Introducing The Scala Corta Cello:
Using Ancient Designs To Sold Modern Problems.
The traditional Stradivari or Guarneri model cello can present challenges to modern players of small stature. The 690-700mm string length requires finger patterns that can be challenging for petite players or players suffering from arthritis or other physical disabilities. Often we see adults trying to compensate by playing on 7/8 or even ¾ celli, which, while solving some musculature issues, ends up delivering a smaller sound.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could have the best of both worlds: the tonal volume and complexity of a full-scale cello and the comfort and ease of play of a smaller cello?
The Scala Corta (literally translated as “Short Scale”) offers the best of both worlds: a perfect solution!
The Scala Corta is the brainchild of luthier and violinmaker Stephanie Voss. She says that historic instruments from Cremona, Italy, like the Stradivari and Guarneri models most frequently used in violinmaking, were large-stature instruments; the makers of Brescia, Italy, like Gasparo da Salo, often experimented with alternative designs that featured shorter string lengths. She then committed herself to designing a cello that could have that short string length but incorporated into a full-scale body design.
The Scala Corta begins its design with a full-scale body. The string vibrating length, however, is shortened to 655 mm. This length falls in between a ¾ and 7/8 string length (closer to 7/8), so the playability is extremely easy yet the sound is robust as required by contemporary standards.
To accomplish this successfully required a bit of re-engineering of the design. A thinner neck allows a small hand access to the full range of the fingerboard without stress, but also limits the support of the neck against the tension of the strings. To resolve this, a carbon-fibre truss rod is installed in the neck, creating lateral strength. The inclusion of a GaiaTone (Ebony-alternative) fingerboard also offers stronger reinforcement (and more environmental sustainability) than traditional ebony. The scroll and pegbox are also extended to offer better string vibration, especially on the C string.
The result is a masterfully-designed instrument that has exceptional sound, is affordably priced and easy to play. While most players are petite, even large players (record sale we know about is to a fellow 6’5” who also loved how easy it is play!) enjoy its sound and ease of play!
So if you are thinking: “I’m very small, how can I play the cello?” – come try out a Scala Corta Cello and discover the solution to small-player challenges!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes! The Scala Corta. Literally translated as “Short Scale” the Scala Corta cello is a full-size cello body with a shorter string length and thinner neck so small hands or hands suffering from arthritis can easily play with no loss of tone!
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The Scala Corta cello is great for a wide range of players:
· A petite individual needing a smaller instrument for ease of play
· A player suffering from arthritis or joint pain who needs an instrument that can be more comfortably played than a standard-sized cello.
· An advancing player looking for a great instrument easy to play
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· The neck of the Scala Corta is thinner than most, enabling ease of play for small-handed players or players with arthritic conditions in their joints. This thinner neck needs additional reinforcement to prevent warping, so a strong carbon fiber truss rod is inserted for additional strength.
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While the Scala Corta fingerboard is as black as Ebony, and almost indistinguishable from Ebony by most players, it is actually made from a material called GaiaTone. GaiaTone is a paper product, derived from 100% post-consumer paper with a non-petroleum resin. GaiaTone is extremely strong and will further reinforce the neck against warping and has the added advantage of being harder to wear, requiring fewer fingerboard dressings than traditional Ebony. This overall improvement is also very kind to the environment as GaiaTone is FSC certified for sustainability!
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NO! The Scala Corta has a 4/4 body but a reduced string length. It has the comfort of playing a 7/8, or even a bit smaller, but the sound produced is an uncompromised 4/4 sound!
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Most likely! The Scala Corta cellos are very reasonably priced and fit in most family’s budgets. Vermont Violins also offers many financing options to help make this a budget-friendly investment.
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Translated literally from Italy, Scala Corta means “Short Scale.” This refers to the shortened neck of the Scala Corta cello that makes it easier to play than traditional full-scale length cellos.