setting up your cello and getting the best out of it

[@mutlugundiler4458]

This video was not boring at all, on the contrary, it was one of the rare videos giving pure information without unnecessary wording. The information you provided is highly appreciated. Thank you.

[@kadiralkan9862]

Merhaba siz de mi çello yapımıyla ilgileniyorsunuz ben bir süredir elekto çello yapmak için internetten bilgi topluyorum.

[@5amJones69]

aww man. this is a breath of fresh air. NO ONE starts a video with who they are and why we can take what they say seriously. Thanks mate.

[@thorstenfleiter8238]

What a great helpful video! I rescued a cello from being trashed and it needed only a new bridge and strings. Your suggestion how to place the bridge is extremely helpful - thank you very much!

[@SWAMPTTHING]

This was GOLD, thank you friend for all of the detail, very generous of you to take the time to do this.

[@spinozareader]

NOT boring. Not even one bit. Thank you for freely sharing your expertise. It's much appreciated.

[@bookguitarguy]

Thank you sir. As a natural musician of many years, self-taught on guitar, who has now decided to learn cello (on a cheap student model), I sincerely appreciate your time and the information you shared here. Blessings to you!!

[@dansotelo228]

Dear Peter Val, my name is Daniel Sotelo and I worked inside the bicycle industry from 1967 till I semi retired in 2004. Though I do not play I've always had an ear and a passion of beautiful violins, cellos and their incredible exacting technology. So being technically good with my mind and hands I decided to become a luthier, by pouring thru books, videos, etc for nearly two years. My goal was not to build them, but how best to set them up to the point that several professional players depended and trusted my work to be very good. Your video was riveting as I got two very good points that have been a bit mysterioy to me until you explained it. That is the thumb fitting the crook and how the A string should be a bit farther away from the edge of the finger board. Great work. Thank You, Dan

[@petervel5423]

engineering background can be good for string instrument making. always measure. good luck

[@Jenny-h7z]

Daniel SoteloThank you for sharing your experiences, you and Peter have such an amazing life!🥰

[@frankanthonypascarella2620]

Thank you for taking the time to explain everything. It was not boring at all, and not too long. Happy New Year and stay healthy.

[@ClauGarcis-w5f]

This video has been very interesting to me, because I did built a cello starting in 2001, then ending it in 2002. So thanks very much for the information given. I took careful notes. When I get back to my cello (it is in Salt Lake City, Utah) I will compare. Best regards ... Clau G.

[@YuliTek]

Thank you, Peter for a clear, concise and well presented video.

[@LuizOliveira-ef4vm]

Thank you so much for your knowledge and generosity for sharing it. LO

[@archieprovan7859]

"I'm a recognized professional musician and I built this cello myself, so I feel qualified to speak on this topic." Please sir go on, you have our attention. Respect to you. Looking forward to the rest of the video!

[@terrenceboyd1698]

Thank you, very informative.You can't have too much knowledge !!! not boring at all.

[@wolfstalesm.chapman1640]

I bought a student Cello,..used, And a Bridge and all the Parts.. I only setup my Guitars before.. And with your insight given here i might just manage to adjust my Instrument.. Thanks.

[@PearceHahn]

What an informative video. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@Jenny-h7z]

wow Peter you are a very great cellist, I love listening to your music 😘

[@samuelsvideo]

I really enjoyed your video, Peter. I’m about to start building the stradivari “Davidoff” cello and I will surely take up the advices you gave. Thanks a lot ! Samuel

[@trentchurchill2677]

Certainly not boring! Was very interesting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@christiandegrassi]

Thank you so much for the simple but thorough overview of cello measurements.

[@brendamann6106]

Not “boring” at all! Very informative. I have more of an idea of what is involved when I talk with the luthier about problems with my old cello. Thank you very much!

