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Cello set-up

There is huge scope for improving the performance of a cello by adapting its set-up.   The set-up of a cello encompasses all the parts of the instrument which can be adapted to suit a player’s individual needs, including the pegs, strings, nut, fingerboard, neck, bridge, tailpiece, endpin, bass bar and bow hair.

The first and least expensive level of set-up work is to focus on the bow and strings.  Changing strings or re-hairing a bow can revolutionise the sound of a cello, as can the re-gluing of open seams.  Smoothing and shaping the fingerboard can also greatly improve a player’s comfort and intonation.

The second level of enquiry is to tune the body of the cello by fitting a new, carefully designed bridge and sound post. 

More radical work is needed for the third level of set-up which includes re-setting the neck to correct problems of elevation and alignment.  Some instruments also benefit from a new bass bar which controls the stiffness and movement of the front.

For a more detailed exploration of this subject, see
Set-up - a four part introduction
Cello Care Guide (pdf file)

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