Parts of the Instrument & Accessories Flashcards
What are the sides of your cello called?
Ribs
The ribs are thin pieces of wood that connect the top and the back of the cello along their edges. They are supported by the blocks and the neck. The back supports the blocks, neck, ribs, and sound post. Most ribs are made from the same material as the back of the cello, usually either maple or poplar. To the eye, the most prominent feature of the ribs is the flame of the wood (striping). This is the result of the wood fibers having grown in an undulating pattern.
Note: The ribs are one of the most fragile parts of the instrument. Handle them with care.
Where are the pegs on your cello?
Pegs
The pegs support the ends of the strings, and are used to tune the cello strings if they are very out of tune. They move the pitch of the strings a relatively large distance (as opposed to the fine tuners which move a small distance). The pegs are usually made of a very hard wood called ebony, however they can be made of other materials such as rosewood or boxwood.
Note: Be very careful with the pegs. Even the slightest bump can cause the pegs to slip and make the cello go very out of tune. If your cello is already very out of tune, it is very important that you consult your teacher before attempting to tune with the pegs. This can be a very dangerous procedure for both you and the instrument (strings can easily break).
Where is the upper bout on your cello?
What do you call the top of the upper bout?
The top of the upper bout is called the shoulders.
Name the black wire in this picture of the cello.
Tailgut
The tailgut is connected to the tailpiece of the cello and supports the tension of the strings. It passes over the saddle and wraps around the endpin.
Name part of the cello.
Pegs
The pegs support the ends of the strings, and are used to tune the cello strings if they are very out of tune. They move the pitch of the strings a relatively large distance (as opposed to the fine tuners which move a small distance). The pegs are usually made of a very hard wood called ebony, however they can be made of other materials such as rosewood or boxwood.
Note: Be very careful with the pegs. Even the slightest bump can cause the pegs to slip and make the cello go very out of tune. If your cello is already very out of tune, it is very important that you consult your teacher before attempting to tune with the pegs. This can be a very dangerous procedure for both you and the instrument (strings can easily break).
What are the circular dots on the sides of the frog called?
Pearl Eyes
The pearl eyes are circular pieces of pearl which are inlayed on the sides of the frog.
Where is the button on your cello?
Button
What is a mute?
Mute
A mute is a rubber device that funtions to muffle the vibrations of the bridge and makes the sound slightly softer in volume. They can be found most commonly on the strings behind the bridge. Mutes are used in all types of music, but are most often seen in orchestral music. When you see “con sordino” in your music, this means to apply your mute. When you see “senza sordino” in your music, it means to take your mute off.
Where is your rock stop, and for what is it used?
Rock Stop
Rock stops are used to keep the endpin of the cello from slipping or pucturing surfaces. Rock stops come in many varieties and can be made of many types of materials. I find the strap variety (pictured below) to be the most reliable, but each cellist has their own personal preference for rock stops.
Where is the bridge on your cello?
Bridge
The bridge is the piece of wood that supports the tremendous tension of the strings (roughly 80 lbs), and is typically made of maple. It is only held in place by the tension of the strings.
There are two types of cello bridges: French bridges have a darker more colorful tone and Belgian bridges have a brighter more projecting tone. Which type do you have on your cello?
Note: If the tension of the strings is loosened very much, the bridge will fall off. If for whatever reason your bridge moves even slightly out of its regular position, it is important that you ask your teacher or your luthier to move it back into position; do not attempt this yourself. This can be a very dangerous procedure for both you and the instrument (bridges can easily break).
Also bridges are fitted to each instrument; a bridge on one cello will not fit on any other cello unless a luthier cuts it again to fit.
Where is the button on the bow?
Button
The button is located at the end of the stick behind the frog. The button has a screw inside, and when it is turned the tension of the bow hair changes, making it either tighter or looser. Buttons are usually made of a metal such as silver and often partly contain material that matches the material used for the frog of the bow. They also often contain pearl.
Where is the sound post on your cello?
Sound Post
The sound post is a thin cylindrical piece of wood located on the inside of the cello near the treble foot of the bridge on the A string side. It supports the pressure of the strings and bridge on the top and it is supported by the back of the cello. The sound post is usually made of spruce. It is only held in place by pressure.
