Learning cello

[janinlondon]

DD is just starting cello lessons and we need to source a quarter size for her. Just wondering if anyone who had any experience of the rental market for cellos could advise on where we could hire one for her. There seem to be a few places, but a personal recommendation would be ideal. Also any advice on whether we are doing the right thing - presumably buying would be a bad idea at this early stage?

Our local music service rents out instruments - maybe you could give your local council a ring and see if they do it in your area? Personally I wouldn't invest in an instrument until I was extremely sure it's not just a passing phase.

Thanks SD - I was thinking along those lines, though I don't think our council does anything like this (Lambeth!) so a music store is probably our best option.

I'm too far away to be of any practical use but our local shop does a very good buy-back scheme which might even work out cheaper than renting. We typically buy second-hand violins for about £90 and sell them back to the shop for about £65, assuming they haven't been damaged. It could be worth asking about something similar and doing the sums, maybe?

We bought one in the end, as the rental looked like such a rip off. The 1/4 size cello was approximately £300, but keep their value pretty well apparently, as long as no-one puts a foot through it! But it was bought through music teacher, so felt confident that it was a good instrument at a good price.

You don't have a recommendation for a cello teacher in North London, do you? Ours has just moved away, and no luck finding a new one yet.

Frogs, how long did you need the 1/4 size before moving up to the 1/2 (approx)? Trying to work out the overall cost of renting.....!

Janh was trying to sell one a little while back.

it's half size I don't know whether she sold it or not - maybe worth bearing in mind for the future.

Chase E Foote in W1 rent out all kinds of instruments including cellos. Costs around £150 per year to hire but you can change sizes when you want.

dd borrows a quarter size one from her cello tutor (we pay extra for this). It has to be insured by us, and would cost £450 to replace. I don't intend to buy until she is on at laest half size and I am sure this isn't a 'fad'

Ooh, thanks for the heads up, roisin! No I didn't sell it - still looking for a good home for it...[hopeful]!

frogs, how is DS getting along with the Cello Time Joggers?

GRRRRRRR, we have that too!

ARRRGGGHHH!

Message withdrawn

Ds is in Y2, and 1/4 size is def. not too small.

Ds liked the Cello time joggers book, but sadly cello lessons have come to a grinding halt due to teacher moving away. Anyone recommend a cello teacher in North London?

Thanks for all these responses - we have now had two recs for Footes, so will probably go there and rent till we know its not a fad. My sister has a collection of abandoned instruments, but sadly no 1/4 size cellos! Will ask around re cello teachers in N London.