A comparison of Modern and Baroque Cellos

There are many ways in which the Baroque bow differs from our modern cello bows. The shape of the frog and tip give this bow a much different feel. This differs greatly from the Baroque practice of using gut strings. A direct comparision in the difference in sound created by these drastically different methods of holding the instrument would make it instantly apparent to almost anyone that Cellists today are considered virtuosi, unlike their predecessors who were mainly just accompaniament. This is less appealing in the performance of early music, so using gut strings to create a softer more translucent tone, and quieter high harmonics allow the sound to blend more easily with the resonances of other instruments

The Baroque Cello is also played without an endpin, which makes it easier to play on these gut strings. This is a distinct advantage when playing on gut strings because there is more surface resistance than on metal strings, and dealing with this resistance factor is the key to making a good sound. In the smaller performance enviornments of the Baroque era the ideal sound for instruments was one of internal resonance, and this was achieved through a lower tension setup with the bridge

For the most part Cellists today prefer to use metal strings. Finally, the convex shape of the Baroque bow allows it to catch the string better than a modern bow. The endpin on a modern cello brings the instrument against the body and angles it in such a way that it facilitates the technical difficulties associated with modern compositions. This original hold of the cello on the legs allows a greater freedom of movement in the upper body. Metal strings, chiefly made because of their ability to produce a brighter and more piercing sound, allow the performer to project more easily in a large hall.