piano for 10 years, also about to be a handpan teacher and now working on guitar, thinking if I should learn violin or cello then deciding both 🗿🤣
I'm after the violin now because it's smaller and more transportable then a guitar which I've played. Not to mention two less strings. Learning because I'm a self taught oil painter and when listening to violin music while viewing my art...it's down right delicious. 😄
How about Viola ? I think $200-400 a month for lessons is beyond the ability to pay for many people , that's why RUclips is so popular. ( though it's unfocused and isolating )
Someone figured out how to rock on the cello with "Paint it Black" from the Rolling stones. Carolyn might know who did that. An interpretation was featured on the new Munsters movie " Wednesday" where that Ortega chick gave an impressive act, now watch folks, cello sales are going to explode.
I played both. 8- 11yrs. old: violin. 12-19yrs. old: cello. 20- 24: viola. 25-39: none. 40-present: violin. I loved the cello, but as an adult, I realized I was better suited to the violin.
I grew up in China and started playing violin when I was 6. I played for 10 years. Around so many violins , I never noticed or heard of the awkward arm position that was mentioned as by many videos made for RUclips. To me, playing Cello felt awkward in terms of left arm posture, especially when you vibrato. My point is the posture is not as important as it appears.
Hello! Violais almost the same tecnique as Violin, but it has one lower string, making Viola with a closer timbre to Cello (C-G-D-A but one octave higher) Hope it helps if you want to decide the great instrument that is the Viola!
Good discussion. I played violin for several years (I am retired) and I got to a fairly advanced level. I really enjoyed the violin until I injured the tendon in my index finger. I bought a used cello and found that it is much gentler on my still aching finger and I adore the rich full sound. I will say that bowing is much easier on the violin and the conversion to bass clef was confusing for a while. All in all, I love both instruments, but I especially love the cello.
I strongly disagree lol It's a nice middle ground but in my opinion it has neither of the "signature qualities". The bass(iness) of the cello or the super high notes.
@@JCel You are right, but the viola has its own signature qualities. Being a bit acoustically undersized, it lacks some of the brilliance of the violin and cello. However, many regard its tone quality to be the most like the human voice among the string instruments.
9:53 You see, that is my argument for viola - It has a sound which is half-way in between violin and cello (able to get lower notes than the violin) and it has the added advantage of still being more portable than the cello.
for me... definitely cello is better, more interesting soud... Therefore, when I made decision, if alt or tenor sax, I decided tenor... violin E string.. is maybe silky, maybe squaking... too high.. .also cello distance between strings is more convenient, so everything regarding technique and sound is for cello 😊 (my opinion). Anyway, I decided violin... due to portability and price.. so I started violin a week.. and struggling with micro diffrences in space between half tones and full tones... maybe I did not have enough courage, and decent intermediate cello cost more...
It should be said though that if you are one of those people who love those silky high frequencies, as a beginner you´d better get yourself some high-end instrument to start on, or all you´re gonna get is the sound of nails on a chalkboard. Cheap violins sound anything but pleasant, even if you are a master violinist. Of course, expensive violins played by pros are a whole different thing. Still, I am just in love with the fat, low end sound of a cello. Too bad they are not portable. Great video btw.
I play both. Pick one to play mainly and use the other as personal entertainment. For me. I started on violin and I am still much more proficient on it. But I enjoy playing on cello so much more. I play classical/baroque on violin most of the irl. But pop on cello
I wish I had chosen the cello rather than viola, violin. Had many sports injuries and rehab. Totally messed up my shoulder. I did not learn the correct way to hold violin til I was in my 30s. My shoulder is still messed up. They also did not teach that exercise and physical fitness was necessary to play music.
Thanks for this video. Been trying to decide whether to try cello for my 7yo. She won't hold a violin on her shoulder and keeps using it like a cello. I think cello might be a better fit. There are no teachers in our small town, the closest is an hour and a half drive. Is it normal to do trial lessons before committing?
Cello of course. So much more mellow and such a beautiful sound. I am a cellist and I learned violin in two years. But I couldn't stand that E-string next to my ears. Too high.
