Cello vs Violin is quite a tough call for the similarities and differences that both the string instruments have. When you first see them, the only difference one can figure out is the size of the instruments. But, with several similarities, there are a few differences that makes them unique. Most people are familiar with violin as an instrument and very less number of people know about the instrument called Cello. Hence, lets get deeper into the instruments and figure which one suits the best for you!
What is Cello?
Larger in size, this string instrument is considered as a bass instrument from violin family. It is a four-string instrument tuned from low to high. It is used in different kind of performances like orchestral as well as in solos. Every cello is typically made from carved wood, except for a few that are made from carbon fiber or aluminium. Learn more about cello instrument with The Tune Catcher.
What is Violin?
The smallest and the highest-pitched string instrument is violin. Most violins have four and five-strings and is placed with a bow across the strings or by plucking the strings with fingers. Most violins are made from hollow wood which aids a violin with a greater pitch. Violin is played to generate music in different musicals genres like folk music, western classical, jazz and many more.
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Cello vs Violin – THE SIMILARITIES
As explained earlier, violin and cello, both are string instruments from violin family. The similarities other than that are:
- Their shapes are similar
- They have similar tone because both are played with a bow
- Both the instruments have four-strings (some violins have five-strings)
- Though both the instruments have distinct roles, they are both part of orchestra
- Both the instruments have huge repertoire to choose from
Difference Between Cello and Violin
Now that we know the similarities between a Cello and a Violin, we must understand their differences further to choose the most suitable string instrument for you. Let’s delve into that:
1. Size Differences
The most basic and visible difference that even a layman can recognize when they check out violin vs cello, is the size of both the instruments. Violin is one of the smallest instruments in the category with the size of 23 inches whereas a Cello is largest in the category with the size of about 47.6 inches. These are the approximate sizes and not the exact size.
Since there are multiple cello violin varieties that comes in different sizes, this is the rough estimate as to how cello is almost double the size of a violin. This makes violin portable and easy to carry around. But a cello is comparatively less portable and a heavy instrument.
2. String Tension
The strings of violin are usually short and thin which produces high pitch notes whereas the strings of a cello are thick and long which in turn produces low pitch tone.
Also Read: Parts of a Violin: Anatomy and How Violin Works Explained
3. Sounds
You can produce sound using a bow or by plucking strings by fingers for both the instruments. Violin produces high-pitch sound and most people relate to it more because it is very similar to a human voice whereas a cello produces low-pitch sound but its sound is deep are rich which makes it more intrinsic.
4. Orchestral Role
Although both the instruments are played in an orchestra, their roles differ. Violin is usually the main instrument played in front because of its high-pitched tone. And a cello is played to generate the background tone of support and harmony. So, if you wish to take the center stage in a orchestra, then you must go for violin and if you have a taste for deeper music, then you can take a cello.
5. Material
A violin is made of woods like willow and spruce. Most manufacturers of violin use old-growth trees to make violin since their woods are harder and stronger compared to the other woods. A cello is made of spruce wood for soft, harmony tone.
Which is Easier to Learn? – Cello vs Violin
All the string instruments are usually hard to learn and play. For its repertoire and natural holding position, cello is little easier to learn compared to a violin, since positioning violin under the chin and holding the violin with one haven is difficult. But in general, both the instruments are quite difficult to correctly operate.
Also Read: Violin Vs. Fiddle: Choose Between Violin and Fiddle
Conclusion
While selecting between violin and cello or when comparing cello vs violin, you must consider your budget, how much portability you need, the kind of orchestral role you are looking for and what kind of sound do you wish to produce. All these factors help you plan and decide as to which instrument is most suitable to you and it appeals to you to make the right purchase.