Calling All 'Cellists: A Survey and Discussion

Greetings,

I am new to this forum, as some people here know, and I would like to make it very clear that I the 'cello is likely my favourite instrument. Out of this daring proclamation comes a topic that entered my mind only a few minutes ago. I wish to call all violincello players to this topic to discuss its uses, your own personal experiences with the instrument, and the future you see in your playing. The age of each 'cellist should be very clear, and I would love to know the age at which you began your training and playing. Make and vintage of your 'cello are also of interest to me, as I wish to plot out which particular 'brands' and namesakes are most common.

Really, anything pertaining to you and your experiences with the violincello is of prime importance here. I want to know everything! I have absolutely no experience with the instrument, and this combined with my gigantic love for its sound makes me want to learn more. Some day (soon!) I will find a 'cello and experiment with it, exploring whether I like it more than the piano or not. This is your chance to convert me before I begin official studies in either field, 'cellists!

This is, first and foremost, casual! Do not feel forced to give information that you don't feel is necessary. All musical, experience-related information is excellent, and I really would love to hear performance anecdotes in particular. This is a place for the violincello and its adherents primarily, and secondarily it is a place for me to learn. I hope we can get a dialogue going!

To give an example, let me state my own credentials:

----

Age: 19 (from November 11, 2007)

Age of first up-close 'cello experience: .... 19, hopefully!

Year of first performance, if applicable: N/A

Make (Brand, construction company): N/A

Vintage (year of construction or purchase): N/A

Anecdotes, experiences, and particular praises or criticisms of the instrument:

I can't say I dislike any portion of the 'Cello's sound, really. I'd love to know how one goes about practicing it, no matter who the individual is!

----

That is merely a sample of the sort of information I want.

Thank you!