Composite cello

Started by nofi, June 01, 2009, 07:04:42 AM

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nofi

June 01, 2009, 07:04:42 AM
i saw a tv show that showed how a composite cello is made. the only real wood was the bridge. in acoustic instruments you have so many factors that determine the tone you get. like type of wood, thickness, age, finish and bracing of said wood. not to mention the resonance and ability for the top to flex and your style of playing. needless to say you get none of this with the composite. what you do get is the HARSHEST cello "like" sound you can imagine and no way to alter it.

the mfg process was interesting although a little like stamping out a big toy. the cello itself looked fine in all black but for tha afore mentioned problems. the kicker came at the end when the narrator said 'now you have a concert ready instrument' and a guy who should know better honked out a short piece. all in all it was pretty intersting but ultimatly :puke: worthy.

luve2fli

#1
June 01, 2009, 07:58:27 AM
Having recently done a fair amount of work on my upright, I appreciate it's construction so much more. The interplay between bass-bar, soundpost, bridge/top etc. really has given me a new appreciation of acoustic instruments. I'm not so sure of the sound quality you'd get from an acoustic instrument made out of a composite material though. I have heard of aluminum upright basses and there was a company who was (up until recently) active in composite uprights/cellos based out of Cali ..... I guess it really would be a matter of what you want heard/amplified - the top of the instrument or the string resonance itself? I have an Underwood pickup which is great for capturing the natural sound of an instrument. On the other hand, my Fishman is strictly string sound.

"Concert Ready" - yeah, I guess that's all a matter of perception.
"I think it's only proper that I play until the last note of a set, then fall over and die. The band won't have to play an encore and they'll still get paid for the gig" (Dr. John)

nofi

#2
June 01, 2009, 08:33:17 AM Last Edit: June 01, 2009, 01:07:23 PM by nofi
a little research shows that luis and clark make these cellos along with carbon fiber versions of violins and double bass. sound clips can be heard there ,also.

www.luisandclark.com

even if you like the tone there is something wrongheaded  about acoustic instruments made of plastic. ;) but according to the website if you plan on playing in sub freezing temps or in the snow than this baby is for you. :o

rahock

#3
June 02, 2009, 02:45:34 PM
I heard a carbon fiber ABG sound clip a while back and I just plain didn't get it. It boinked! It sounded like crap and it carried a pretty heavy price tag.
Lots of people raved about it, but I didn't get it at all. If you played outside in the rain I guess it would be nice. Even then .... it would boink.
Rick
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