I asked myself that then I said screw that I will play classical guitar cuz I never was a fan of the violin or the cello. I don’t hate it but I just prefer the piano over it and since I can’t afford a piano the closest instrument to it is the classical guitar
A few questions... Would it be bad trying to learn both at the same time? If it has to be one at a time, which one is better to start? And finally, how long should you focus on that 1st one before starting the 2nd?
Okay so I don't play both instruments but I'd say that it's better to only start with one and learn the basics. I think if you learn both at the same time, it's gonna take you forever to really learn the basics and progess is always gonna take more time. I cant tell you which one would be better to start with but I guess it doesn't really matter. Simply start with the one that resonates with you more. For me the most important question here would be what they mention about whether you like to be in the back or foreground. As they said, the cello usually plays more of the background notes and often the audience doesn't even notice the cello (you often only notice it once it isn't there anymore:)). Once you learned the basics, you can start learning the other instrument but I'd say that it can easily take 2 years to fully learn the basics, depending on how easily it comes to you and how determined you are of course ;)
I've always wanted to play on a string intrument, so I have started learning playing violin for 2 years and a half. I haven't mastered it yet. But recently I want to try learning on the chello. Is this transition from violin to chello healthy? And is my knowledge in playing the violin could help me in learning playing on chello?
Isn't it odd that when playing Cello, you have to learn to read Tenor clef so that there are fewer ledger lines and with Violin, it's ledger lines for days with no problem.
I agree! I don't see why cello scores don't use the short hand method for notes above the staff by notating them on the staff and then add the 8va above. Why switch clef??? Poor cellists!
You do need to purchase a seat on a plane if you want to to take your cello into the cabin. :/ OR... you can get a travel cello case. They are enormous, and you still pay oversize luggage fee, but it's worth it.
I couldn't decide so I learned both.😊 Once you learn one string instrument, it is very easy to learn another.
I am doing the same. I just love both instruments. But I am aware that I'd make more progress on one instrument of there wasn't always the other one. For how long have you been doing it? So you ever struggle with the question which one you are going to practice?
Ooooooo nice!
I chose Violin . . Cello is kinda making you sit down and it’s more bigger and plus I’ve already told my parents I wanted to do Violin and I won’t make any changes. . I don’t feel regret though! ☺️💞💕
I am considering in looking to buying the cello in the future but the direction to which the strings are tuned seems symmetrically disturbing to the aesthetical nature of the others, would It not make more sense for it to be tuned in perfect 5th from left to right as to make bowing make more sense.
I currently play violin but I really want to try cello!
I’m a cellist and decided to learn the violin as well and it’s going great. Once you get used to the different bow hold and posture, the principles are exactly the same
I couldn’t decide which one to learn either but then I found my soulmate-the viola. Best of both worlds tonally and never looked back!!❤️🥰 #ViolaGang
Let's go! I play the viola too! I can never find any other violas! #ViolaGang
Yep! That was my compromise
I'm currently working on learning violin but eventually I want to learn viola, too! You're right...the viola is a great compromise between cello and violin. Besides, what's a few viola jokes if you really love playing? 😁
@@pambradbury2814 thats great to hear! As a viola, the jokes are my least concerns. The worst is when i get the "what's a viola?" question xD
I hope you start playing the viola, its so worth it! #ViolaGang
Lol😂I’m a primary school mum also my child chose viola for his strings in year two😊 #ViolaGang
I played both violin and cello.. for many years.. then found my happiness in the Viola. Never looked back.
Woohoo! Viola is awesome. I like to think we’re the middle child who’s cool in our own right😂
violas are so overlooked sometimes so I'm happy you found it to be the instrument your heart belongs to :) speaking from a violinist btw
I learned cello in school. As adult but moved to double bass will never look back. Absolutely love the bass the orchestra parts are so fun
Getting back into my cello after my stroke in June 2021. Very insightful advice and comments.
This was good. Thank you so much for the info. I love both instruments. For me, as an adult beginner, it was a choice of what was the most comfortable me to play with arthritis. The 7/8 cello was a good fit for me and I LOVE it.