[@michaelwheeler3123]

excellent video - thank you very much! The cello you made is beautiful btw

[@iainmackenzie3567]

Thank you very much for a well paced guidance/tutorial. I'm just below the rank of complete novice and an old elec mech engineer with the only musical talent currently residing in my body being that I can load CD's into my stack system. I've always wanted to learn the cello and have started at a basic level cello. This presentation has been more informative in its 15 minutes than the last 2 weeks of KZbin searches and viewings. Hope you are still in good health sir.

[@carolinemitchell5241]

What an excellent, informative and clear video with the exact content I was searching for. I was hanging on every word. Huge thanks.

[@SerpentineSilk]

Thank you for your tutelage... I'm humbled by your generosity in sharing your abundant knowledge on this subject matter.... I took notes.... Will you please tell me a good way to get a rich vibrato... Your consideration in helping me on this topic are greatly appreciated... And valued... I'm honored to learn from you.... I'm grateful for your videos...they are a gift...

[@interests-e3d]

Thank you for sharing this information, I have just bought some very posh strings and intend to check the set up on my cello at the same time.

[@peterlaikc]

Not boring at all. Very informative, thank you!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

My Cello is a 5 String Cello so it has a High E String added to it, it's made by Yinfente & I've replaced the friction pegs w/ Mechanical ones (which also allowed me to get rid of the fine tuners from the tailpiece) so that tuning it is even easier, restringing it gets even easier w/ a handy stringing crank.

[@anataveras6994]

Thank you for delving deeper into the matter Sir Vel, that differentiates your video from the mainstream.

[@mikejones965]

Thanks Mr Vel. Excellent video. I'll let you know how I get on setting up a new Chinese cello. It's a 3/4 cello, so I assume the dimensions will be different, but in proportion (the neck is just under 25cm).

[@randomslomo1875]

One minute in and I am in awe

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I use D'addario Helicore Strings which are the largest in versatility. The slightly thinner gauge & steel rope core allows me to have enough control over the strings w/ my bow.

[@mjcard]

Thank you so much for this generous advice. Much appreciated.

[@pseudoname9229]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

[@AdrianReinmann-f6l]

Thanks for most helpful advice❤❤❤

[@alannunn1089]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@charliewhite578]

I really wish your channel had more subscribers, you give a lot of very good knowledge. I am a woodwind musician seeking to start playing cello. I am 17.

[@hansholgersson421]

❤Tack så väldigt mycket! Jag bygger nu min cello nr 2. Du tar upp allt på väldigt kreativt sätt! Det är väldigt viktig info! Jag är enig i det mesta! Vänligen Hans

[@dees3179]

Really really helpful. Thank you so much. Loved the tips about the strings.

[@hebii5862]

Thank you for your expert advice!

[@andycrouch-mx5je]

Great video, I am a violin player that recently found a cello in a pawn shop. The cello was in great shape except for the bridge. The bridge had been broke, previous owner hot glue pop sickle Sticks over the crack bridge and painted it black. This made the cello non responsive. A lot of other things wrong with it. This video sure help on getting the cello set up. I could not see spending more money to have my Luthier set it up then the cello was worth.

[@mayumiyamamoto283]

what a gentleman! wonderful professor..thank you,

[@andreaholcek4094]

Not boring! So informative. Thank you so much

[@dianamoura6024]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Very interesting to know how the measurements are so important. I have a cheap cello (saving for the forever cello) and surprisingly the measurements are nearly perfect.

[@mburridge01]

Linda you are the best!

[@davidrobinson7675]

Thank you very much. Some really good information, very well presented!

[@MsCellobass]

Not boring! Thank you!

[@nicolasrahnama6333]

Thank you for very informative vido . I have old cello the tuners are like Bass tuners what u think I should do .? Thank you.

[@richardm8551]

Great advice, thanks!

[@pheona1000]

Invaluable advice! Could you do a Video on how to choose and set up a Viola?