Note: If all string tension is removed (all the pegs slip), the sound post can potentially fall down. If your sound post has fallen, immediately loosen all strings completely, remove strings, bridge, tailpiece, and maybe endpin (if it is loose). Contact your local luthier and make an appointment for them to set up your cello.
This cello is missing which major part?
Back
The back supports the blocks, neck, ribs, and sound post. Most backs are made from two bookmatched pieces of maple or poplar. To the eye, the most prominent feature of the back is the flame of the wood (striping). This is the result of the wood fibers having grown in an undulating pattern.
Name this part of the cello.
Back
The back supports the blocks, neck, ribs, and sound post. Most backs are made from two bookmatched pieces of maple or poplar. To the eye, the most prominent feature of the back is the flame of the wood (striping). This is the result of the wood fibers having grown in an undulating pattern.
What is the purpose of rosin, and what is it made of?
Rosin
Rosin is hardened tree sap which is applied to the bow hair to make it sticky. This stickiness creates more friction when the bow pulls the string and creates more sound.
Where is the frog on your bow?
Frog
The frog is the large piece that is connected to the stick of your bow. It is often made of a very hard wood called ebony, however it can also be made of other materials such as ivory, animal bone, or tortoise shell. The frog serves several functions: it is a place for your hand to grip, it supports the tension of the hair, and it balances the stick toward the side where your hand grips. On the bottom it supports one end of the hair, and on the top it has a screw eyelet which the button screw passes through. When the button is turned, the frog moves either toward the button and making the hair tighter or away from the button making the hair looser.
What do you call the metal device on the string?
Wolf Eliminator
A wolf eliminator is a device which suppresses the wolf tone on your cello. The wolf tone is produced by a flaw in the design of the instrument and creates an effect where a particular pitch does not resonate properly (it usually occurs between Csharp to Gsharp). This disturbance can make it difficult to play the wolf tone with a beautiful sound. Wolf eliminators are most commonly placed behind the bridge on one of the lower strings (G or C).
Where are the blocks on your cello?
Blocks
There are six blocks total: four blocks for each of the corners of the “C” bouts, one block under the neck, and one block above the endpin. They support main structural points on the cello. The blocks are usually made of either spruce or willow.
Name this part of the cello.
Fingerboard
The fingerboard travels under the strings, and serves as a support structure for your fingers when they pull the string down. The fingerboard is made of a very hard wood called ebony. As your fingers travel down the fingerboard, toward the bridge, the sounding pitch gets higher.
This cello is missing which major piece?
Top
The top supports the bridge which supports the strings. The top is supported by blocks, the neck, the ribs, and the sound post, and houses the saddle at the bottom and the bass bar on the inside of the cello. Tops are usually made of spruce because it is light in weight, yet longitudinally strong and laterally flexible. To the eye, the most prominent feature of a spruce top is the darker vertical graining or the annual growth rings of the tree.
Where is the tailgut on your cello?
Tailgut
The tailgut is connected to the tailpiece of the cello and supports the tension of the strings. It passes over the saddle and wraps around the endpin.
Where is the neck on your cello?
Neck
The neck of the cello is located below the pegs and scroll, and supports the fingerboard, the nut, and the tension of the strings in the pegs. The neck is usually made of maple.
What is this large piece that is connected to the stick of your bow called?
Frog
The frog is the large piece that is connected to the stick of your bow. It is often made of a very hard wood called ebony, however it can also be made of other materials such as ivory, animal bone, or tortoise shell. The frog serves several functions: it is a place for your hand to grip, it supports the tension of the hair, and it balances the stick toward the side where your hand grips. On the bottom it supports one end of the hair, and on the top it has a screw eyelet which the button screw passes through. When the button is turned, the frog moves either toward the button and making the hair tighter or away from the button making the hair looser.
The following parts of the cello often are made of what hard wood?
fingerboard, nut, saddle, pegs, tailpiece, base of endpin, purfling, frog, tip of bow, button of bow
Ebony
Name this part of the cello.
