Been playing cello almost 20 years (on and off). Fighting tension, extensions, telling myself to play without tension, no tension, relax! Just picked up a 7/8 cello today. Why didn't I do this sooner!? Thank you for your video. So Informative. The reason I started researching 7/8 for myself. My traps thank you.
Thank you so much for doing this video Jonathan. About 2 years ago I was facing the very devastating possibility of giving up playing cello as I had been diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia which is a movement disorder that causes lots of pain in the neck, shoulders, arms etc. Anyway so I set out to find ways I could reduce tension in my body, it soon became apparent to me if I could play without having to stretch my fingers constantly my whole body was more relaxed. This lead me to researching about smaller cellos. This is when I discovered the 7/8 cello. I eventually found a second hand one, which was made by John Wu, a Chinese born but now based in America Luthier. I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am to still be playing. Fun fact... At first I used to call it Jonny or Little Jonny as it was smaller than my old cello and seemed a bit cheeky but he has now grown into a very sophisticated beautiful sounding cello so now he is called.....Johnathan. So if anyone is thinking of trying a 7/8 I would strongly recommend it. Happy playing.🎻🎶
Sounded great. Beginning cellist age 54, 5ft 4 in. Seriously considered 7/8 to help with extensions. Almost inch less on fingerboard sounds so tempting.
I'm a 5'7 female and tried playing a full size Cello and made almost no progress in 2 years due to the inability to correctly form my left had and thumb squeezing issues. I temporarily gave up on Cello, playing Viola instead but decided to order a 7/8 Cello just to see if my lack of progress was a size issue. It was definitely a size issue. I recently ordered a Fiddlerman Master Cello in 7/8 size and I can play it beautifully with no left hand tension. I am shocked! I excelled at Viola, but my heart lies with the Cello.
The 7/8 might not have the booming bass, but it more than makes up for it in clarity and focus. The full size seems to lose its edge in the higher register.
I have cubital tunnel syndrome and forward extensions were simply excruciating on my 4/4. I had to import one as there were none in the country I live in. It was very worth it I just gone mine yesterday and already falling in love😍
Tengo esa lesión también! Y cuando afecta el clima y los esfuerzos por hacer sonar el Wilfer también termino con tendinitis😔... Quiero adquirir ese tamaño de cello también🥰! Cómo te va hasta ahora con él?
So happy you've finally got the cello of your dreams! What a beauty! Thank you for having Edgar take all the measurements-- that was really helpful. I've been unsuccessfully searching for an 7/8 cello within my (admittedly very low) budget since I started playing four months ago. I'm hitting so many roadblocks on the full size cello I've been renting because I broke my left pinkie finger as a child. Was about to settle for just buying a less expensive, used full size cello as I wasn't sure that it would even make that much of a difference to get a much more expensive 7/8, and then I saw your video. It's good to finally have some clarity on the different string lengths-- everything else out there was always so vague, only describing the difference in body volume and not the length of the strings. I suppose I'll keep on looking if I ever really want to progress and learn how to properly play this beautiful instrument. :)
Extremely informative. I’m 5’8” but my spine has begun collapsing on itself and after 8 surgeries that will only continue. I am in bed 23.5 hours a day but I’m hoping learning the cello will help me sit up more. I think I’ll go the 7/8 route also to help my arthritis.
I very much like the sound of this new cello. To my ear you sound even better playing it. My daughter has small hands and has trouble with the fingerings up high, so she will be watching this in the morning.
I have just started playing cello. I am a month in. You cant rent a 7/8 here so I am on a full size. I dont think i want to wait a year playing on something I am struggling with. My fingers only stretch about 5" and my arm length is only 24". I think I will end up buying early (3 months) so I wont lose interest due to pain and frustration of hitting wrong notes as my fingers slowly slide out of place. Thanks for helping bring attention to the smaller size and how it plays just as nice.
My child quit cello because she was having a hard time being comfortable around that neck! I miss hearing her play...I'm going to show her a 7/8 and pray it helps! Her name is kaylynn,please keep us in ur prayers that this will her! God bless all!
