Eli+and+the+Cello

The Cello is a popular part of the string family. It has four strings and is basically just a big violin although you can buy different sizes for to suit you. It is most regularely used in classical European music and has been described as the closest sounding instrument to the human voice. It is played in the bass part of the string quartet.
 * THE CELLO**

The cello is typically made from wood, although other materials such as carbon fibre or aluminum may be used. A traditional cello has a spruce top, with maple for the back, sides, and neck. Other woods, such as willow,can be used for the back and sides. Less expensive cellos frequently have tops and backs made of laminated poorer quality wood.

The top and back are traditionally hand-carved, though some are produced by machines in factories. The sides, or ribs, are made by heating the wood and bending it around forms. The cello body has a wide top bout, narrow middle formed by two C shaped chunks cut out of it, and a wide bottom bout. Then there is the f holes, named by their shape. These holes create vibration, like every other instrument and is the same set up as a guitar. The bridge holds the strings tight above the f-holes letting the sound resinate, then vibrate in the hollow space of the Cello.

This picture shows, probably the most recognisable part of the cello. The middle. It contains all the important parts such as, the bridge, the strings and the f holes. The strings on a cello have cores made out of gut, metal, or synthetic materials. Most strings used today are wound with metallic materials like aluminum and titanium. Cellists sometimes use different types of strings on their instruments for a different sound. The pitches of the open strings are C, G, D, and A, unless alternate tuning is used.

The picture below shows the bow of a cello. It is used by sliding it across the strings to make a sound. An average bow is 73cm long and is made from the inner part of a tree or carbon fibre, and the part you bow it with is made from horse hair or a tough synthetic material. Playing the cello requires great skill and is not something you can just pick up, go to a couple of lessons and then be able to play it. There are many techniques to paying this instrument and someone like me would never have the determination and persistance to play this instrument. playing it is a huge commitment and should be thought through before being taken up.The Cello as an instrument was a great success, the idea of having a bigger violin that plays in lower octives to accompany the other instruments. []