tat@unc.UUCP (06/08/84)
I would like to buy a cello some time within the next few years. I am looking for information before I begin the process of searching for the right instrument. I have a couple of questions. When considering an instrument, I can play it to see how it sounds and feels, but I am not qualified to judge the condition. Thus it would be reasonable to hire an expert to give an opinion on the condition of the instrument. The problem with this plan is that, although I know someone in this area whose opinion I would trust, it seems unlikely that I will be able to buy a cello in Chapel Hill, NC. It seems more reasonable that I might buy an instrument in another city (like Washington) where I don't know anyone. I would either have to be able to judge the condition of the instrument myself of be capable of picking some unknown to make that judgment. How does an ignorant person make such a decision? Is there any easy way I can learn to judge the condition myself? Also, does anyone know what I should be prepared to pay for a reasonably good instrument? Obviously, the prices of cellos vary greatly. Let us say that I am not interested in a cheap one (like you might buy for a beginner), but I cannot afford the best. I want a cello with a beautiful sound and that is in very good condition. I am not interested in paying more for an instrument because it has some historic value. Sound and "playability" are the only things that count. If this has been posted to the wrong news group, I humbly apologize. Teresa Thomas tat@unc Department of Computer Science University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27514