[@petervel5423]

sorry I don't play the viola! the measurements I recommend for the cello can be translated to the viola. look up viola measurements,

[@KeneHyatt]

Thank you I appreciate all the information that you shared with us

[@tracylynnw]

Very informative, thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@michaelmcleary8566]

I like the use of the snooker score board as a bow holder.

[@robinschaeffer6252]

So much good solid information - Thank You!

[@bryan_beyond]

i appreciate your time and knowledge :D

[@mrbr54911]

Thank You Mr. Vel!

[@matshagstrom9839]

Many thanks!

[@HotelEdenMusic]

This was great, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@martynrangeley8749]

Hello Peter, From my last comment asking you about the cello tailpiece, we did change it on my sisters cello, we put on a Wittner Ultra in place of the small metal one. We took before and after recordings of each, it did sound different at the time but not hugely so, I have still to check the recordings. Anyway Michele looked at some more youtube videos, one of which suggested that certain notes should come from playing the string after-length (below bridge) to get a better harmonic balance. By adjusting the nuts on the nylon tail-cord we could change the after-length and its note and Michele said that her cello sounded better as a result. At one point of this adjustment the cello developed a shocking wolf note on the top string (I'm not a cellist btw.) We checked the after-note and it was slightly out, we made a small adjustment to try and correct this and the wolf note was gone! For me that is proof positive that there is definitely something to be had from checking the after-note/length. Non of this would have been possible with the previous tailpiece as it was a fixed length metal wire type which would be unpractical to adjust. Hope you have found this interestng/useful, Best regards, Martyn.

[@petervel5423]

that is interesting. I have not come across bad wolf notes on the a string. sometimes on the d string. I will take more note of after notes in future. peter vel

[@tedsykora1858]

Brood info and not a bit boring. I found the part about strings the most helpfull.

[@priscillalima6613]

Thank you! Such a helpful video! 🙂

[@SeaRasp]

Wooow it’s awsome you made your own cello

[@joashlim207]

1. Nut to Edge of Cello: exactly 28cm. 2. Edge of Cello to centre of bridge: 40cm, or a little less (39.25cm). 3. Projection: Ideally 80mm, or a little less. Not more. 4. Fingerboard width at nut: 32mm, maybe a bit more but not much less. 5. Fingerboard width at end: ~62.5mm. 6. Curve of fingerboard at side: Curve with gap of ~1mm. 7. Curve of fingerboard surface: 1mm at A string, ~1.5mm at C string. 8. Thickness of fingerboard: 7mm-7.5mm. 9. String spacing at nut: 24mm-26mm. 10. String spacing at bridge: 48-50mm. 11. ‘A’ string away from fingerboard by: 3mm. 12. Height of A string: ~5.5mm. 13. Height of C string: ~7.5mm, or possibly +1mm for gut strings. 14. Height of strings at nut: 1mm at A string, 1.5mm at C string; Ideally equal the thickness of a playing card. 15. Width of Bridge feet: 90mm. 16. Bass bar: Edge of bass bar should be ~3mm in from the edge of bridge. If not, you can get diff sized bridge. 17. Sound post: 11mm thick, good distance from the outside edge of it to the foot of bridge ~2cm; should also be roughly in line with middle of bridge foot. Positioning is an art > science. Thanks, Peter!

[@CelloSai]

Dear Sir Your Video was fentastic and the info was clear need to know more about the string setup. if you provide me the details of the measurement of all the strings first position from the NUT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED Regards sayee

[@DJKeltech]

thanks for sharing these tips

[@markgilbert8091]

Good information thank you.

[@陈林海-h2c]

彼得老师，你的視频很精彩，看后获益很多。請問彼得老师，我的大提琴是3/4式，音柱長度應多厘米？另音色也不好，怎樣调教？谢谢分享你的珍貴技巧，向你致敬，come from Hong Kong。

[@isaactakeuchimusic]

Great video!