Adult beginner here, and also a shorter guy with smaller hands - 38yo @ 5'5". I've played guitar and piano most of my life and even then I struggle with larger acoustic guitars, generally preferring short scales or even playing higher up the neck as a result of comfort. On piano I can basically stretch to a 9th on a good day, but 10ths - fuggetaboutit. That said on the 4/4 cello I just rented to start with, I've found immediately that first position is challenging for that pinky - I tend to always play that note a little flat simply because the stretch is a bit difficult and tense for me. In order to stretch to be in tune, I kind of have to shift my other fingers forward so they wouldn't be in tune, for example if I was doing a fast run or scales back and forth, I would have to shift my fingers into place and I can imagine this will increase tension too. I started with a teacher recently and they highly recommended I consider sending I change over to a 7/8, so thank you for sharing this video - I'm going to try to book an appointment with a local string shop who carries 7/8s and see how they feel!
I have a full size cello but have small hands and a comfortable first position for me falls 1/2" short from where my pinky finger should be resting. Would a 7/8 size be a better fit?
Yes, as Edgar clearly states, the 7/8 makes most difference when playing along the neck. So your half and 1st position extensions will be more comfortable.
@@CelloCoach Yes but on the other hand, the sound will be less powerfull. I should talk about it with my teacher and give it a try to make my mind.I think that's a question of pride to switch from full size down to 7/8.
wow,... I thought7/8 would have higher pitch than 4/4, but it is not. I prefer the strong base echo from 7/8 here! Thanks so much for the info... I am just about to pick up cello lesson and getting know more about cello.
I'm going to start the cello in some months and I don't know what size I should buy. I am 1.64 cm, 52kg and I have small hands. I'm already a concert performer, a classical guitarist. So I can spread my fingers well. But I don't know if that's going to be enough for the cello. And I don't know if we can adapt to 4/4 after if we play with a 7/8. For example if you want to play at a cellist's friend's house with his instrument etc. ?
I currently play a 1880 French cello but really looking for a 7/8. They are so hard to find. The only one I’ve found just didn’t match the tone. Where are you?
Love your videos. I wonder if you can ask Edgar if he used a 4/4 or 3/4 size bridge on your 7/8 cello. I bought a 7/8 cello (Fiddlerman Master from Fiddlershop in South Florida) and noticed that the bridge is narrower than the bridge in my 4/4 cello. I also noticed that I am touching adjacent strings when playing; not sure if it is due to the bridge being narrow.
Hey Jonathan! So cool that you play a 7/8. I'm a small adult and have considered playing a smaller cello to prevent injury down the line. How did you decide to play a smaller instrument? What benefits does it have for you? Do you miss anything about the full size? And, what strategies do you use to get the best sound out of the smaller instrument? tia! & thanks for all of your informative videos!
Also, try experimenting with different strings just for the G and C strings. Sometimes different strings for the lower notes will help bring out the lower tones and sort of make up for the deficit you are experiencing. 😇
@@CelloCoach Thank you for this presentation. I recently got one from a local luthier. I have small hands - I absolutely love it! The 7/8 is so much easier for me to play compared to my 4/4. Cheers!
I just started playing at age 58. I'm having a lot of trouble with extensions due to having surgery on finger 2 to repair a torn in half ligament. My finger is always stiff and actually curves slightly towards finger 3. I have been reluctant to try a 7/8, thinking it wouldn't sound as nice and also I am concerned about switching back and forth between my acoustic and my electric Yamaha. Is it a challenge switching back and forth between 7/8 and 4/4 for you?
Thank you for this pointed and rather perfect question for our community! I will be discussing this exact situation in the future, for as you probably already know, I too have a Yamaha SVC-210 and will be upgrading to this 2020 Russ 7/8. Honestly, since my NS-CR5 is far more comfortable to play than the SVC, I’ll be remiss to not hint that the SVC will be used more sparingly. Advice - 4mm clearance under the A string! And I hear you about the concern switching back and forth, as well the sound. To be brutally honest, a 7/8 is a top instrument that is custom ordered and should originate from a quality luthier. Edgar is such a master and he prefers to make basses and cellos, so if you are considering the UPGRADE to longer playing hours, more comfort and less pain, then you should order a 7/8.
My heights is about 156cm. And I have small hands. I am adult beginner and just began cello lessons October 2020. I consider to change my size from 4/4 to 3/4 or 7/8.. so which one I should choose?
I have a 4/4 size because that's what adults get. 😜 I've been wanting to try a 7/8 to see if it'd be more comfortable to play. But I feel like I should wait until I'm a better player before spending money on a second cello though. 7/8 doesn't seem to be common enough to come in beginner models, so it'd be like a quality upgrade too, not just a size difference.
