Cello tuned like a double bass?

[Valhalalf]

Well I picked up the cello last night, really nice condition with a hardcase and two bows. Pretty good for free.

Having had a look at the strings that were on it I reckon using the bottom four strings from a set of D'Addario Jazz light flatwound guitar strings will probably work just fine. I had read somewhere this was a good option.

http://store.daddario.com/category/145814/ECG25_Chromes_Light_12-52

And they're not that expensive if it doesn't work. I''d hate to spend £120 on a proper set of cello strings and it not work.

Will keep you posted when I've fitted them.

[LemonCello]

[quote name='Valhalalf' timestamp='1319636673' post='1416704']
Yeah been reading up all these guys. They had the luxury of having custom strings made for them which I think could quite expensive.

*edit* just emailed LaBella strings in the states for advice on this as Ron Carter uses them so they may well have made him a custom set for his cello
[/quote]

A new set of Larsen strings for my 'Cello is £170!

LC

[malcolm.mcintyre]

I don't see why the cello needs to an octave up from the DB, as the string length must be similar to bass guitar?

My mother sold my nice old cello without me knowing, and probably for pence, when I moved out because "you never played the thing".

Edited November 16, 2011 by malcolm.mcintyre

[rockabillybob1]

trade it in and buy a double bass

[Valhalalf]

Still no where with the cello and in the mean time got an acoustic bass. Also got the cello valued the other week and it turns out it's worth £500, not bad for a freebie.

Think I'm just gonna sell it and buy something nice with the money

[rockabillybob1]

trade it in for a double bass

[fatback]

[quote name='rockabillybob1' timestamp='1326474978' post='1497805']
trade it in for a double bass
[/quote]

Mmmm, what he said

[LemonCello]

[quote name='Valhalalf' timestamp='1326473896' post='1497770']
Still no where with the cello and in the mean time got an acoustic bass. Also got the cello valued the other week and it turns out it's worth £500, not bad for a freebie.

Think I'm just gonna sell it and buy something nice with the money
[/quote]

Right decision!

[bassvid75]

[quote name='Doddy' timestamp='1319631795' post='1416617']
Ron Carter did it aswell
[/quote]

and Sam Jones

[KaiDase]

I would have thought a set of electric bass guitar strings should do the job. Maybe go for slightly higher tension as there is nearly a 9" difference in length, on the other hand they might just work with the lower tension too.
This has intrigued me so much, I've got a cello in the workshop that would sound awesome tuned as a bass. If interested I will post my experiences!

Cheers,
Kai

[geoffbassist]

Good to see you on this forum Kai. I'm sure there's a lot of members who will enjoy hearing your views on double basses and string instruments.
....As well as a great luthier Kai is also a master coffee maker!
Cheers Geoff