What's in a Brand?


by Eigen Ignacio

Violas and Cellos are much harder to come by in the Philippines, so choices are much more limited. Fortunately, most of the brands available are actually decent, so choosing an instrument can now be more of an issue of price and not craftsmanship.

Violas

    LAZER, FERNANDO

  • Can be found: In Lazer Superior Instrument Inc. outlets at most SM malls; Recto
  • Price: Php3000 - 4000
  • Comments: These violas are actually pretty decent for their price. Although shrill-sounding and tinny upon purchase, their tone can be improved somewhat with better strings (see our article on String Brands). They come in three sizes: 1/2 (15.5 inches long), 3/4 (16 inches), and 4/4 (almost 17 inches). Please note: even a 1/2 size viola is longer and thicker than a 4/4 size violin. It goes without saying that a 4/4 size viola is usually too-large to handle for most players.

    CREMONA

  • Can be found: Only at JB Music outlets in SM Megamall and Parksquare 1 in Makati.
  • Price: Php4000 - 6000
  • Comments: Cremona violas are lightweight and boast big, robust tone. Most of our violists are surprised that violas can be so loud. However, they only come in one size, with a length of about 16 inches. If the choice was between the previous brand and this one, this is the one to buy.

    HOFNER

  • Can be found: In JB Music outlets at most SM malls.
  • Price: Php4500 - 7000
  • Comments: If you can find this brand (it has been unavailable in recent months, due to its relatively high price), this is the one that, once bought, you need not buy another one again. Possessing great power balanced with heavenly warmth, this is the brand I personally use. Comes in one size only (about 16 inches).

    BACHENDORFF

  • Can be found: Only at Lyric Piano outlets in select malls.
  • Price: Php11000+
  • Comments: I have no experience with violas of this brand. They do strike me as well made, but at their retail price, I cannot guarantee value for money, since instruments of this brand often acquire large overheads upon arriving in the country. Purchase at your own risk.


Cellos

    LAZER

  • Can be found: Lazer Superior Instrument Inc. outlets at select SM malls
  • Price: Php11500
  • Comments: We at The Orchestra have found that for our purposes, a low-priced cello will suffice for as long as the strings on it are stirling in quality (See our article regarding String Brands). For this reason, if you will buy an instrument of your own, this is the one to purchase. Comes in a coffin-like instrument case.

    FERNANDO

  • Can be found: In JB Music outlets at most SM malls.
  • Price: Php14000
  • Comments: Fernando cellos are very much like their counterparts by Lazer, although possessing perhaps a deeper voice in the bass register and better varnish. If investing in a cello at rock-bottom prices does not strike your fancy, this would be our next recommendation. Comes in a soft instrument bag as opposed to a case.

    CREMONA

  • Can be found: In JB Music outlets at most SM malls.
  • Price: Php18000
  • Comments: The first factory-made cellos available in the country were of this brand. Quality varies from instrument to instrument, much like their violin counterparts. A solid buy, but a bit on the expensive side.

    HOFNER

  • Can be found: In JB Music outlets at most SM malls.
  • Price: Php21000 - 24000
  • Comments: I only advise this brand to students who wish to seriously pursue the cello as a career, since its hefty price tag makes it an investment not to be trifled with. That said, given a good set of strings and constant attention (i.e. is played often), the tone evolves into one of great power and beauty, surpassed only by those of the handmade, boutique variety.


The Orchestra does not advise purchasing a double bass of one's own unless one truly desires to study the instrument full-time (a highly unlikely occurance). Aside from the relatively high cost, the instrument is also next to impossible to transport without the aid of a private vehicle. Nevertheless, we present the available options here for completeness.

Double Basses

    FERNANDO

  • Can be found: In JB Music outlets at most SM malls.
  • Price: Php18000
  • Comments: Fernando basses are often 7/8-sized instruments, making them very large and difficult to play if you are below 5'6" in height. They are very good instruments for playing pizzicato, since the long string length makes the strings feel extra-flexible.

    HOFNER

  • Can be found: In JB Music outlets at select SM malls.
  • Price: Php30000 - 50000
  • Comments: As usual, instruments by Hofner are the top of the line in terms of factory-made instruments. Hofner basses usually come in the standard 3/4 size, and possess such magnificent tone that, as one of us put it, "It rearranges your internal organs." Powerful played both pizz and arco, The Orchestra possesses only one of these instruments, and it is fittingly entrusted to the section principal.

In the end, choosing which brand to buy must be the product of careful decision-making and being honest with oneself regarding what can one afford and what are your personal goals as a musician. Don't be afraid to approach the leaders of The Orchestra to get their opinions before making a purchase. Remember, an instrument, once bought, will be yours for a long time to come, so choose well.

Click here to return to our review of brands for violins.

Designed and maintained by Sir Eigen. He's still learning.