Are Amazon Cellos Worth It? | Luthier Lessons with Edgar Russ

[@sethspears1630]

You hear of so many amazing guitarists starting out with a $80 yardsale guitar that sounded like garbage and barely held a tune. The reason very few people have any passion for the cello is because all those who want to try it for a little while are pressured into either renting (which beginners are generally averse to) or spending upwards of $3000 dollars on an instrument. We as cellists need to be more welcoming to individuals who can't afford quality instruments.

[@CelloCoach]

Well said

[@paulchatel2215]

s a cellist I 100% agree with you. I don't know how many people gave up cello or never became a cellist because of this attitude by some luthiers but probably quite a lot! The idea that cheap amazon cellos are a threat to luthiers is a complete fallacy, and rejecting people that buy these instruments is actually counter-productive to their business on the long term. Cellists will always want to buy nice hand-made instruments when they get better, but in order to get good you have to start playing!

[@CelloCoach]

Very good point!

[@bryanhatch6688]

I am a luthier. I am saddened to say, some Chinese instruments rival anything you can purchase from Europe for Pennie’s on the dollar. No two instruments are the same. No two trees are identical. Ordering on line is a gamble. I bought a Cecilio CCO 600 for $800.00 that will hurt your feelings. Strings were junk, bow was garbage, the bridge was a joke. I cut a new bridge And restrung with some cheap Helocores and Kaplan on the G and E. Fabulous

[@marnierose7816]

Thank you both for making cello accessible to those of us coming to cello, at 45 I've wanted to get into cello for over ten years and cost was the barrier for me, now starting aand so excited to start...thank you for all your content.

[@violinstar5948]

I agree completely. It’s unfortunately the case that money is an obstacle to some of us who have the ability to play great instruments but don’t have the bank balance and some snobby luthiers are part of the problem 🎻

[@CelloCoach]

Yes, and if they all had an open mind to being "downstream" from all those Amazon cellos, the profits they would reap, and dreams they could fulfill. Too much ego in our culture!

[@chriskordel3794]

I brought my Chinese cello to a luthier and he threw me out. another set it up and it sounded beautiful.

[@CelloCoach]

perfect! and are you still making trips to the 2nd luthier??

[@chriskordel3794]

@@CelloCoach yes in fact im thinking of purchasing a new cello from him

[@michaelmcleary8566]

Isn't that what we do with people? Treat them like they're worthless for years then wonder why they never amount to anything!

[@duangerous]

I've been watching Jonathans videos over the last year ever since Wednesday premiered on Netflix and seeing her play the Cello. Not once did I ever in my wildest dreams think I'd see him a bit sauced and shaming pretentious luthiers 😂

[@michaelblaney4461]

That's why I may go electric or carbon fibre instrument. Where I live there a only a few violin shops within a 20 mile radius most of which are closed when I am off of work so the internet is the only way.

[@CelloCoach]

go electric, in my opinion.

[@yaryardank8357]

I think that by putting expensive instruments online encourages bad due diligence. It’s important to be able to test the instrument in every way before buying it. However, online retailing doesn’t enable that. Building a bond with your cello is very important and that’s just not guaranteed in this context.

[@k.montague3671]

That's me, it's been over 22+ yrs since I've played. I have a family now, my children are older,young teens and I now have time to get back into my interest, but I can't & don't want to spend crazy amounts at this point!

[@MaQuGo119]

It's so nice to see so many people cycling

[@ErnestoGhinaglia]

Excellent conversation. I’ve been in the very same situation described by you. You guys guys ROCK!

[@CelloCoach]

We thank you! If you haven't already, check out Edgar's channel!

[@MrBlockyTV]

Well there is always the rent option - you get a great high quality cello for a very low price and when you are ready and feel that cello is something you want to do for longer you can invest in it real money. --> woks great for me i started 3.5 years ago in my Beachlor and rented a very good cello now iam about to finish my Master after that i can easyly afford a cello. Not sure if i will buy the cello i rented or maybe a carbonfiber cello (or both?) Does Edgar have any thoughts on Carbonfiber?

[@CelloCoach]

We did discuss the carbon fibre off camera, and he thinks them as "precisely engineered masterpieces that have no soul, no art"

[@MrBlockyTV]

That sounds good to me! Carbon fiber it is for the next cello.

[@CheshireCat337]

Would you please kindly share the name of your luthier in San Jose? I am in the exact situation you describe. Immense gratitude to you.

[@CelloCoach]

Jian Lee of Kamimoto Strings on 4th street in Japantown.

[@CheshireCat337]

Bravo! Thank You

[@TRISCORE]

Amazon cello's are lite 🔥