@@CelloCoach how much would a customised 7/8 by Edgar cost? I am Asian and petite. Just a real beginner but got a full size one as people told me to buy full size as an adult.
Well sometimes there are small tensions in the hand and shoulders that the onlooker cannot detect, but the player can definitely feel, especially over time.
Been playing cello almost 20 years (on and off). Fighting tension, extensions, telling myself to play without tension, no tension, relax! Just picked up a 7/8 cello today. Why didn't I do this sooner!? Thank you for your video. So Informative. The reason I started researching 7/8 for myself. My traps thank you.
I absolutely love my 7/8 cello, especially after 32 years of pain
Thank you so much for doing this video Jonathan. About 2 years ago I was facing the very devastating possibility of giving up playing cello as I had been diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia which is a movement disorder that causes lots of pain in the neck, shoulders, arms etc.
Anyway so I set out to find ways I could reduce tension in my body, it soon became apparent to me if I could play without having to stretch my fingers constantly my whole body was more relaxed. This lead me to researching about smaller cellos. This is when I discovered the 7/8 cello.
I eventually found a second hand one, which was made by John Wu, a Chinese born but now based in America Luthier.
I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am to still be playing.
Fun fact... At first I used to call it Jonny or Little Jonny as it was smaller than my old cello and seemed a bit cheeky but he has now grown into a very sophisticated beautiful sounding cello so now he is called.....Johnathan.
So if anyone is thinking of trying a 7/8 I would strongly recommend it.
Happy playing.🎻🎶
Lovely story, thank you for sharing Dawn.
Hi, I am a small to medium size build female about 160cm high small to medium size hands , do you think I should have smaller size cello 7/8 or 3/4 ?
@@annah7268 I would try to find a string shop that carries both sizes and be open to trying both! I love my 3/4 :)
Sounded great. Beginning cellist age 54, 5ft 4 in. Seriously considered 7/8 to help with extensions. Almost inch less on fingerboard sounds so tempting.
Contact me jh@jonathanhumphries.com and I can help you more, Jeana.
I'm a 5'7 female and tried playing a full size Cello and made almost no progress in 2 years due to the inability to correctly form my left had and thumb squeezing issues. I temporarily gave up on Cello, playing Viola instead but decided to order a 7/8 Cello just to see if my lack of progress was a size issue. It was definitely a size issue. I recently ordered a Fiddlerman Master Cello in 7/8 size and I can play it beautifully with no left hand tension. I am shocked! I excelled at Viola, but my heart lies with the Cello.
Glad to have you back in the Cello family
Saved from a fate worse than death
It would be nice to have an update on that size change in your next videos.
I have been loving the 7/8 cello
6:02 7/8
6:20 4/4
The 7/8 might not have the booming bass, but it more than makes up for it in clarity and focus.
The full size seems to lose its edge in the higher register.
good observation
I have cubital tunnel syndrome and forward extensions were simply excruciating on my 4/4.
I had to import one as there were none in the country I live in. It was very worth it
I just gone mine yesterday and already falling in love😍
good for you
Tengo esa lesión también! Y cuando afecta el clima y los esfuerzos por hacer sonar el Wilfer también termino con tendinitis😔... Quiero adquirir ese tamaño de cello también🥰! Cómo te va hasta ahora con él?
So happy you've finally got the cello of your dreams! What a beauty! Thank you for having Edgar take all the measurements-- that was really helpful. I've been unsuccessfully searching for an 7/8 cello within my (admittedly very low) budget since I started playing four months ago. I'm hitting so many roadblocks on the full size cello I've been renting because I broke my left pinkie finger as a child. Was about to settle for just buying a less expensive, used full size cello as I wasn't sure that it would even make that much of a difference to get a much more expensive 7/8, and then I saw your video. It's good to finally have some clarity on the different string lengths-- everything else out there was always so vague, only describing the difference in body volume and not the length of the strings. I suppose I'll keep on looking if I ever really want to progress and learn how to properly play this beautiful instrument. :)
Thanks for this! I’m am absolute beginner and will now be starting with a 7/8 at age 62!
Extremely informative. I’m 5’8” but my spine has begun collapsing on itself and after 8 surgeries that will only continue. I am in bed 23.5 hours a day but I’m hoping learning the cello will help me sit up more. I think I’ll go the 7/8 route also to help my arthritis.
