Cello — Lutherie Encyclopedia

CelloType: instrumentThe tenor-baritone voice of the string family, played seated with the instrument between the knees, prized for its rich, vocal tone and wide expressive range.## History The violoncello (cello) evolved in the early 16th century in Italy alongside the violin and viola. Andrea Amati is credited with early cello designs, and Antonio Stradivari standardized the modern cello's dimensions around 1707 with his "B-form" pattern, establishing a body length of approximately 29.5 inches that remains standard today. Earlier cellos were larger and held differently. The cello initially served primarily as a bass continuo instrument in Baroque ensembles, but solo repertoire expanded dramatically through the work of composers like Bach (whose six unaccompanied cello suites are among the greatest works for any instrument), Boccherini, and later Dvořák, Elgar, and Shostakovich. Pablo Casals's early 20th-century performances of the Bach suites revealed the instrument's full expressive potential to modern audiences. ## Construction The cello is constructed on the same principles as the violin but is substantially larger, with a body length of approximately 29.5 inches and an overall length (with endpin) of about 48 inches. The carved spruce top and maple back are significantly thicker than those of the violin to handle the greater string forces. The cello has proportionally deeper ribs than the violin, contributing to its rich bass response. An adjustable endpin supports the instrument on the floor. The four strings are tuned C-G-D-A (an octave below the viola). The bridge is heavier and more curved than a violin bridge, and the bow is shorter and he…