How does a cello make sound?

When a cellist draws the bow across the cello strings, the vibrating hairs in the bow engage and pull at the strings, causing them to move side to side in a very regular motion. This vibration, when transmitted to the bridge between the instrument’s f-holes (also known as “sound holes”), sets the sound board or belly (front face) and the back-face or ribs into sympathetic vibration (i.e., resonance).