I very much like the sound of this new cello. To my ear you sound even better playing it. My daughter has small hands and has trouble with the fingerings up high, so she will be watching this in the morning.
I do like this cello very much, so much I now own it :-)
I have just started playing cello. I am a month in. You cant rent a 7/8 here so I am on a full size. I dont think i want to wait a year playing on something I am struggling with. My fingers only stretch about 5" and my arm length is only 24". I think I will end up buying early (3 months) so I wont lose interest due to pain and frustration of hitting wrong notes as my fingers slowly slide out of place. Thanks for helping bring attention to the smaller size and how it plays just as nice.
My child quit cello because she was having a hard time being comfortable around that neck! I miss hearing her play...I'm going to show her a 7/8 and pray it helps! Her name is kaylynn,please keep us in ur prayers that this will her! God bless all!
I will pray for you KAYLYNN
Adult beginner here, and also a shorter guy with smaller hands - 38yo @ 5'5". I've played guitar and piano most of my life and even then I struggle with larger acoustic guitars, generally preferring short scales or even playing higher up the neck as a result of comfort. On piano I can basically stretch to a 9th on a good day, but 10ths - fuggetaboutit.
That said on the 4/4 cello I just rented to start with, I've found immediately that first position is challenging for that pinky - I tend to always play that note a little flat simply because the stretch is a bit difficult and tense for me. In order to stretch to be in tune, I kind of have to shift my other fingers forward so they wouldn't be in tune, for example if I was doing a fast run or scales back and forth, I would have to shift my fingers into place and I can imagine this will increase tension too. I started with a teacher recently and they highly recommended I consider sending I change over to a 7/8, so thank you for sharing this video - I'm going to try to book an appointment with a local string shop who carries 7/8s and see how they feel!
Have you found a 7/8?
1:33 There we go now you can see
Yeah, he has huge hands
@@CelloCoach Interestingly enough the 7/8 sounds like a full sized because it's built in a special manner.
This certain 7/8 is true-to-scale of a Ruggiei model he has acquired, only with a 0,9 CM reduction in neck length
@@CelloCoach Interestingly enough here's your Cello Pickup:shadowelectronics.com/collections/cello-pickups/products/sh-sc1
@@CelloCoach Bob Kogut built a 5 String 3/4 Size Violin so that it sounds fantastic because alot of fractional sized Violins sound like toys.
You can actually put a Pickup on the Cello too, but a 7/8 size 5 String Cello (With a High E) will really sound interesting.
Maybe you should order one from Edgar?
Super helpful. Thanks!
You're welcome!
I have a full size cello but have small hands and a comfortable first position for me falls 1/2" short from where my pinky finger should be resting. Would a 7/8 size be a better fit?
yes I recommend you try one
I've got small fingers. I have difficulties with extensions on first position and half position, maybe that could help ?
Yes, as Edgar clearly states, the 7/8 makes most difference when playing along the neck. So your half and 1st position extensions will be more comfortable.
@@CelloCoach Yes but on the other hand, the sound will be less powerfull. I should talk about it with my teacher and give it a try to make my mind.I think that's a question of pride to switch from full size down to 7/8.
Swallow your pride and stay tuned as my new cello opens up
wow,... I thought7/8 would have higher pitch than 4/4, but it is not. I prefer the strong base echo from 7/8 here! Thanks so much for the info... I am just about to pick up cello lesson and getting know more about cello.
You're welcome!
I'm going to start the cello in some months and I don't know what size I should buy. I am 1.64 cm, 52kg and I have small hands. I'm already a concert performer, a classical guitarist. So I can spread my fingers well. But I don't know if that's going to be enough for the cello. And I don't know if we can adapt to 4/4 after if we play with a 7/8. For example if you want to play at a cellist's friend's house with his instrument etc. ?
I alternate between 7/8 and 4/4 weekly because eCellos are only full-size. My advice is to try to find a true and well-crafted 7/8.
I currently play a 1880 French cello but really looking for a 7/8. They are so hard to find. The only one I’ve found just didn’t match the tone. Where are you?
You can buy mine! It is available at Edgar Russ shop in Cremona
Great videos and beautiful instruments.
I just realized that the chairs are a great piece too!! Did Edgar built/design those chairs? Just lovely.
