It can be difficult to find the best cello strings as there is a wide range of choices on the market. This guide should help you find great cello strings for your instrument. When you use the right strings, it improves the tone as well as the playability of the cello.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks..
How To Buy Strings
These tips will help you buy great cello strings. You need to keep a few things into consideration before you make your final purchase.
Try a Few Brands
It is important to try a few brands. This will give you a good idea of what is in the marketplace and what you like. You should experiment a little bit with your strings until you find something that meets your needs. You don’t have to go with the first string set that you buy. Experimentation with strings is common with musicians, and the same can be said with the cello. There are several types of strings that you need to be aware of. They are divided into three main categories. This is the same for cello, Viola, and violin. Here they are below.
Steel Core
Steel core are often refered to as metal strings. Their composition is a twisted or a metal wire. These strings are durable and will last a long time. They produce a stable and even tone. The strings also produce a loud tone when compared to other string sets. Deer preferred for folk, country, and Jazz. The ring clearly throughout the musical piece, so they are quite easy to pick out in the mix. You won’t have to spend a whole lot of money on steel core strings. They’re perfect if you’re on a budget, student, or just beginning to play.
Gut Core
Another type of string is called gut core. The intestinal lining of sheep is what goes into the string composition. These strings have been around for centuries. They are the oldest type of string known to exist. They have a warm tone with a lot of rich overtones. They are often used by classical musicians who want that standard classical sound.
On the downside, they take longer to settle on your instrument. They’re sensitive to temperature as well as humidity so they can go out of tune a lot faster when compared to other string types. If you are new to playing the cello, you probably don’t want to use the string because of their tuning problems. You need to have a good ear to tune your instrument properly if you want to use gut core strings. This type of string also won’t last as long when compared to synthetic core or steel core strings. The string type also produces softer tones, so it’s not suitable for all styles of music.
Synthetic Core
In the 1970s they invented synthetic core strings. Please remain to produce the warm sounds of gut core strings but reduce the inconsistencies that the strain produces. These strings sound excellent, and it only takes a couple of days to settle into the instrument. They’re not as sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations. These strings are made with synthetic fiber or nylon called Perlon. The outside of the core is wound with different Metals such as aluminum, steel, chrome, gold, silver, or tungsten.
Mix of Strings
Some players will have a mix of string. They may have metal strings on the top strings and synthetic strings on the bottom. You will have to practice to decide which type of string you want to use and how you want to combine them if you intend to do that. You can also talk to your teacher or visit a music store to find out more about cello strings and what would be the best for your needs.
Gauge of String
The gauge refers to the thickness of the strings. You can get them in light, medium, and heavy varieties. A thicker string will produce a richer tone, but they don’t respond as well. Thinner strings have a faster response, but they have a thinner sound and a lower volume. Many cello players will use medium gauge strings because these produce the best sounds and are suitable for a wide range of music.
Pricing
Cello strings come in a wide range of prices. You should try to pick up a set that is at least moderately priced. You don’t want to get strings that are low cost because these won’t last too long, and you’ll end up buying more sets than you need. A good set of cello strings should last around 3 to 5 months. You don’t have to change them as often as you do on an electric or an acoustic guitar, for example. This is why it’s fine to spend a little bit extra on your strings, so you get a high-quality said that it’s going to last you for a considerable duration before they have to be changed.
Best Cello Strings Reviewed
1. D'Addario J1010 Prelude – Best D’Addario Cello Set
If you like D’Addario strings, you might want to try the D’Addario J1010 Prelude set, which has everything you need to make your cello sound great.
Are designed to give you excellent quick bow response. They are used by educators and students since they are affordable, durable, and produce a warm tone. They have a solid steel core for warm sound and maximum durability. It will last for a long time since they had sealed pouches so you can use the strings whenever you need them. They aren’t impacted by humidity or temperature changes. you will have fresh string beans whenever you want it to make a string change. They will fit a 4/4 scale cello and they have medium tension. They will suit the needs of most players. Also comes in other scale lengths if you need something different.
Pros:
- Sound great
- Different sizes available
- Perfect for students
Cons:
- Might not appeal to professional players
- Some users didn’t like the durability
2. Stravilio Full Set of Cello Strings – Best for Limited Budgets
You need new strings for your cello, but the problem is they can cost you a lot of money. For those that are on a limited budget, try this Stravilio set.
These strings will fit cellos that are 3/4 or 4/4 size. You get the A, D, G, and C string in the set. They have a high-quality steel core and they are a light wound and have ball ends. They produce a warm and a full sound so your cello will sound great. They are easy to play and provide a quick response. They’ve been recommended by teachers and are suitable for beginners.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Good tone
Cons:
- Sound may not be what professionals need
- Some reported breakages sooner than expected
3. Thomastik Versum – Best for Pros
For those looking for professional cello strings have a look at the Thomastik-Infeld Versum set. You will pay a lot more when compared to other strings, but you will get a high-quality set.
