Construction and function of the Cello - Philipp Dangas

Construction and function of the Cello

Graphic on the construction and function of the cello can be enlarged. It is Link-Sensitive [Clickable].

Short description: Cello components in small representation

The cello basically has the same structure as the violin, with the peculiarity of larger dimensions due to its lower pitch. Its total length from the scroll to the bottom of the body is 1.25 m, slightly more than double the violin's corresponding length (60 cm). Since the cello is tuned a twelfth below the violin, it is not ideally proportioned like the violin in this respect. This disadvantage is offset by the fact that the sides of the cello are almost three times as high as those of the violin and the bridge of the cello has a proportionate height as the bridge of the violin.

The acoustic structure of the cello is therefore just as perfect as that of the violin. When playing, the cello is held free-standing almost vertically between the knees, supported on the floor by a "pin". The neck is shortened in relation to that of the violin and the fretboard accordingly runs further down the body towards the bridge.

The stringing consists of 4 strings and the bow is somewhat shorter than the violin bow, but stronger than the latter. In its outer form it resembles the violin bow. The mute is also used in the same way as in the violin. The two lowest strings are wound.

A dazzling sound sample of the sound of the cello
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Components of the strings at a glance
Component Description
Saddle Small bar at the end of the fretboard. The strings are guided to the pegs via these.
Fretboard Glued board, namely on the neck. Whereupon the player depresses the strings.
Strings A body that is elastic and very stretched. By plucking, hitting or stroking it is set in motion and made to sound.
Bridge It is a support for the strings. This limits their freely oscillating path. In addition, the vibrations are transmitted to the resonance body.