He has a friend who builds them
Love your videos. I wonder if you can ask Edgar if he used a 4/4 or 3/4 size bridge on your 7/8 cello. I bought a 7/8 cello (Fiddlerman Master from Fiddlershop in South Florida) and noticed that the bridge is narrower than the bridge in my 4/4 cello. I also noticed that I am touching adjacent strings when playing; not sure if it is due to the bridge being narrow.
Hey Jonathan! So cool that you play a 7/8. I'm a small adult and have considered playing a smaller cello to prevent injury down the line. How did you decide to play a smaller instrument? What benefits does it have for you? Do you miss anything about the full size? And, what strategies do you use to get the best sound out of the smaller instrument? tia! & thanks for all of your informative videos!
I do not miss the full size at all. the 7/8 is more comfortable in all positions, most felt amongst any extended positions
@@CelloCoach thanks so much for your reply! that's awesome... I'm going to think about it more for myself too. :)
I have a 7/8 and I love it
yay
just switched my student 4\4 rental cello with a much better much older 7\8, and i really miss those lows!!! not as booming and bassy anymore
visit your luthier for a setup on the 7/8 and update me please
@@CelloCoach apparently it was Just A relatively small 4/4. I got used to the Sound, not as much lows but definitely a deeper and nuanced timbre
Also, try experimenting with different strings just for the G and C strings. Sometimes different strings for the lower notes will help bring out the lower tones and sort of make up for the deficit you are experiencing. 😇
I’m so tempted to get a 7/8 myself. What’s the lowest end of pricing for these? And does Edgar declare the price when shipping abroad?
we should have this conversation via email, K B-Go jh@jonathanhumphries.com
I am also interested in this topic. I currently use a 7/8 beginner cello and want to up my game and buy a quality one.
Is there any adult cellist who use 3/4 cello?
Yes, my student in Brisbane plays a 3/4
Dude roasted ol' boy. 2:55
Beautiful Are you planning on listing the 7/8 on your website?
This particular 7/8 is taken, Carrie, sorry 😉 but you can order one whenever you like
@@CelloCoach Thank you for this presentation. I recently got one from a local luthier. I have small hands - I absolutely love it! The 7/8 is so much easier for me to play compared to my 4/4. Cheers!
I just started playing at age 58. I'm having a lot of trouble with extensions due to having surgery on finger 2 to repair a torn in half ligament. My finger is always stiff and actually curves slightly towards finger 3. I have been reluctant to try a 7/8, thinking it wouldn't sound as nice and also I am concerned about switching back and forth between my acoustic and my electric Yamaha. Is it a challenge switching back and forth between 7/8 and 4/4 for you?
Thank you for this pointed and rather perfect question for our community! I will be discussing this exact situation in the future, for as you probably already know, I too have a Yamaha SVC-210 and will be upgrading to this 2020 Russ 7/8. Honestly, since my NS-CR5 is far more comfortable to play than the SVC, I’ll be remiss to not hint that the SVC will be used more sparingly. Advice - 4mm clearance under the A string!
And I hear you about the concern switching back and forth, as well the sound. To be brutally honest, a 7/8 is a top instrument that is custom ordered and should originate from a quality luthier. Edgar is such a master and he prefers to make basses and cellos, so if you are considering the UPGRADE to longer playing hours, more comfort and less pain, then you should order a 7/8.
My heights is about 156cm. And I have small hands. I am adult beginner and just began cello lessons October 2020. I consider to change my size from 4/4 to 3/4 or 7/8.. so which one I should choose?
What shape is your 7/8 cello? Montagnana?
this is a Ruggieri copy
4/4 sounded much nicer. I was actually surprised by the great disparity.
學到很多，謝謝！
I have a 4/4 size because that's what adults get. 😜
I've been wanting to try a 7/8 to see if it'd be more comfortable to play. But I feel like I should wait until I'm a better player before spending money on a second cello though. 7/8 doesn't seem to be common enough to come in beginner models, so it'd be like a quality upgrade too, not just a size difference.
when you are ready, Edgar can customize one for you
@@CelloCoach how much would a customised 7/8 by Edgar cost? I am Asian and petite. Just a real beginner but got a full size one as people told me to buy full size as an adult.
I kinda like the 7/8 better yeah it's true!
I'm getting the 4/4 due to my finger size. will be listening to most of your teachings jonathan.
Smh the guy is able to play effortlessly on the full size- whats the problem??
Well sometimes there are small tensions in the hand and shoulders that the onlooker cannot detect, but the player can definitely feel, especially over time.