Stringing in the Holidays- The Cello Whisperer's Gift Guide

After a much needed hibernation, The Cello Whisperer has awoken just in time to make her Christmas list.  If you or someone you love is a cellist, seek therapy (just kidding), here is a list of cello accessories that will make any discerning cellist smile.

So let's start with the basics- a gift certificate for a bow rehair. $50-$95.  Face it, if your bow hair is 2 to 30 years old, it is time for new hair.  Once all the scales of the hair are worn off, rosin is no longer absorbed.  The bow will respond and feel so much better with fresh hair.

​New Rosin- This stocking stuffer can range from $3.50-$50.00. The Cello Whisperer has expensive taste,  so she prefers rosin aged in oak barrels infused with the essence of figs grown only in Morocco. My current favorites are:

• Bogaro and Clemente-$18-$25 high quality Italian pine resin.  This rosin has good grip and high playability as well as being very stable with high air humidity and temperature changes. This rosin is packaged in a beautiful Briarwood box. 
• Pirastro Cellisto-$15-$20 Handmade in Germany from natural resins with other components.  This rosin is a softer stickier rosin.
• Cecilia (Andrea) Signature Formula-$40-$50 Richer fuller tone.  Although their website says mixing this rosin with others is fine, The Cello Whisperer has found in her experience that mixing this rosin with other types creates a mess.  Start your bow with this rosin and don't deviate.  Cremona has a very informative website www.cremonainamerica.com​ ​

Adjustrite Folding Musician's Chair- 
$260-$300 Posture is so important for cellists. To make sure your favorite cellist is happy, pain free and comfortable use a chair like this one that has adjustable leg height and can help you sit at an angle for easier shifting.  The Cello Whisperer likes to have the back legs extended higher than the front.

TekPin Vertical Angle Cello Endpin-
​$800 (stainless steel) This endpin is amazing and comes in different configurations for different heights.  This endpin is more vertical than the Stahlhammer , which The Cello Whisperer has never liked, and makes shifting into the upper register so much easier.  The tip will grip all surfaces without slipping.  Since the Tekpin is more vertical the cello vibrates freely with more projection and resonance.  Because The cello Whisperer is vertically challenged the shorter version works great.

New Strings-This will be the subject of a later blog as there are many new cello strings available.  Listed below are The Cello Whisperer's 3 current favorites

•  Thomastic Versum Solo A and D, Medium Orchestra G and C-$421 ​Versum contains a multialloy wound A and D and a tungsten chrome wound G snd C.  Versum delivers a clear focused tone without losing warmth and expression.  Does not have the break in time that Spirocores have and feel very comfortable under the fingers.
• Thomastic Rondo-$415 Another great string by Thomastic containing a multialloy/carbon steel  A and D and a tungsten/chrome G and C.  Rondo is a little softer feeling than Versum but that doesn't make it lose focus or warmth. 
• Larsen Il Canone -$389 Available in Warm and Broad  and Direct and Focused. A and D of both sets are steel core with stainless steel winding Gand C are steel ropecore with tungsten winding. Both sets are interchangeable to work with your cello's short comings.  If you are looking for a change from the usual Larsen/Spirocore set this is a good option.

A new cello case- $650-$2000 Santa has a sleigh, so think of this as your cello's most important vehicle.  Packaging is very important in this case, no pun intended.  They are definitely not cheap nor should they be.  Cases get more expensive as they get lighter (carbonfiber) hybrid cases  weigh 8-10 lbs and offer lots of support while being light.  The cello whisperer still recommends storing your cello in the case on it's side, not standing the case next to your car in a wind storm and buying it a seat next to you on a plane. Buy a case that you can find replacement parts for, ie latches, handles, straps, bow holders, etc.

Electric cello or pickup-I don't know any cellist that doesn't dream of playing Eruption by Van Halen on the cello, here is your opportunity.  For the cost of an amp and either a pickup $225 or an electric cello $1200-$2000 you too can become the next greatest Metallica frontman, watch out James Hetfield.  ​

I hope this list gives you some gift ideas for yourself or your favorite cellist.
May all your celloing this season be inspirational and awe inspiring.  May cello bring you peace from all the craziness in the world this time of year.  In the immortal words of Buddy Elf, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to cello loud for all to hear." Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-The Cello Whisperer