During which major historical event did steel cello strings become
Chapter 1

The physics of the perfect vibration

Chapter 2

The voice of the orchestra

Chapter 3

From Baroque backrooms to modern carbon

Chapter 4

Global icons and legendary moments

YOUR GOAL

Master of Why the cello sounds so human

Ch 3 · From Baroque backrooms to modern carbon
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maestro The musical difference between gut and steel cello strings

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maestro Carbon Fiber Cellos

Crafted like a sailboat hull, this carbon shell won't warp or crack, it just plays.

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Early cellos were so big, musicians wore shoulder straps to play them while walking.

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maestro Antonio Stradivari's search for the perfect cello proportions

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Gut strings versus steel

maestro Yellowish sheep-gut strings and silver steel strings run down the wooden cello neck.

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The Stradivari golden ratio

maestro An isometric 3D render displays the golden ratio geometry of a cello.

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Hello Cello
BETA

maestro Place the cello in the orchestra to discover its powerful role in the symphony.

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Fun Fact

The royal scratch: The world's oldest surviving cello, built by Andrea Amati in 1566, still bears the painted coat of arms of King Charles IX of France.

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Glossary
carbon fiber (noun)
This strong, lightweight material consists of thin, strong filaments of carbon atoms. Luthiers use this material to construct resilient cellos first popularized by Luis and Clark in 2000.

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Gossip

Would you play carbon fiber?

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Quiz

During which major historical event did steel cello strings become the global standard?

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maestro The history of the giant church bass violin

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Quiz

How did the 16th-century 'bass violin' compare in size to the modern cello?

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maestro Instrument makers craft modern cellos from durable carbon fiber.

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Quiz

What were historical cello strings traditionally made from before the 20th century?

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Quiz

What is the name of Antonio Stradivari's 1707 golden-ratio cello design?

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Quiz

What 1660 invention in Bologna, Italy, allowed luthiers to shrink the cello to its modern size?

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Quiz

Which legendary master crafted the famous 1707 'Duport' cello?

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Quiz

What is the main advantage of a modern carbon fiber cello over a wooden one?

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Quiz

What is the traditional title for a craftsman who builds and repairs cellos?

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