This is such a great segment. I played violin in High School for about a year or maybe two, but I was interested in the visual arts, and didn't really take it seriously, and I was always looking at the cello section. In my 30's I decided to learn to play the cello, and did and carried on for many years. Now I have returned to the violin, and being a string player has helped me quite a bit with regards to bow pressure etc. I think the most important message here, is the devotion to it, coupled with the dedication to it. So thank you for sharing this wonderful moment. One needs to be reminded, that despite the challenges we are facing today, there is no excuse not to follow a dream and to take the time each day to practice and work hard to achieve that goal.
This is so inspiring Gary! I'm in my 30s (32) and I've always wanted to learn the cello, reading this is reassuring me that I can. I'm considering taking online lessons. My only issue is how to pick a cello, I have no musical knowledge whatsoever, I think I'll check out some RUclips videos like this one. Thanks Gary🙏
@@ReincarnatedViolinist I am so happy that you are doing that, the cello is a wonderful instrument, and very challenging. One thing that I must recommend to you. Do not try to learn the instrument without a private teacher, as there are so many little nuances that you will miss out on not being in the room with a teacher. Trust me on this and have a wonderful time with it.
I am a student of Miss Beth and I truly love her program online because I can watch those videos whenever I want and especially on long drives. I have been considering the cello and I am so happy to see the video. Thank you both so much I am so happy I picked up the string instrument.
The answer is obvious: Viola!
The best of both words, you can play both Violin and Cello pieces with an incredible and wholesome timbre!
#ViolaGang
I took violin lessons with my kid at the beginning. My fingers were too big to do trills/mordants in first position, so I bought an acoustic student cello this week to try.
I think as adults (I'm almost 50) we need to choose our own goals, and it's perfectly ok for those goals to be different than a young person's goals.
This is a great video which I enjoyed. I play double bass, in addition to other instruments (brass and woodwind). Unfortunately, the high school orchestra program I had (half a century ago!) was taught on a very elementary level, so a cellist and I sometimes exchanged instruments to relieve the boredom. I think of the cello and the bass as being much more 'forgiving' in terms of intonation because of the distance between the notes, whereas being a quarter of an inch off the mark on a violin will result in being grossly out of tune. A few years ago, I had an opportunity to play a cello, and I realized I had forgotten how far apart the notes are, because I started out underestimating them! However, one of the biggest differences I've encountered is that the cello (and the two smaller instruments) are tuned in fifths rather than fourths, which has to be kept in mind.
If I had to choose between a cello and a violin, I definitely would choose the former. I prefer low-pitched instruments, and it is played quite similarly to a double bass (compared to the violin). I've never had to fly with an instrument, but the size of the cello otherwise would not be a deterrent as I have both the double bass and a BBb contrabass tuba (with the latter requiring TWO cases--one for the body and the other for the bell!).
About a year ago, I saw a cello being sold for $295 in a music store, and played a few notes on it. I was tempted to buy it, but I figured I might be depriving some young student whose financial resources are considerably less than mine (plus I have several instruments already!). An issue I would like to point out regarding instruments bought from eBay, etc.--typically, one cannot try out the instrument before purchasing it, and stringed instruments can have quirks that aren't easily resolved except by professional service, and sometimes even that may not possible. However, I tend to prefer used instruments made by a respected manufacturer to new ones made by an unknown maker (particularly from India and China), but if buying from eBay, it's best to purchase one from someone who deals in such instruments (or repairs them) rather than an instrument sitting in the attic of a seller who knows nothing about it.
I'm really happy to see you making the videos again! 😻
Very insightful and informative video! You have helped me progress so much with your videos Beth! Forever grateful!
