I've been heeding the advice that's often given on this sub..playing as many cellos as I can (which isn't very many, in Boise, ID) to find one that I want to upgrade to.

Most likely I will end up driving up to 8 hrs, to Salt Lake city, Portland, or Seattle, when I'm very ready to make my purchase.

I feel like cellos that don't have Larsen/Spiro combo will be difficult for me to assess, as those are the only strings I've played on (save for a few minutes here and there).

How do you all feel about this "hurdle" when you're trying to find a new cello to buy? Is it feasible to bring my strings and actually request to put them on one, or several, of the top choices I settle on?

Perhaps I'm making a big deal out of nothing?