Tailpiece
The tailpiece supports the strings after they pass through the bridge and is connected to the tailgut. The tailpiece is held in place by the tension of the strings (if the strings are loosened, it will simply fall off). The tailpiece houses the fine tuners. Tailpieces are often made of a very hard wood called ebony however they can be made of many other types of materials such as rosewood, boxwood, aluminum, or plastic.
Name this part of the cello.
“F” Hole
The “F” holes are the places on the cello where sound is projected out of the instrument. Here is how sound travels: string vibrates, bridge vibrates, top vibrates, sound post vibrates, back vibrates, the entire inner chamber vibrates, sound leaves via the “F” hole.
What do you call the wooden length of the bow that stretches between the frog and the tip?
Stick
The stick of the bow is the wooden length of your bow which stretches between the frog and the tip. The stick of the bow is typically made of a dense Brazilian wood called pernambuco, however lower-quality bows can be made of other materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. The stick should have a natural downward curve. When the hair is tightened, the curve of the stick will gradually decrease.
Note: If after you tighten the hair the stick does not have any curve, your bow has probably been tightened too much.
Where is the purfling on your cello?
Purfling
The purfling is both decorative and serves a structural purpose. The edge of the top and back are lined with two very thin layers of a hard wood called ebony which serves to limit damage if the edges sustain an impact.
Where is the saddle on your cello?
Saddle
The saddle is located above the endpin near the bottom of the cello, and is made of a very hard wood called ebony. It supports the tailgut as it passes between the tailpiece and the endpin.
Where is the pearl slide on your bow?
Pearl Slide
The pearl slide is located on the bottom of the frog.
Where is the stick of the bow?
Stick
The stick of the bow is the wooden length of your bow which stretches between the frog and the tip. The stick of the bow is typically made of a dense Brazilian wood called pernambuco, however lower-quality bows can be made of other materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. The stick should have a natural downward curve. When the hair is tightened, the curve of the stick will gradually decrease.
Note: If after you tighten the hair the stick does not have any curve, your bow has probably been tightened too much.
What is this accessory called and for what is it used?
Rock stop
Rock stops are used to keep the endpin of the cello from slipping or pucturing surfaces. Rock stops come in many varieties and can be made of many types of materials. I find the strap variety (pictured below) to be the most reliable, but each cellist has their own personal preference for rock stops.
Name this part of the cello.
Neck
The neck of the cello is located below the pegs and scroll, and supports the fingerboard, the nut, and the tension of the strings in the pegs. The neck is usually made of maple.
Name this part of the cello.
Saddle
The saddle is located above the endpin near the bottom of the cello, and is made of a very hard wood called ebony. It supports the tailgut as it passes between the tailpiece and the endpin.
What is this device?
Mute
A mute is a rubber device that funtions to muffle the vibrations of the bridge and makes the sound slightly softer in volume. They can be found most commonly on the strings behind the bridge. Mutes are used in all types of music, but are most often seen in orchestral music. When you see “con sordino” in your music, this means to apply your mute. When you see “senza sordino” in your music, it means to take your mute off.
Where are the fine tuners on your cello?
Fine Tuners
The fine tuners are located on the tailpiece and support the end of the strings after they pass over the bridge. They are used to tune your cello if it is only slightly out of tune; they move the pitch a relatively small distance (as opposed to the pegs which move the pitch a large distance).
Name this part of the cello.
Fine Tuners
The fine tuners are located on the tailpiece and support the end of the strings after they pass over the bridge. They are used to tune your cello if it is only slightly out of tune; they move the pitch a relatively small distance (as opposed to the pegs which move the pitch a large distance).
Where is the heel of the bow?
Heel
The heel of the bow is the bottom back corner of the frog. It is commonly round on cello bows (as opposed to violin and viola bows which are usually square), and is usually covered by a piece of metal to protect the frog against any impact.
What is the title of a person who builds and/or repairs string instruments.?
Luthier
What is a wolf eliminator?