A complete set up with a new bridge , pegs , tailpiece, strings and soundpost for a violin at a reputable experienced workshop will cost at least $400.00 dollars so keep that in mind when you buy an instrument that isn’t properly set up . If you pay $1500.00 dollars for a student or semi intermediate fiddle at a reputable shop it is WELL WORTH IT . You also build a rapport with both the luthier and shop which can be beneficial not to mention you have the option to upgrade in the future . You can purchase a less expensive instrument with Shar or Fiddleplayer to see if the violin or cello ( or viola) is “ right for you “ but you have no upgrade option or one on one personal service. Also keep in mind the quality of the BOW itself makes a HUGE difference. Spend the xtra $$$ at the shop for a well made BALANCED bow . That is of utmost importance. Plan on spending at least $300.00 for a well made semi intermediate bow . True , there are less expensive bows but don’t bother . I would also like to add that there are a few payment options available these days should you not have the immediate funds available in pocket or on a C/C . Enjoy and good luck . If I could do it , so can YOU ! 😀 🙏
I definitely agree with you rose. As a student, you do not need to be fighting with an inferior instrument and bow. If you are dealing with an instrument that even a master can't make sound decent, you are in for nothing but frustration. It is a bad idea to try to buy a starter instrument without a teacher or experienced player to help. A reputable violin shop is the place to go. Be aware that some shops will give a kickback to the teacher. I think this practice is ethically dubious if the student or parents are not made aware of the arrangement. The teacher should be looking after the student's best interests and not trying to make an extra buck on the side. I would suggest scheduling a lesson at the violin shop for the purpose of finding a suitable instrument and bow. The idea is to get an instrument good enough to not be a source of frustration to the student, but with the understanding that the student will eventually need a better instrument and/or bow. Rentals are good for this.
As far as bows are concerned, at the entry-level, carbon fiber is your friend. Many of these play well above their price points, when compared to wooden bows. They're also nearly indestructible and accidents do happen...You might be able to obtain the instrument and bow separately. Advanced players look at the instrument and bow as "co-instruments." Some instruments and bows (and players) just work better together. The instrument will seem like it "likes" a particular bow better than another one of equal or even better quality. (But this is advanced stuff.)
Beyond setup, an instrument needs to be responsive and deliver good dynamic range. I struggled for years with a violin that had good tone quality in the middle range of volume, but when I tried to play loud, it just got ugly and scratchy. When I tried to play soft, it just got anemic. I play violin and viola, and it got to where a couple of friends who were familiar with my playing of both, wondered why I was noticeably more expressive and musical on my viola. I could play plenty of NOTES on the violin, but I couldn't get MUSIC to happen. Then, I stumbled upon an excellent violin, and my violin playing improved overnight. It seems nobody, including my teachers, realized my violin was the problem. Maybe they did, since I was applying the right mechanical actions to the violin, and they could see that. I just wish one had suggested I needed a better violin. At different times, I had taken lessons on violin or viola, but with different teachers for each. None of my teachers had heard me play the other instrument in their studio, until my last one, but by then I had the fabulous violin, and had upgraded my viola, too.
Don’t forget good strings! I started on a pretty decent student cello with basic D’Addario strings. G and C sounded muddy and had a wolf note on F#. One year in I upgraded to a better student cello and the improvement was instant. Richer, darker sound and much more responsive. Then I upgraded to professional grade strings!!!! Larsen on A and D, Spirocore on G and C. The C string sounds like thunder and the A practically sings. Cost close to $400 but worth every penny for the advancing student.
My first violin was an Amazon cheapy and I could not figure out why the string height was so high. I bought a better instrument from a reputable shop and discovered that the neck angle was much different. The cheap one had a flat neck which lowered the finger board, so it was basically unfixable...unless you wanted to pay three times what the violin originally cost. Lesson learned. You get what you pay for.
It was the Viola that got me! I PLAY VIOLIN BUT WAS TAUGHT BY A VIOLA PLAYER. THEN MY SECOND TEACHER WAS A VIOLINIST. IM INDEBTED TO THE 1960S 1970S SCHOOL SYSTEM AND SUZUKI VIOLIN METHOD. IM STILL A HACK BUT AT LEAST I CAN STAND TO HEAR MYSELF NOW.
the world needs more violists!
OMG! So good to see you again! The subject of this video reminded me of a conversation I had with a cellist a few years back. She argued that my octave viola could not possibly play the same pitch as a cello (spoiler alert… it does). And, because it’s a 5-string, it also has a low E
Hij there, first of all I'd like to say that it's a really nice way you two approach the pro's and cons about each instrument and I'd like to add something to the story. You've talked about how the sound of the cello resonate through your body. I myself play the double bass (sitting down) so I can really relay to that. I think of you're playing an instrument that resonates through your body, your body produces oxytocine because of it. When I was on a holiday last year I really missed the feeling of the low vibration ging through my body. So the first thing I die when I tot home was playing a scale with really long notes.
