Are cellos loud instruments?

Question

Are they too loud for small places like apartments? The way mine was built, I can't hear the neighbors' TV sets.

I don't know about cellos though. I mean, you can hear the bass from those cars with their hip hop at full blast.

Answer 1

the resonance of a cello is much more audible than that from a usually tiny t.v. speaker. the body of a cello is essentially a "speaker" so you can get an idea of how much louder it will be compared to the t.v. low vibrations carry longer/further than other tones.-blurey

Answer 2

oh i play in an orcastrah and they are loud enough

Answer 3

I agree, you can buy a practice mute and close yourself off while you practice.

A cellist can play in a music hall so that the very back row hears it very clearly, so a cello can be loud when you make it.

As long as you're not playing purposely loud with great big chords, you should be able to practice in peace without worrying about annoying your neighbors. They'll hear you because it's unavoidable, but it won't be as loud as putting your headphones on high--while they're in your ears.

Answer 4

Actually the answer to your question? No. The cello is not a loud instrument. It's probably louder than a violin because of the bigger resonating box, but in terms of volume, it is not a loud instrument. Why do you think orchestras have so many string players?

Loud instruments are brasses, and most woodwinds are capable of great volume too, depending on the register in which they are playing.

I'd say the cello isn't too loud for an apartment - if you were practising, you could always close the windows/doors, or at worst, get a practice mute, which makes the instrument REALLY soft.