The Cello Click here to listen to the cello (RealAudio file) The cello, also known as violoncello, is a large, low-pitched instrument of the violin family. Due to its size, the instrument is held between the knees of a player, supported by a spike. The cellists usually sit to the right of a conductor in a symphony orchestra. There are, however, a smaller number of cellos than violins in an orchestra due to their larger sound. The four strings are tuned to C G D and A, and the instrument has a compass of five octaves. Next instrument - the Double Bass Previous instrument - the Viola Back to the Orchestra construction of the cello The Body: The cello is almost identical in construction to the violin, except of course that its parts are on a much larger scale. The cello also has a spike which supports the weight of the instrument Size and materials: The cello has a total length of 120 cm, the body accounting for 75 cm. The most common types of wood used are pear, pine, maple and sycamore. Due to the varying densities of wood, varnish is used to create an even distribution of vibrations throughout, though too much would make the wood rigid