My choice would be the cello just because of that. In the higher register it's almost like a violin but the cello is so much easier to play because of the natural position of the hands. I've got a violin too but I put an endpoint in it so that I can play it upright 😂😂😂😂
I have both and play both violin and cello...not at same time. But love both sounds. The cello high 3 strings are same fingering as fiddle. My other 5 string violin has same lower strings are the same as viola and cello fingering. I had played violin forever and a day.
My mandolin has same fingering as violin, but with 8 strings. I play all these instruments. Luv the cello tone. Your tutorials are outstanding. Blue Dave
I have being trying to decide between the violin and cello, which I find hard. So I started taking lessons for both instruments to help me come to a decision. One thing I find hard about the cello which hasn't been mentioned in this video is holding the bow. The cello bow is just so heavy, I can't seem to hold it right. There is also a sharp edge where my thumb is supposed to be, which hurts so bad. I love the cello but the violin bow is just so nice in that it is so light.
If you struggle with the weight of a Cello Bow or if you are have a big belly that wont allow a good seated Cello playing position (it's like a normal size player putting a big Cushion between their stomach and the back of the Cello)... Using a 'Bent End Pin' could be the solution to many of the problems that players have including upper body fatigue... This video explains all ruclips.net/video/LI0BPWKjK6o/видео.html
Try a string vision bow grip, it has a soft pocket for the thumb and makes it much more comfy
Yes. I played with a bow grip for the first year and a half because of the sharp edge in the bow. Now I don’t need it. I also switched from pernambuco to carbo fiber. Much lighter and easier to me.
Try the incredibow. They produce a featherlight version. Carolyn discusses in one of her videos.
Congratulations on this video, comparing both violin and cello, clarifying a lot of questions about these two amazing instruments. We have a lot of unique great violins, cellos, and violas in our store
Hello, i have violin, viola, cello,harp, grand digital piano i am happy to learn to play them. Thank you for this video, it is very helpful. Greeting from Netherland.
But what’s your favorite?
@@nicolaypastore The violin.
I'm learning to play violin right now, but I actually love both! I'm hoping to learn cello too eventually!
I used to play clarinet in a orchestra for 13 years now, and I own an old cello from my grandmother and now I am completely in love with this instrument and I'm actually taking classes to change from clarintet to cello
Ooh my goodness love to see you again Beth,I hope it will be more vidio for cello and violin ,sounds so amazing..😍😍😍😍😍😍
I can't decide but i love violins sound so much but the cello is also so good and i think that both would be great to learn!
I started to play the violin when I was 59. I love the sound of the cello but I thought portability would be a problem. Also I am not fond of the sound resonating through your body. So I have chosen the violin and I haven't regretted it one day since.
The crossover we didn't know we needed
Congratulations for this video, comparing both violin and cello, clarifying a lot of questions about these two amazing instruments.
I think you need to mention for adults…take into account any joint or arthritis issues, if you have these issues it can be difficult to find a teacher who will help to modify for example your bow hold/cello. I’ve stopped and am thinking of selling my cello simply because my hand cannot physically deal with a strict bow hold. The only thing holding me back is that I really love the cello and this is my only shot at it, the moment I sell I won’t be able to buy one again. Will check out your web site.❤
I only wish there were teachers willing to think outside the box for adults…I don’t want to play in an orchestra I just want to play and enjoy my instrument 😔
Please do reach out to Carolyn at cellodiscovery.com. She has THE best resource for learning cello and I'm sure she'll work with you to modify your bow hold.
I play the ukulele. It’s portable, it’s fairly simple, but can also be challenging. I’m self taught.
But I’m here to tell you, cello and violin aren’t self learning instruments. Get a teacher like one of these gals.
Thank you 🙏 for your advice and your right good things take time hard years lifetime but It’s worth it
"There's no such thing as standing up playing the cello"... In Hauser's books there is. He's played some pieces standing up by seriously extending the endpin. A useful video, ladies. I went for violin - the sound of those soaring high notes in Barber's Adagio for Strings never fails to get to me BUT, I equally love the deep resonating sounds of the cello... What's a gal to do? Maybe I should consider giving cello a go when I've begun to master the violin... in 10 years time!
