Assignment

PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

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Preparing Your Grace 4/4 Size Cello for First Use

Student

University of Maryland University College

PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

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PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

The Grace 4/4 size cello is an excellent full-size model for beginner or student cello players, aka

cellists. It is at the lower end of the price range for cellos, yet well-constructed from spruce and

maple wood, making it a good value. The Grace 4/4 cello is well packaged during shipping.

However, it does not come pre-setup.

Correct setup for first-time use of your cello is important. This guide will show you how to

correctly set up your cello, and will provide options and notes throughout. This guide assumes

the skill level of beginner and will provide enough detail so that you can confidently begin your

first lesson.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

1. Prepare your workspace and have all items nearby.

2. Remove the Grace 4/4 size Cello from the carrying case. The bridge and bow

will be stored in separate pockets on

the carrying case.

3. Review figures 1 and 2 to understand the part names for your cello and

bow.

PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

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ADDITIONAL ITEMS YOU WILL NEED

TO SET UP YOUR CELLO AND BOW:

• Pitch pipe for cellos • Lint free cloth • Scissors, knife, or sandpaper • Rosin • Measuring Tape

SETTING UP THE BRIDGE AND

STRINGS

1. Loosen the strings enough to position them above the fingerboard and the

bridge.

2. Position the bridge at a 90° angle under the strings, 26 15/16” or 68.5 cm from the

nut. This should be near the notches in

the f holes (see figure 4).

3. Space the strings so that they are evenly positioned on the bridge and above the

fingerboard. See figure 5 for improper vs

proper alignment of the strings.

4. Tighten the strings enough to hold the bridge upright and prepare for tuning.

When doing so, apply inward pressure on

the tuning pegs to keep them snug so that

they don’t slip.

Note: Gradually tighten strings beginning

with C and progressing to G, D, and A so as

not to create unequal pressure on the bridge.

5. Ensure the bridge is still at a 90° angle prior to proceeding to tuning the strings.

PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

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TUNING THE STRINGS

1. Blow on the C hole of the pitch pipe to hear the correct sound for the C string.

Note: Optionally you can use a Snark

SuperTight Clip-On Tuner instead of a pitch

pipe for ease of tuning (see figure 6). The

Snark displays the exact note that is being

played, making adjustments much easier and

more accurate. However, Snarks cost

considerably more than a pitch pipe.

2. Pluck the C string. 3. If the pitch being played is too low, turn

the tuning peg away from the bridge to

add tension to the string (see figure 7). If

the pitch is only slightly off, use the fine

tuners instead of the tuning pegs to adjust

the pitch (see figure 8).

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for the G, D, & A stings.

5. Begin tuning with the C string again.

Note: As the stings are brought into tune, the

other strings will slightly detune. Repeat these

steps until all strings are in tune.

6. Check again to make sure the bridge has remained upright in a 90° angle. If the

bridge has tilted, loosen the strings, adjust

the bridge, and begin tuning again.

PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

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PREPARING THE BOW

1. Rough up the rosin with a knife, scissors, or sandpaper to remove the shiny glaze on

the surface (see figure 9).

2. Tighten the bow hair by turning the adjuster screw clockwise. A properly

tightened bow should have about a

quarter of an inch between the hair and

the stick.

3. Slide the rosin along the length of the bow hair about 20 times.

Note: Once you begin playing your instrument,

check the sound quality. If it produces a clear

sound, you have applied enough rosin. If the

sound is quiet and whispy, apply additional rosin and try again. Additionally, if it sounds

coarse or scratchy, you may have applied too much rosin. Continue play until some rosin has

worn off.

EXTENDING THE END PIN

1. Turn the wing nut on the end pin counter- clockwise to loosen the end pin (see figure

8).

2. Extend the end pin so that, when standing, the top of the scroll is even with the

player’s earlobe. The end pin on the Grace

4/4 can be extended up to 18”.

3. Tighten the wing nut on the end pin.

PREPARING YOUR GRACE 4/4 SIZE CELLO FOR FIRST USE

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PUTTING THE CELLO AWAY

1. Loosen the wing nut for the end pin. 2. Slide the end pin back into the cello body. 3. Tighten the wing nut. 4. Loosen the bow hair.

Note: Never put the bow away tightened as tension will warp the bow over time.

5. Use the lint-free cloth to wipe rosin off of the strings that transferred from the bow while playing.

6. Wipe the body of the cello to remove rosin dust that can damage the finish if left to build up over time.

7. Put the cello and accessories into the protective case.