CelloPhant® for Cello / (French-style) Bass (Currently available in 4 colors)

"I think what you have designed is simply amazing.

I have been teaching strings for eleven years and have consistently been struggling to have the students understand the importance of a good bow hold.

Now, they can see, feel, and learn what they need to do to achieve this goal.

I have one question, do you design any thing for basses?

From Ruth: The CelloPhant® accessory design has since been modified, allowing it to easily be installed on a [French style] bass bow, as well as cello bows."

"Dear Things 4Strings Folks,

I just wanted you all to know how much I appreciate the Cellophant as a teaching tool.

I teach at a state university as well as have a studio in my home.

The students in both studios have really embraced the Cellophant bow hold helper.

My college students say that it helps them to remember their good bow hand position all of the time which helps to curb hand, wrist, and finger fatigue when practicing for long hours.

Also, the Cellophant has become a ""badge of honor"" for my cello majors.

Some of the violinists and violists have asked if there is a bow help for them.

I have referred them to your website. My students in my studio at home also have enjoyed the Cellophant.

They range from 6 years old to 36.

For years and years I have gerryrigged various things to help my students learn a beautiful and relaxed bow hold.

Some students have succeeded in doing so while others have struggled with this problem off and on (sometimes mostly ""on"").

Your product has given these students such a sense of accomplishment.

A proper bow hold is no longer a chore to remember and struggle with.

I can't thank you enough for your product.

I will be recommending your fish and Cellophants to my colleagues and students in my pedagogy courses at the university.

Keep up the good work! "

"I have a seven year old student who has played cello for a little over a year.

He is very talented but always struggled with the bow. His hold was so awkward that his hand would cramp.

Needless to say the bow hold was starting to take precedence and captain thumb and his ship mates had a life of their own.

I turned to the cellophant bow accessory three months ago and it transformed his comfort levels.

Thanks again Ruth.

I think it's a great invention."

"I’ve been a cellist all my life, but about two years ago had an injury playing a rather robust piece and believe I tore a ligament. After playing for more than 18 months with constant pain, (even after a 2 month rest) with exrays and suggestions that I was suffering from arthritis (I am not) I was ready to give up my spot in the civic orchestra. I would come home and have to splint my hand for two nights until it felt better.

I accidentally stumbled upon your Cellophant and thought about it for about six months before I saw one at Groth Music in Minneapolis and impulsively purchased it. I installed it and honestly I feel like I am playing with training wheels. Yet, even with it’s astonishing bright pink color (the only one they had) I haven’t received too many comments from other players—I notice it more than they seem to.

I am constantly changing my grip to try and figure out how to best hold the darn thing! But the changes to my grip are just what I’ve needed. I think I am using other muscles in the process.

And as I try to figure it out, I play in a number of different ways. It really has taken the strain off the area that has been so painful. I realized the other day that I’ve misplace my splint! I don’t have pain during or after practice, rehearsal and performances. I’ve just finished practicing for about an hour running some difficult passages again and again and here I am typing to you.

So, there is a market for folk like me who are semi-pro or recreational players and who might have sustained a repetitive injury. For sure they will find a Cellophant will keep me, and them, in the game!

Thanks for your invention. "

"Thanks for your work in string teaching, but in particular your bow hold invention.

What a creative way to develop muscle memory for the bow hold! "

I having been using the cellophant in my classroom over the last two years and it has become a big hit! I have even passed it on to local string professors at universities with music education programs. They have used your products in their string techniques classes too!

My CelloPhant is still going strong and has been great for several pupils. 

"We love the Cellophant because it gets our young customers excited about

the experience of producing their own sound. They are always delighted by

its shape, colors, and texture, and we recommend it all the time!"

Tenseness seems to occur every time I learn something new! I used the Cellophant from Things 4 Strings for awhile, which helped me immensely. Before using the Cellophant I didn't know how a relaxed hand was supposed to feel like. Now that I know, I can adjust my hand until I feel the "relaxed-hand feeling."