Wolf Eliminator
A wolf eliminator is a device which suppresses the wolf tone on your cello. The wolf tone is produced by a flaw in the design of the instrument and creates an effect where a particular pitch does not resonate properly (it usually occurs between Csharp to Gsharp). This disturbance can make it difficult to play the wolf tone with a beautiful sound. Wolf eliminators are most commonly placed behind the bridge on one of the lower strings (G or C).
What is your bow?
Bow
The bow is the part of your instrument that is conventionally used to pull the strings to make sound. The weight of cello bows varies from about 65 grams to 80 grams. Heavier bows require more effort, however their very heft can help produce more sound than light bows (paradoxically) with less effort. Lighter bows are more maneuverable, but require additional effort to produce more sound.
Note: The bow is very fragile and can easily be broken if dropped or hit. Be very careful with your bow.
Where is the scroll on your cello?
Scroll
The scroll is mostly decorative and has little structural importance.
What do you call the bottom back corner of the frog of the bow?
Heel
The heel of the bow is the bottom back corner of the frog. It is commonly round on cello bows (as opposed to violin and viola bows which are usually square), and is usually covered by a piece of metal to protect the frog against any impact.
Where is the tip of your bow?
Tip
The tip of the bow is located at the opposite end from where your hand hold the bow (at the frog). The tip includes a piece of wood which balances the bow so that it is not weighted down completely by the frog. It contains a wedge which supports the tension of the hair. Often the end and the bottom of the tip are covered with a layer of a very hard wood called ebony with an additional layer of either ivory or metal which helps protect the bow against an impact.
What do you call the end of your bow opposite from the side where your hand hold the bow (at the frog)?
Tip
The tip of the bow is located at the opposite end from where your hand hold the bow (at the frog). The tip includes a piece of wood which balances the bow so that it is not weighted down completely by the frog. It contains a wedge which supports the tension of the hair. Often the end and the bottom of the tip are covered with a layer of a very hard wood called ebony with an additional layer of either ivory or metal which helps protect the bow against an impact.
What do you call the material located in front of the frog on the bow stick?
Wrapping and Grip
The wrapping and grip on the bow are located just in front of the frog. They function to help give your hand a place to grasp the bow. They also serve to balance the weight of the bow. They can be made from a variety of materials such as silver, whale bone, leather, or others.
Name both terms used for this part of the back of the cello.
Upper Bout
The top of the upper bout is called the shoulders.
Name this part of the back of the cello.
Lower Bout
What is the silver “D” shaped part on the front bottom side of the frog on your bow?
Ferrule
The ferrule is located on the front bottom side of the frog, and is shaped like a “D”. It fuctions to spread the hair evenly across the width of the frog.
Name three parts of the cello and bow that often contain ebony wood.
See if your answers are below:
fingerboard, nut, saddle, pegs, tailpiece, base of endpin, purfling, frog, tip of bow, button of bow
Where is the lower bout of your cello?
Lower Bout
Where is the hair on the bow?
Hair
The hair on the bow are the white strings that stretch from the frog to the tip of the bow. They are made from the tails of horses who live in cold climates. The cold climates makes their hair grow more rough which in turn helps create more friction and more sound when the bow is pulled across the string.
Note: The hair is the most sensitive part of the bow. Do not touch the hair of the bow with your skin. Moisture, perspiration, oil, or dirt from your hands, face, or hair can ruin the hair of the bow.
Also the hair must be loosened after playing. If left tight, the hair will eventually stretch out and the bow will no longer tighten.
What are the white strings that stretch from the frog to the tip of the bow? What are they made of?
Hair
The hair on the bow are the white strings that stretch from the frog to the tip of the bow. They are made from the tails of horses who live in cold climates. The cold climates makes their hair grow more rough which in turn helps create more friction and more sound when the bow is pulled across the string.
Note: The hair is the most sensitive part of the bow. Do not touch the hair of the bow with your skin. Moisture, perspiration, oil, or dirt from your hands, face, or hair can ruin the hair of the bow.
Also the hair must be loosened after playing. If left tight, the hair will eventually stretch out and the bow will no longer tighten.
Where are the pearl eyes located on the bow?
Pearl Eyes
The pearl eyes are circular pieces of pearl which are inlayed on the sides of the frog.
What do you call the front of your cello?