I saw a gentleman on RUclips who plays cello standing up and walking around. He uses some sort of shoulder strap much like a guitar strap. Kind of weird looking though. LOL
@@JSWilliamssr Weird, indeed. Hauser once said that he'd show the cello's so versatile, that it's the only instrument capable of playing any genre of music; his '2Cellos' era being a case in point.
I've got a 5 string Cello which has a High E String so I can play some higher notes
I started violin in 3rd grade up until HS sophomore, had a side interest in cello in middle school, would go to the orchestra room after school every day to play cello and learn the cello parts to the pieces we were leaning, then finally switched to cello my junior year and went into college with it. Wonderful video!
I think more people switch from violin to cello than the other way around :)
love those deep velvety cello sounds 🥰
I have taken cello lesson while learning to play violin at the same time. It’s been 1 year already. I realize that it is very hard trying to improve on both that even my husband told me to better focus on the violin until I have a lot better basics and technique before I start cello. My violin playing skill is beginner-intermediate right now. Well, I don’t expect to be professional musician, but I love playing classical pieces on both of them. Is it really impossible to be good at them both. Any advices? Any tips?
Thank you…
Ps. Sorry for my bad English. English is only my second language. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I have been playing the cello for 5 years and my best advice is to take your time. Dont expect to sound good immediately. I think i had been playing for 2-3 years when i started to sound good, so don't worry if you don't sound good yet. I believe it's also possible for you to learn 2 instruments at the same time. I might pick up violin as well.
@@BOTNPC I think the same way too. I know I have to lower my standards when it comes to learning many instruments at the same time. ☺️
Hi I enjoy playing violin and is very inspirational to me to enjoying video like this. Is wonderful educational information. God bless you all.
Thank you guys! Cello player here, found this useful for a friend who needed help. ( I am totally not biased for cello)
i started the violin late and after several years, I am struggling with vibrato. Otherwise, progress has been good.
I've played both and loved both. But something to bear in mind which Beth and Carolyn didn't mention - the fiddle is much more versatile if you want to extend beyond classical music.
In many genres such as celtic, old time, bluegrass, klezmer, hot jazz, tango etc there is a highly developed repertoire and tradition for the fiddle, with a rich choice of teachers and learning resources.
The cello is beginning to carve out a greater role in traditional and world music, but it's more marginal and you are usually playing as an accompanist. Teachers will be harder to find. Plus finding the physical space to play at sessions and festivals can be a problem.
For classical music you can't go wrong with either - in my biased opinion they are the two finest instruments yet devised! But in the wider world of traditional and world music, the fiddle has a distinct edge.
I am at a crossroads, as you mentioned flexibility becomes an issue with violin. A previous injury has prevented me from doing vibrato on violin. Wishing to progress further I was debating switching to a left handed violin or a cello. I've recently bought a cheap left handed violin to see if that will work. I may end up with a cello eventually.
Getting a left handed violin is a good start. But if rotating the arm is still a big issue, cello would be more comfortable. Whichever you choose, both violinlab.com and cellodiscovery.com are the only learning platforms on the wen with a cohesive curriculum.
If you learn to play Irish folk or bluegrass music, you don’t need vibrato. But if you don’t like those genres….
As a 30" inch scale baritone guitarist I personally lean towards the cello. Violins are too rinky dink. Don't forget viola! All are cool instruments though.
So happy to see a new video from you, Beth !
Personal you should play the Viola
My favorite one is the viola, but I've always played the violin due to the biggest repertoire, as I play principally to please myself. I don’t like neither the low notes of the cello nor the highs of the violin. Someday I'll learn the viola.
Me watching this while I've been working on piano for 10 years, also about to be a handpan teacher and now working on guitar, thinking if I should learn violin or cello then deciding both 🗿🤣
I'm after the violin now because it's smaller and more transportable then a guitar which I've played. Not to mention two less strings. Learning because I'm a self taught oil painter and when listening to violin music while viewing my art...it's down right delicious. 😄
How about Viola ?
I think $200-400 a month for lessons is beyond the ability to pay for many people , that's why RUclips is so popular. ( though it's unfocused and isolating )
I was thinking in learning both, but then I discovered that on the cello alone you can go really high on the thumb positions.
