Cello Essentials

The CelloStone will not work if it is straddling a change in the floor:

• Straddling the floor of the main stage and the floor over the orchestra pit
• Straddling a throw rug with part on the rug, part on the floor
•  Sometimes straddling a floor joist will interfere
• Straddling joists in a platform
• Straddling the joint between a wood floor and a concrete floor

Solution: move the CelloStone off obvious changes, or adjust location. 

Changing the length of the endpin can change the response of the CelloStone by changing the energy allowed through the endpin. The endpin needs to be clamped at the resonant point. If the wolf starts to return when the endpin is on the CelloStone, sometimes it can be eliminated by a slight change in endpin length.

Nearly all endpins have a resonant or nodal point.  The location of the resonant point is always at the same proportionate length for a specific endpin.  The resonant point of the endpin is the point that, when held between two fingers, allows the endpin to ring or vibrate.  Pull the endpin from the cello body and hold it vertically between your thumb and index finger at about 1/3 of the length from the top, pointed end toward the ground.  Tap the endpin close to the end toward the floor with a finger nail or pen to make a ringing sound.  If the tap produces a buzzing or dead sound, then move your grasp toward the top of the endpin tapping until you find the maximum ringing sound.  Depending on the material of the endpin, the resonant point will usually be between the upper 1/3 and ¼ of the length of the endpin. 

To calculate the length of the endpin to fit a particular cellist:

Pull the endpin out of the cello and measure the total length of the endpin; this is length (a).  Measure the length of the end pin from the cellist’s preferred clamp point to the tip of the endpin (the end that goes on the floor); this is length (b).    Finally you will need to determine the resonant point.  The resonance point is the point, when held between your fingers, allows the endpin to noticeably ring when tapped.  Measure from the resonance point to the tip of the endpin; this is length (c). 

a) total length, b) cellist’s clamp point length, c) resonant point length, d) length to cut endpin.

The equation to calculate the optimum length of this endpin for the cellist is:

(a*b)/c =d (a times b divided by c equals d)

where (a) is the original length of the endpin, (b) is the length from the cellist’s clamp point to the tip of the endpin, (c) is the length from the resonance point to the tip of the endpin and (d) is the new total length of the endpin. Cut the endpin to length (d) plus about an inch to allow for slight adjustments. This will put the resonance point of the endpin at the same place on the endpin as the cellist’s clamp point (b). The resonant point is such that more endpin is outside the cello, than inside the cello.

For example, if the endpin is 16” long and the resonance point is 4” from the top (¼ of the length of the endpin); then if the endpin is cut to 13” long (12” plus an inch), the resonance point will be about 3” from the top (also ¼ of the length of the endpin). The pitch at which the endpin rings at will be different but it is still a resonant point.

Thus the endpin should be sized so that the point at which the cellist clamps the endpin is the resonance point of the endpin.

Wolf Suppressors and CelloStones

Your CelloStone will be matched to your cello without any wolf suppressor. Most of the time, this is the optimum configuration. Play your cello without the wolf suppressor. The endpin needs to be clamped at its resonant point.  The resonant point can sometimes move slightly.  If this is a “bad wolf day”, then put the wolf suppressor back on the cello. We at CelloStone find that the lighter wolf suppressor mounted between the bridge and tailpiece has the least effect on the voice of the cello.  Generally a CelloStone will be all that is needed to remove the wolf.

Transportation of CelloStones

Though CelloStones are a rock they are somewhat fragile. They cannot be dropped or walked upon.  They are not to have heavy objects placed on top of them.

CelloStones fit into laptop computer cases with 12” height and a 12” width. Wide screen laptop cases may not be tall enough for a CelloStone.

Laptop cases, though very good for carrying a CelloStone to and from various venues, are not suitable for shipping. We recommend that the CelloStone have bubble wrap and other protection when shipping.  We recommend shipping in a 16”x 16” x 6” box or larger with enough padding so the CelloStone does not shift when the box is shaken. CelloStones usually survive the airlines if packed in a computer case and then placed in the middle of luggage filled with clothes. It should be packed in such a way as to not fall out if the luggage is inspected and should not move if the luggage is shaken. 

Soft Metal Cup

The Cellostone comes with a soft metal cup to hold the endpin. The metal is soft so it will not dull the endpin. The cup can be replaced when it is worn out. Please contact us for instructions or to get the cup replaced. Alternatively a piece of Velcro that is the fuzzy side rather than the hook side, can be used in the depression for the endpin.