Author Archives: Allister Tunley

Why Do the Pegs On My Cello Slip?

Why Do the Pegs On My Cello Slip? Traditional wooden pegs are a friction fit. On a well set up cello, they should turn smoothly and easily (although some strength is required) and should stay put! The simple fact is that they can and do slip which can be very frustrating.  Let’s look at why…

Woodworm or borer beetle and your instrument

Came into work this Monday and viewed the beautiful selection of Cellos comprising our ‘Cello Heaven’ …and then horror or all horrors there was a Cello with obvious signs of the dreaded woodworm! A brand-new Cello just arrived from a German workshop and with an active borer. What is woodworm or borer beetle? Woodworm is…

Students and Practice

Practise, practise and practise a well known professional musician once said when asked what he does in his spare time! All very well you may reply but every time I remind my budding musician to practice it is perceived as a ‘nag’. I’ve often tried the positive approach – ‘well dear that was really beautiful,…

So you need a new Cello bow?

So you need a new Cello bow? From the start let me say that this article is intended for advancing players rather than professionals. We have musicians coming from all over the UK looking for the perfect bow – they spend hours testing, feeling, listening. These are bows from £1500 upwards! So, you have upgraded…

Cello by Jenny Bailly

Just picked out a lovely old Cello labelled Jenny Bailly. Ever heard of Jenny? She must surely be the very first and most famous female Luthier of the last century. Jenny was the daughter and pupil of the famous Paul Bailly and Henley writes her instruments up – ‘strong tonal qualities – pure and homogeneous’.…

My string broke days after purchase – is the instrument faulty?

My string broke days after purchase – is the instrument faulty? We get it frequently: Panic-stricken Cello Mum on the phone – “I have just purchased this cello and the string has snapped. The cello is faulty and I want a replacement!” Broken strings are a common occurrence, due to a number of reasons: Firstly,…

Humidity and String Instruments

Humidity and String Instruments Moisture in the air (Humidity) affects the tone and the condition of String instruments because wood is a natural substance and can absorb and adapt to the humidity in the air. When the humidity rises, wood expands and when the humidity drops the wood dries out causing it to shrink. If…

Are you buying fake strings?

The dangers of buying strings online, unless from a recognised and trusted company! We have often heard rumours about the infiltration of counterfeit Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass strings being offered online. We mostly presumed that these “counterfeit strings” firstly had poor packaging that looked like it came out of an Inkjet printer and secondly,…