Viola of course!!
I loved listening to you both! Thank you so much.
Happy Xmas from Southamerica!
Expenses are way more for cello...
Moving a cello around....is more cumbersome....
Someone figured out how to rock on the cello with "Paint it Black" from the Rolling stones. Carolyn might know who did that. An interpretation was featured on the new Munsters movie " Wednesday" where that Ortega chick gave an impressive act, now watch folks, cello sales are going to explode.
Play both
I will be taking strings in school so thank you so much
I play both! They are awesome
I played both. 8- 11yrs. old: violin. 12-19yrs. old: cello. 20- 24: viola. 25-39: none. 40-present: violin. I loved the cello, but as an adult, I realized I was better suited to the violin.
May we ask about your wonderful violin Beth ? Older Italian or contemporary instrument ? It’s beautiful
It is old Italian :) Good ear!
@@violinlab love it ! Wish we could see a little more of it and the scroll and yes it sounds beautiful as does your vibrato 😊 🙏
I grew up in China and started playing violin when I was 6. I played for 10 years. Around so many violins , I never noticed or heard of the awkward arm position that was mentioned as by many videos made for RUclips. To me, playing Cello felt awkward in terms of left arm posture, especially when you vibrato. My point is the posture is not as important as it appears.
What about viola? If I am considering viola, what are the big differences?
Hello! Violais almost the same tecnique as Violin, but it has one lower string, making Viola with a closer timbre to Cello (C-G-D-A but one octave higher)
Hope it helps if you want to decide the great instrument that is the Viola!
Good discussion. I played violin for several years (I am retired) and I got to a fairly advanced level. I really enjoyed the violin until I injured the tendon in my index finger. I bought a used cello and found that it is much gentler on my still aching finger and I adore the rich full sound. I will say that bowing is much easier on the violin and the conversion to bass clef was confusing for a while. All in all, I love both instruments, but I especially love the cello.
Can't decide between the two? Try the viola.
Play viola...the best of both worlds!
I strongly disagree lol
It's a nice middle ground but in my opinion it has neither of the "signature qualities". The bass(iness) of the cello or the super high notes.
@@JCel You are right, but the viola has its own signature qualities. Being a bit acoustically undersized, it lacks some of the brilliance of the violin and cello. However, many regard its tone quality to be the most like the human voice among the string instruments.
Violin has better reportoire
Unfortunately, the repertoire of the viola is atroiciously limited.
If I cants decide, I'm choosing viola cuz it's in the middle
9:53 You see, that is my argument for viola - It has a sound which is half-way in between violin and cello (able to get lower notes than the violin) and it has the added advantage of still being more portable than the cello.
The title should be cello vs violin reason the way you sit. ❤❤❤ thanks for the video
for me... definitely cello is better, more interesting soud... Therefore, when I made decision, if alt or tenor sax, I decided tenor... violin E string.. is maybe silky, maybe squaking... too high.. .also cello distance between strings is more convenient, so everything regarding technique and sound is for cello 😊 (my opinion). Anyway, I decided violin... due to portability and price.. so I started violin a week.. and struggling with micro diffrences in space between half tones and full tones... maybe I did not have enough courage, and decent intermediate cello cost more...
I love both but my heart holds a violin. We don't have a shop or a luthiers around here
It should be said though that if you are one of those people who love those silky high frequencies, as a beginner you´d better get yourself some high-end instrument to start on, or all you´re gonna get is the sound of nails on a chalkboard. Cheap violins sound anything but pleasant, even if you are a master violinist. Of course, expensive violins played by pros are a whole different thing. Still, I am just in love with the fat, low end sound of a cello. Too bad they are not portable. Great video btw.
The cello closely resembles the human voice. Yet, my fave is the violin. They’re both quite lovely. Yoyo Ma is so soothing to listen to.
I really wish I chose violin over cello in my orchestra class because I really enjoy hold in the melody
What if i would want to play them both 😊 i am playing violin but i want to play cello a lot too 😩
I play both. Pick one to play mainly and use the other as personal entertainment. For me. I started on violin and I am still much more proficient on it.
But I enjoy playing on cello so much more.
I play classical/baroque on violin most of the irl. But pop on cello
I wish I had chosen the cello rather than viola, violin. Had many sports injuries and rehab. Totally messed up my shoulder. I did not learn the correct way to hold violin til I was in my 30s. My shoulder is still messed up. They also did not teach that exercise and physical fitness was necessary to play music.
I’ve taught many people with injuries to play ukulele. Sure, it’s not a violin, but heck, at least you’re making your own music.
바이올린을 좋아하지만 첼로의 우아하고 깊은 소리도 좋아해요! 둘 다 배우는 게 좋을까요?
I actually have several students learning both!
Thanks for this video. Been trying to decide whether to try cello for my 7yo. She won't hold a violin on her shoulder and keeps using it like a cello. I think cello might be a better fit. There are no teachers in our small town, the closest is an hour and a half drive. Is it normal to do trial lessons before committing?
Beth is an amazing teacher. I have a personal teacher here, but if Beth lived near me…..
Thank you! 😃
This was really helpful, thank you! 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Answer: The Viola
Cello of course. So much more mellow and such a beautiful sound. I am a cellist and I learned violin in two years. But I couldn't stand that E-string next to my ears. Too high.
I can't decide, so I will learn Cellolin
I asked myself that then I said screw that I will play classical guitar cuz I never was a fan of the violin or the cello. I don’t hate it but I just prefer the piano over it and since I can’t afford a piano the closest instrument to it is the classical guitar
A few questions...
Would it be bad trying to learn both at the same time?
If it has to be one at a time, which one is better to start?
And finally, how long should you focus on that 1st one before starting the 2nd?
Okay so I don't play both instruments but I'd say that it's better to only start with one and learn the basics. I think if you learn both at the same time, it's gonna take you forever to really learn the basics and progess is always gonna take more time. I cant tell you which one would be better to start with but I guess it doesn't really matter. Simply start with the one that resonates with you more. For me the most important question here would be what they mention about whether you like to be in the back or foreground. As they said, the cello usually plays more of the background notes and often the audience doesn't even notice the cello (you often only notice it once it isn't there anymore:)).
Once you learned the basics, you can start learning the other instrument but I'd say that it can easily take 2 years to fully learn the basics, depending on how easily it comes to you and how determined you are of course ;)
@Lenyaya
Both would probably be too overwhelming.
I think they're both great, but I am leaning towards the cello
The lows are amazing.
Uh, what about viola?
exactly!
I enjoyed this video so much !
I wouldn't mind trying violin. But I have large finger tips. how much of a problem is that?
It's not a problem at all. Itzhak Perlman has enormous fingers and he's one of the best violinists in the world.
@@violinlab Thanks !🙏
Such beautiful and talented ladies ❤
Cello is so divine without doubt
By the way! That was beautiful very startling like New York City!
Viola.
I've always wanted to play on a string intrument, so I have started learning playing violin for 2 years and a half. I haven't mastered it yet. But recently I want to try learning on the chello. Is this transition from violin to chello healthy? And is my knowledge in playing the violin could help me in learning playing on chello?
That's hilarious with the guy in the marching band.
dónde veo los nombres de las piezas :(
if you can’t decide, pick viola
Isn't it odd that when playing Cello, you have to learn to read Tenor clef so that there are fewer ledger lines and with Violin, it's ledger lines for days with no problem.
I agree! I don't see why cello scores don't use the short hand method for notes above the staff by notating them on the staff and then add the 8va above. Why switch clef??? Poor cellists!
Don't get me started on the Viola, Alto clef is unnecessary and over complicates the already controversial instrument@@violinlab
I’ve been learning cello for 3 yrs, and upright bass/violin for a year and viola for a few months. Cello is my fav but love the others too.
Viola!
Nice video. Thanks.
how long is the exchange private class？
Great video! Does anyone know if you must get an extra seat if you wanna take your cello on the plane?
You do need to purchase a seat on a plane if you want to to take your cello into the cabin. :/ OR... you can get a travel cello case. They are enormous, and you still pay oversize luggage fee, but it's worth it.
Me playing the viola
i just want to hear the difference.
we miss you teacherrrrr