Top
The top supports the bridge which supports the strings. The top is supported by blocks, the neck, the ribs, and the sound post, and houses the saddle at the bottom and the bass bar on the inside of the cello. Tops are usually made of spruce because it is light in weight, yet longitudinally strong and laterally flexible. To the eye, the most prominent feature of a spruce top is the darker vertical graining or the annual growth rings of the tree.
Where is the bass bar on your cello?
Bass Bar
The bass bar is a piece of wood that is glued to the top on the inside of the cello. It stretches most of the length of the top and is placed so that it falls under the bridge foot on the C string side. It supports the lower tones on the instrument to help them better project. It is usually made of spruce.
Name this part of your cello.
Which of the two possible varieties is shown in this picture? Name one of its distinctive sound qualities.
Bridge
French: darker, more colorful
The bridge is the piece of wood that supports the tremendous tension of the strings (roughly 80 lbs), and is typically made of maple. It is only held in place by the tension of the strings.
There are two types of cello bridges: French bridges have a darker more colorful tone and Belgian bridges have a brighter more projecting tone. Which type do you have on your cello?
Note: If the tension of the strings is loosened very much, the bridge will fall off. If for whatever reason your bridge moves even slightly out of its regular position, it is important that you ask your teacher or your luthier to move it back into position; do not attempt this yourself. This can be a very dangerous procedure for both you and the instrument (bridges can easily break).
Also bridges are fitted to each instrument; a bridge on one cello will not fit on any other cello unless a luthier cuts it again to fit.
Where is the wrapping and grip on the bow?
Wrapping
The wrapping and grip on the bow are located just in front of the frog. They function to help give your hand a place to grasp the bow. They also serve to balance the weight of the bow. They can be made from a variety of materials such as silver, whale bone, leather, or others.
Where are the strings on your cello?
Can you name their pitches from lowest to highest?
Strings
Name the cylindrical piece of wood in this picture.
Sound Post
The sound post is a thin cylindrical piece of wood located on the inside of the cello near the treble foot of the bridge on the A string side. It supports the pressure of the strings and bridge on the top and it is supported by the back of the cello. The sound post is usually made of spruce. It is only held in place by pressure.
Note: If all string tension is removed (all the pegs slip), the sound post can potentially fall down. If your sound post has fallen, immediately loosen all strings completely, remove strings, bridge, tailpiece, and maybe endpin (if it is loose). Contact your local luthier and make an appointment for them to set up your cello.
Where is the “C” bout on your cello?
“C” Bout
Name this part of the cello.
Nut
The nut aligns the strings after they leave the pegs so that they are spaced evenly from each other as they travel down the fingerboard to the bridge. It is made out of a very hard wood called ebony.
Name this part of the cello.
Ribs
The ribs are thin pieces of wood that connect the top and the back of the cello along their edges. They are supported by the blocks and the neck. The back supports the blocks, neck, ribs, and sound post. Most ribs are made from the same material as the back of the cello, usually either maple or poplar. To the eye, the most prominent feature of the ribs is the flame of the wood (striping). This is the result of the wood fibers having grown in an undulating pattern.
Note: The ribs are one of the most fragile parts of the instrument. Handle them with care.
Where is the nut on your cello?
Nut
The nut aligns the strings after they leave the pegs so that they are spaced evenly from each other as they travel down the fingerboard to the bridge. It is made out of a very hard wood called ebony.
What do you call the part of the bow that you turn to make the hair tighter or looser?
Button
The button is located at the end of the stick behind the frog. The button has a screw inside, and when it is turned the tension of the bow hair changes, making it either tighter or looser. Buttons are usually made of a metal such as silver and often partly contain material that matches the material used for the frog of the bow. They also often contain pearl.
Name this part of your cello.
Which of the two possible varieties is shown in this picture? Name one of its distinctive sound qualities.
Bridge
Belgian: brighter, more projecting
The bridge is the piece of wood that supports the tremendous tension of the strings (roughly 80 lbs), and is typically made of maple. It is only held in place by the tension of the strings.
There are two types of cello bridges: French bridges have a darker more colorful tone and Belgian bridges have a brighter more projecting tone. Which type do you have on your cello?
