"Boston" Cello

[tenshikurai9.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine is visiting the area Tuesday and wants to look at cellos.  Since I've never been cello shopping, I'd like your guidance as to which places she should search first.  I'd love it if I could lead her to the right place by the end of the day instead of having to make a second trip to shop.  This initial searching is going to be done by T so preferably some place accessible by subway and/or bus.  Though if this takes more than one trip, I'd be willing to be her guide to the outer reaches of the commuter rail.

EDIT: She's a beginner who wants to learn.  So if that affects your suggestions, please update your comments. 

UPDATE: 3-month rental of a student level cello from Johnson String

Comments

[jicama]

You might check out Carriage House Violins (http://carriagehouseviolins.wordpress.com/), though they're a ways out on the green line.

[candle-light.livejournal.com]

Johnson String is an excellent place. It's in Newton. http://www.johnsonstring.com/

[bex77]

When my cousin the cello prodigy came to down searching for a new bow, they took her to "where the Boston Symphony buys" at Reuning in the South End. http://www.reuning.com/ Good luck!

[bex77]

I should add that I think you need to make an appointment, so perhaps call Monday to see what the scoop is on that.

[jicama]

Since her visit the main Reuning location seems to have changed their focus to high-end historical instruments and split off their more affordable instruments to Carriage House Violins, which was originally in the same building but has recently moved to Newton.

[cheeseydreams.livejournal.com]

I just found Wood and Strings (http://www.woodandstrings.com/) in Arlington (it is on a bus line if you do not have a car).

[http://users.livejournal.com/_meej_/]

My wife has also been happy with the service & products at W&S. No idea how they are for cello as opposed to violin/fiddle, though.

[cheeseydreams.livejournal.com]

Good point, I was kind of in awe while I was in there, I love music stores.

[siderea]

Wood and Strings is a folk music instrument store. They don't do cellos.

[cheeseydreams.livejournal.com]

According to their website they do.

[siderea]

Oh, well, if the website says it, it must be true.

So what instruments do you play?

[bettyw.livejournal.com]

If the OP's friend is looking for a beginner cello, they may have a few. But if the shopping is for a classical player looking to upgrade, then W&S is not the place to go, as they are a general folk music store that carries many types on instruments. Johnson's and Carriage House will have a much wider variety and knowledgeable associates.

[bettyw.livejournal.com]

Also check out New England Violins on Mass Ave near the conservatories: http://www.newenglandviolins.com/Cellos.html

[greenlily.livejournal.com]

I work for one of the classical music colleges in the Back Bay, and my students frequently mention checking out the instruments at Rutman's Violins (http://www.rutmansviolins.com/index.php?Show=AboutUs). Their reputation is very solid, but I don't know if they have what your friend's looking for.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

I'll second the recommendation for Rutman's.

[countlibras.livejournal.com]

I got mine at Johnson String, but I think it's not that convenient w/o a car.

[grapefruiteater.livejournal.com]

If she's just learning to play, I'd suggest renting a cello first. They're expensive, and it's a lot of money to spend on something that might gather dust if the habit doesn't take. Many string shops will rent student instruments.