[@charliechrist7537]

Just starting with The chillo I learned a lot thanks

[@mayumiyamamoto283]

5 stars, Bravo! thank you very much

[@rogerwallace5473]

Hello Peter, I wondered if you would advise on strings. My mother has decided to dabble with the cello after 50yrs. We have a primavera 200 and wondered what would work best; Jargar classic or D’Addario Prelude. We know the ones supplied with the instrument are not great and don’t want to end up with a harsh sound; thinking Jargar. Cheers

[@xochj]

Thank you!!

[@annlandreville]

Thank you so much. Too bad you're not in Montréal, Canada! I appreciate a lot😊

[@locustvalleystring]

Very Helpful. Thank you.

[@sadie2299]

Thank you so much for this video! I was wondering, is there a measurement to see if the neck is straight down the body? I recently had to have my top plate removed to fix a crack and now my strings lean too much tward the treble side. I believe my bridge is in the center from the f holes so I'm not sure what happened? Thanks so much!!

[@altravolta]

Thank you for the video.

[@leemason4024]

i appreciate your videos and advice! thank you! oh and i REALLY love that keyboard instrument in the background. you should make a video about it and the artisans that built it

[@RobManser77]

I agree - it's fascinating. Annoying position for that radiator though! :-)

[@joostraymakers7528]

Hello mr Vel, Thank you for your video, it' s really interesting. Could you give me some advice on the measurements of my cello? It's about the 28 and 40 centimeters that you mention in the beginning of your video. My cello measures from the nut to the edge of the cello a bit over 28 centimeters and from the edge of the cello to the center of the bridge a little bit over 41 centimeters. The total length of the strings between nut and bridge is 71 centimeters because the bridge is somewhat bended in the direction of the tailpiece. I' ve been playing this (very beautiful 19th century) cello for 5 years now and over the past 2 years (although my hands are quite big) I have had some problems with my left hand.( tendons of thumb and 5th finger). If I were to bring the cello to a luthier, what should I ask for? Thank you very much for your advice! best regards, Joost

[@petervel5423]

hello. your cello is typical of some German cellos, the nut to edge is a bit over 28mms but the nut to bridge is big. a luthier could put a false nut to bring this down to nearer 40 cms which should make things easier. this is not a big job. good luck. get him to straighten the bridge.

[@petervel5423]

sorry my reply is wrong! get a false nut to reduce the total string length to about 68-69 cms. try putting a matchstick under the strings about 1.5 cms from the nut to try it out, peter vel

[@joostraymakers7528]

Hello mr Vel, I' ve brought the cello to a luthier this week and he has changed the place of the bridge and soundpost. He has also straightened the bridge. ( Actually the bridge is a little bit too high now for its new position, closer to the fingerboard ) Bridge to edge is 40cm now and nut to bridge 69,2 cm. It' s much more comfortable for my left hand! The tension on the cello has been lowered by the position change, but so far the sound doesn't seem to be affected...hopefully it will stay that way. The cello was probably built in prague by a luthier by the name of antonius Sitt. Do you know him? Anyway thank you for your advice and good luck with your work! Best regards, Joost

[@ashjod9795]

Thank you very much.....I've just recently bought a new full size cello with a factory set of strings on it. the nut to me feels to high ,, after playing my half size cello with thicker strings , they feel easy to press .. if I get a thicker and better set of strings put on the new cello would that take up more action therefore I don't have to file the nut down,,, I haven't taken measurements yet but I am thinking of getting this done. the A string on the new cello is alot skinnier than the A on the half size which makes it very hard to push,, but it does take time and practice.. thanks and hi from Australia.

[@petervel5423]

make the nut as low as i suggest. you can do this yourself with a needle file. can easily be refilled with superglue and sawdust if you go too far. get spacings and measurements as i suggest. buy the best strings you can afford.Larsen have a good range.cheap strings are often very thin.

[@ashjod9795]

peter vel I'll give it a go when I do I'll let you know how I go with the progress thank you.........

[@guitarislife01]

I literally took notes, even though I don't plan to ever build a cello. Only after I had a page full of notes did I realize that there were literally naked women in the background while he was talking. This is why he's a professor, folks

[@mikabmika283]

Thank you Sir ...

