Cello Strings

When should you replace your strings? Part of that answer depends on how much you play it. Ocassionally? Your strings can last years. Constantly? Probably need to change them a little more often. Here is a rough guide:

●Rarely play: You should probably change your strings at minimum every two years as they lose tension.

●Beginner to Intermediate (gradeschool/jr. high): Between one and two years. Always keep a backup A string in case it breaks.

●Intermediate to Advanced (high school/college or constantly practicing and performing). Every six months to a year. Keep a complete backup set of strings.

You can always check with your teacher or a luthier.

What brand of strings should you buy? Depends on your cello. No it really does. Some cellos are bright in sound and need a warmer tone of string. Other cellos are muted in sound and need a bright string to bring out the sound. Beginners and intermediate players really should just stick with an inexpensive brand such as Prelude or Red Label. More advanced players may want Kaplan or some other more expensive brand. Regardless, your lutheir is the best person to help you with this as they can find the right strings for your cello. Also it is not uncommon to mix brands of strings to get the right sound from A, which may be different from from the other strings.

A bit of trivia--the strings exert up to 85 lbs pressure on the bridge of the cello. As I understand it cellos will collapse under 120 lbs pressure.

Please note that strings are color coded. At the tail end of the string the color is determined by manufacturer. At the top, they are coded as to which string they are: ADGC. Here is a chart for Helicore strings: