The SVC-50SK Silent Compact Cello is a lower price instrument for new electric cellists and students. Made of alder wood, players of alternative string music styles will appreciate the look, sound and feel of this cello. It goes without saying that a 'silent instrument' makes a great choice for novice players who could practice silently anywhere. Besides being convenient for traveling to and from school or lessons, it also seems like a good idea for schools to foster electric string quartets using all of Yamaha's line of Silent string instruments.

With a clear sound, a contemporary design, new strings and body material, and a similar piezo pick up system to that of the popular SVC-100 and SVC-200 Silent Compact Cellos, the SVC-50SK has a detachable knee support and chest support. A soft case is included and the SVC-50SK can be used along with Yamaha's AS60 powered speaker and the ST5 Digital Effects System.

The SVC-50K sells for $1,895 MSRP and for more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Band & Orchestral Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone 714-522-9011; or visit www.yamaha.com.