Note: If the tension of the strings is loosened very much, the bridge will fall off. If for whatever reason your bridge moves even slightly out of its regular position, it is important that you ask your teacher or your luthier to move it back into position; do not attempt this yourself. This can be a very dangerous procedure for both you and the instrument (bridges can easily break).
Also bridges are fitted to each instrument; a bridge on one cello will not fit on any other cello unless a luthier cuts it again to fit.
Name this part of the cello.
Endpin
The endpin supports the body of the cello by extending down to the ground. It makes it possible for us to play without having to support the entire weight of the cello with our legs. Early cellos did not have endpins. The base of the endpin is usually made of a very hard wood called ebony, however it can also be made of other materials such as plastic or metal. Endpins themselves are usually made of either steel or carbon fiber.
Where is the tailpiece on your cello?
Tailpiece
The tailpiece supports the strings after they pass through the bridge and is connected to the tailgut. The tailpiece is held in place by the tension of the strings (if the strings are loosened, it will simply fall off). The tailpiece houses the fine tuners. Tailpieces are often made of a very hard wood called ebony however they can be made of many other types of materials such as rosewood, boxwood, aluminum, or plastic.
Name this part of your instrument.
Bow
The bow is the part of your instrument that is conventionally used to pull the strings to make sound. The weight of cello bows varies from about 65 grams to 80 grams. Heavier bows require more effort, however their very heft can help produce more sound than light bows (paradoxically) with less effort. Lighter bows are more maneuverable, but require additional effort to produce more sound.
Note: The bow is very fragile and can easily be broken if dropped or hit. Be very careful with your bow.
What is a Luthier?
A person who builds and/or repairs string instruments.
Name this part of the cello.
Button
Where is the endpin on your cello?
Endpin
The endpin supports the body of the cello by extending down to the ground. It makes it possible for us to play without having to support the entire weight of the cello with our legs. Early cellos did not have endpins. The base of the endpin is usually made of a very hard wood called ebony, however it can also be made of other materials such as plastic or metal. Endpins themselves are usually made of either steel or carbon fiber.
What is the long piece of wood that runs lengthwise along the inside of the top of your cello?
Bass Bar
The bass bar is a piece of wood that is glued to the top on the inside of the cello. It stretches most of the length of the top and is placed so that it falls under the bridge foot on the C string side. It supports the lower tones on the instrument to help them better project. It is usually made of spruce.
Where is the ferrule on the frog?
Ferrule
The ferrule is located on the front bottom side of the frog, and is shaped like a “D”. It fuctions to spread the hair evenly across the width of the frog.
Name this part of the cello.
“C” Bout
What are the big pieces of wood on the inside of the cello called?
Blocks
There are six blocks total: four blocks for each of the corners of the “C” bouts, one block under the neck, and one block above the endpin. They support main structural points on the cello. The blocks are usually made of either spruce or willow.
Where is the fingerboard on your cello?
Fingerboard
The fingerboard travels under the strings, and serves as a support structure for your fingers when they pull the string down. The fingerboard is made of a very hard wood called ebony. As your fingers travel down the fingerboard, toward the bridge, the sounding pitch gets higher.
Name this part of the cello.
Scroll
The scroll is mostly decorative and has little structural importance.
Where are the “F” holes on your cello?
“F” Holes
The “F” holes are the places on the cello where sound is projected out of the instrument. Here is how sound travels: string vibrates, bridge vibrates, top vibrates, sound post vibrates, back vibrates, the entire inner chamber vibrates, sound leaves via the “F” hole.
What do you call the colorful piece on the bottom of the frog?
Pearl Slide
What do you call the sticky substance you apply to the bow hair to make it stickier so that it creates more friction with the string and makes more sound? What is it made of?
Rosin
Rosin is hardened tree sap which is applied to the bow hair to make it sticky. This stickiness creates more friction when the bow pulls the string and creates more sound.
Name this part of the cello.
Purfling
The purfling is both decorative and serves a structural purpose. The edge of the top and back are lined with two very thin layers of a hard wood called ebony which serves to limit damage if the edges sustain an impact.