[@andrewgemkow9299]

Thank you for this excellent video. Would you please make another one on tuning pegs? I have one that slips and one that is sticky. How do I get them to be ideal for tuning with or without using the microtuners?

[@petervel5423]

need special tools to fit a peg. a little chalk can stop slipping and soap or peg paste on the sticky one

[@bigrickshaberdashery2759]

thank you

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

Just subscribed, #935. Six years post-production but oh well. Nothing to add just a thank you.

[@avielp]

I really hope the very distinguished gentleman is well 🙌

[@weiderhsu]

I have a student cello. However I found I finger get tired easily. after some investigating, personally I think my cello get slow response when playing. I will need more power from both left hand and right hand to get sound stable and keep right tempo. What should I do? I am not sure whether this is personal skill issue or cello issue.

[@raulishnikovdancer2346]

Awesome video, so well explained. When you were talking about the bridges i didn't understand what you said after a "cheap cellos can often benefit from..rghurgirg at the bridges... What did you said? Thank you (12:50)

[@petervel3466]

i said recutting. Bridges are often supplied too thick and should be thinned. Get a luthier to do this

[@danieljstark1625]

Sure would have een nice if there were a CHART available with the optimum/necessary dimensions.

[@fritzingforlife]

Thanks Bro!

[@Claymore_Gray]

How length must be the fretboard?

[@ianbuttery8693]

Excellent

[@brasspick]

5:25 He's referring to an innovation by this guy: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Romberg

[@joaofrade1]

AMAZING !!! kind regards from Portugal :)

[@raulmirasserna8713]

Boa tarde,por favor, a curva do cavalete e a projeção da curva da escala?

[@kv7164]

Where should one start if one would want to start building his own cello ?

[@petervel5423]

hello. find a teacher or a class. you will need instruction and it is not easy.peter vel

[@josiee28]

thanks queen

[@josephnappi9446]

what should the G string and D string height be?

[@petervel3466]

GET THE A AND C STRINGS CORRECT. IF THE CURVE OF THE FINGERBOARD AND BRIDGE ARE CORRECT EVERY THING SHOULD BE OK . GET A LUTHIER TO DO THIS

[@fourstrings48]

Janos Starker, who was not an exceptionally large man, played beautifully for decades on the enormous Lord Aylesford Strad, in the years before some vandal had it cut down to standard size. In my opinion, this is proof that the dimensions of the cello need not necessarily be standardized. It's the proportions that matter; not the measurements in and of themselves.

[@martynrangeley8749]

Thanks Peter, Very informative info, I saw a video on string playing lengths and was told that the ratio of nut to bridge and bridge to tailpiece should be six to one in length, this was on a violin set up, could you tell me if this is the same as with a cello and just how important do you consider the choice of a cello tailpiece. I ask because on my sisters cello I suspect that the T/P is the wrong size as it looks proportionately too small for a 4/4 cello. Thanks again for making the video, Best regards, Martyn Rangeley.

[@petervel5423]

I don't usually bother with proportions of tailpiece. commercial tailpieces are all ok if your cello is 4/4. you can adjust slightly with the length of the loop longer to soften and short for brightness but this is marginal. I like akusticus tailpieces although they are a bit plastic. my cello is 68cms string and 13 cms after. make sure your tailpiece is full size. Peter Vel

[@martynrangeley8749]

Thanks again Peter, that is extremely useful information and yes the tailpiece she has at present is for 3/4 or possibly 1/2 size and looks completely wrong, I will let you know the outcome.

[@ArthurGerhardt]

Hi, nice your cello! Do you make other cellos? How much?

[@petervel5423]

hello I have made one cello it took a long time, not for sale

[@JohnSmith-fw2et]

can you recommend a brand of cello strings in the USA

[@petervel3466]

I use Larsen magnacore. very expensive!