These strings have an excellent total balance. They have a sweet top and the bottom is round and warm. They have a precise and focussed sound and will give you excellent intonation when compared to other strings. You will have an expressive and versatile cello when you use these strings. You get four strings and they are suitable for 4/4 size instruments. For anyone is looking for a string that is a cut above the ordinary, try the Thomastik-Infeld Versum set.
Pros:
- Professional tone
- Steel core
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Not suitable for beginners
4. Pirastro Obligato 4/4 – Best Piastro Set
For players looking for strings that have a synthetic or as well as a steel core have a look at the Pirastro Obligato 4/4 set.
The strings will fit a 4/4 cello. They have a set ball end and they are medium gauge. The A string is a steel winding, while The D, G, and C strings feature synthetic core with tungsten winding. These special cores and the advanced manufacturing process gives the strings excellent overtone 10 great warmth. They will have the sound of gut core strings but they will last longer and have a quick response. just like synthetic core strings too. They will break in quickly and will last you a long time.
Pros:
- Synthetic and steel strings
- Excellent sound
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some quality control issues
5. Thomastik 142 Cello Strings – Best Low-Cost Thomastik Cello Stirngs
For those that want to play Thomastik strings, but can’t afford them, try the Thomastik 142 Cello set. These strings are affordable and sound excellent.
The strings are made with a multi-strand synthetic style core. They are flexible, warm sounding, and have the feel of regular strange. They are impervious to humidity changes so they will last a long time. They produce rich overtones and have stable intimation. The sound is clear and soft. You have excellent tuning stability and they will glide effortlessly over your bow. For those that have not been able to afford Thomastik strings before, this is the set you want to own.
Pros:
- Good price
- Sound great
Cons:
- Not as good as other expensive Thomastik sets
- Some quality control issues
6. Jargar Cello – Best Chrome Coated Cello Strings
For anyone looking for steel cello strings with chrome plating, you might want to have a look at the Jargar Cello Set.
This set is made in Denmark. All four of these strings have chrome steel winding. The core of the string is made with solid steel and they have a ball end. They produce a warm and responsive tone for your cello. They are perfect for folk style music as well as many other styles. You will get the sound that you want out of your instrument from this string set.
Pros:
- Steel and chrome stings
- Excellent tone
Cons:
- Cost more due to plating
- Some issues with string breakages
7. Pirastro Eudoxa 4/4 – Best Gut Core Strings
If you want the classical sound of gut style strings, try Pirastro Eudoxa. they produce excellent sound and use traditional materials.
The set includes gut core strings with an aluminum winding and ball end. They are a medium gauge and will fit a 4 for cello. This set is often used in chamber music and orchestral settings. They produce a soft, warm, and a sound that carries a far distance. They are adorable, have an excellent response, and great tonal characteristics. They’re handmade with fine materials. For those that want the sound of gut core strings, the Piastro Eudoxa is an excellent set.
Pros:
- Excellent gut-style string
- Good tone
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Lack the tone of modern synthetic strings
8. D'Addario NS Electric Cello – Best for Electric Cello Players
You want a good set of strings for your electric violin. The D’Addario NS set is an excellent choice for your new instrument.
These strings are perfect for a 4/4 size cello. They offered medium tension. They have it stranded steel core so you get a clear and warm tone and optimum playability. There also is suitable for acoustic as well as electric instruments so you can use them with different cellos. Are manufactured, engineered, and designed in the USA by Daddario. They meet strict quality controls so you will have the reliability that you want out of your strings.
Pros:
- Perfect for acoustic and electric violins
- Sound great
Cons:
- Some string breaks reported
- Expensive
Conclusion
The best cello strings will depend upon your preferences. You can try synthetic or, steel-string, or gut or. What you decided to use is entirely up to you. I recommend that you start with synthetic strings as this gives you t best of both got core and steel string. If you don’t want to go with synthetic, then the steel core style will be fine. As you advance on the instrument you can try gut core strings as they are a little bit more advanced.
Try Stravilio strings if you want to save money as they are budget-friendly. You will not get the sound of more professional strings, but they are perfect for students that are just learning how to play the Cello. For those that use Piastro Strings, the Obligato 4/4 set is quite good. they have a good tone, reliability, and they will last a long time. If you’ve never tried piastro before, I would try them out as they are an excellent set. For professionals, you really can not wrong with the Thomastik Versumset as this is a well-known brand. These strings will give you the performance that you require as a professional.
Remember that strings are a personal preference. You will probably have to go through several sets before you find one that is right for your cello. Don’t be afraid to switch strings if you find that something is not working for you. Once you find a set that you like You will probably relying on them for a good time to come.
