My wife was first chair cello at her high school. For Christmas I would like to get her another cello.?

Get her a full size. If high school kids use 3/4 it's because that's all the school has, not because that's the appropriate size. A 3/4 would normally be used by a 9-10 year old.

If you want to make he happy, don't just buy the cheapest piece of junk you can find on Amazon or Ebay. If she was first chair in high school she was probably pretty good and won't be happy with a beginner instrument appropriate for those who are just learning to scratch out notes. Visit a string store, not a general music store, and ask their advice. If you want to surprise her, get a cello from a place with a generous return policy and tell her you will take her shopping to get the one she prefers.

Full size cello. Only really little kids play on anything smaller.

A musical instrument is a personal thing. Each instrument sounds and feels different to each person who plays it. My suggestion is to give her a piece of cello music under the tree then as part of that let her know that the two of you will be searching for an instrument - together! And be part of the process. Check Craigslist, local universities, music stores, and other places that would allow her to actually play the instrument before buying. Also, if you buy from someone looking to get rid of their instrument you can probably pick up a pretty sweet deal, including a bow, case, etc. And have fun while doing this, finding an instrument for oneself is an exciting thing to do, I love trying out different instruments when I can to find out what I like even if I don't end up buying it.

If she's in the average height range, she would have no trouble managing a 4/4 cello. I'm 5'4" and my full-size one is perfect for me. When I play a 3/4 one, I have to reach downward a little bit, rather than across, to bow the strings.

Not sure what your budget is for a cello, but I did tons of research before buying mine and wound up getting an ABZ Fornitori one. The company is run by a family of professional cellists who wanted to make top-quality, handmade cellos affordable to non-professional musicians. I lucked out, since the company was just getting off the ground when I got mine, so they were selling with no reserve on eBay. They still sell on eBay, but their growing reputation has enabled them to sell at fixed prices. For handmade cellos, they're still cheap. But a little too rich for my blood. Here's a link:

http://shop.ebay.com/aw0911/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&...

By the way, are you the best husband ever? I'm pretty sure she already knows you're a keeper, but a gift of a cello will confirm that!

That is like saying "I would like to get her another TOOTHBRUSH".. Musical instruments are a very PERSONAL choice and one you can't make for her. If it's your intent to get her a Cello, then talk to the local music store or make a deal with an online music store to buy a cheapo cello with the understanding that AFTER CHRISTMAS your wife can return it for full credit towards the purchase of a cello of her choice.. that way you have something for her under the tree and she can still get something she can use.. it's a WIN, WIN gift... and Happy Holidays

Instruments are such a very personal thing to players

that you might make her happy and sad in picking the wrong cello]

Why not arrange the purchase with a music shop]

then go to a jeweler and get a charm of a cello in a gift box

Give that to her with the certificate of purchase from the music shop