Cello Spikes

The cello is the same shape as a violin, but MUCH bigger. That's why it is held up by the spike.

Many years ago 'cellists had to hold the instrument with their legs. Very uncomfortable. The development of the 'cello is quite interesting and worth investigating.

The origin of our orchestral string instruments actually began with the viol family. These instruments were a slightly smoother shape than the current ones though similar in outline. The one which corresponds to the cello is the viola da gamba, which translates roughly as leg viol. Apart from having no spike, another big difference is that it had frets. These were made of gut and were actually tied around the fingerboard, which may have been a little irritating for the thumb as it slid up and down. I believe that even the smaller viols were actually played using a more cello like posture, in some ways perhaps an advantage?