The cello is larger than a regular violin or viola, so you have to take into consideration the size of the person who is going to be playing the instrument. other factor will alos determine what you end up buying. This guide will help you buy an instrument no matter your playing level.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks..
Your First Cello
You first need to consider whether you want to rent your cello or buy. If you are at school, you may be able to get a cello through your school band. This can be a good option, but you may not get an instrument that is of high quality. A first-time student will probably end up renting a cello at least for a little while until they get used to playing the instrument. You might want to consider purchasing it outright You may still be able to use it at school, and you will have something that will last you a long time.
The benefit of owning your own instrument is that you may find that it is easier to learn because it will be more tailored to your needs. A cello that you rent a school might not be what you are looking for, and it might hinder your progress.
Playing Level and Cost
There are different types of cellos depending upon your own playing level. A student cello is designed for those that are first learning the instrument. They will range in price from around two hundred to several thousand dollars, depending upon what you want to buy. Since these are are quite large, the price tag will be higher when compared to other instruments, such as a regular violin or a guitar. A student cello will be made with materials that are not quite as good as those for more advanced students.
An intermediate or an advanced student will probably grow out of their first cello. The price tag for these will go up significantly because the wood that is used in the construction, as well as the tone in the sound of these is going to be a lot better when compared to their beginner instrument. Musicians at this level will want something that sounds better than their first cello. At this level, you may be playing in a band or orchestra, so you will want a top-quality product. You can expect to pay between $500 to $10,000 for an intermediate to advanced cello.
It is never a good idea to buy a cello that is on the low end of the price range. This is because the quality will not be there, and the student will end up frustrated with the learning experience. You want a cello that is going to be easier to play and to get an instrument like this. You will probably have to spend several hundred to several thousand dollars. The more you spend on the instrument of the better the quality is going to be.
How to Buy a Cello
The easiest way to buy a cello is to speak to a music teacher or go to a music store and ask them what their recommendations are. You should do this if you are new to cellos because you will not have an idea of what to purchase. Your local music store can help guide you towards recommended brands. You will find many of these brands are available online, so you can order them from the comfort of your home if you wish. Some of these instruments are listed in this guide and would make great options.
Instrument Size
Like violins, cellos come in all different sizes. A full-size instrument is called a 4/4 cello. Adults play instruments that are usually 3/4 or 4/4. Students will play instruments that range anywhere from 1/16 up to 4/4. Use this guide to find the right size as indicated below. The following cello guide also indicates arm length which can be a factor as well as age.
- 1/10 Cello – Age 3 to 5 Years Old
- 1/8 Cello – Age 5-6 Years Old
- 1/4 Cello – Age 6-7 Years Old
- 1/2 Cello – Age 8-10 Years Old
- 3/4 Cello – Age 11-13 Years Old
- 4/4 Cello – Age 14+ Years Old
Bow and Rosin
It is important that you have a high-quality bow for your cello. Many packages may not ship with a bow that is good enough even for a beginner. You may want to replace it if you happen to get one with the cello that you purchase. You may have to try several bows out until you find one that works the best for you. Make sure you also have a cake of high-quality rosin which will maximize the performance that you get from the bow and the cello.
Woods
The wood used to construct it is important. Some cellos may be made with cheaper wood from China or areas in America. These will have a brighter sound which you may not want. The more expensive cellos tend to use European wood which has a sweeter and warmer sound. If you want to maximize the sound out of your cello you should ensure that it uses high-quality wood. The downside to using quality woods is that the price of the instrument will rise significantly. A beginner probably won’t notice the tone as much as someone that has been playing for a little while so you can get by with an instrument that is less expensive.
Cello Case
There are a couple of types of cello cases which you can use to protect your instrument. It is up to you to decide which one you want to use.
Softshell or Gig Bag
The soft shell case or gig bag doesn’t cost as much as a hard shell case. It is convenient to use and suitable for short trips search history lessons. These cases tend to have plenty of pockets and room for other accessories. The downside is they don’t offer the maximum amount of protection. While they have plenty of padding, this is not as good as the protection you find from a hard shell case. You will spend a lot less on gig bags and soft shell cases so this may be something that is worthwhile for you.
Hardshell Case
You get a lot more protection with a hard shell case for your cello. These cases tend to be made with fiberglass so they offer rigid protection from not only the elements, but from impacts. The downside is that these cases cost a lot more. They make up for this in the fact that you won’t have to worry about your instrument. They are suitable for long travels, and if you play in an orchestra, it’s probably essential but you have one of these hard shell cases.
Cello Care
You want to change your strings periodically. The best tone, change them every few months or so. Do not use a lot of rosin on the bow as this will transfer to the strings and it won’t sound as good as it could. Wipe it down with a soft cloth and use musical instrument polish to clean it. never use any sort of household cleaners as you can damage the finish. keep it in the case when you’re not using it. Use a music stand to prop it up when you are practicing. Don’t lean it on a couch or your bed as it may fall over. By taking care of your cello, it will last you a long time.
Best Cello Reviews
1. No products found. – Best for Beginners
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Beginner players may not have a lot of money to spend on a cello. The Eastar EVC-1 4/4 full size cello gives you everything that you need to get started playing this instrument right away.
The instrument is made with spruce wood panels. The side plates and the backboards are made with maple wood. It has a natural and attractive varnish. It provides stable sound and a clear timbre. I t has a pear wood fingerboard, Maple neck, for fine-tuning screws, and pearwood tuning knobs.
You get extras such as a Brazilwood bow which has Mongolian horse hair. You get an extra cello bridge, set of strings, rosin, cello stand, softshell case with straps, and it also comes with a 6-month product warranty. Beginners will have what they need to get started playing the cello at a low cost.
Pros:
- Lots of accessories
- Case is decent
- Low price
Cons:
- Some players had tuning issues
- Some accessories are poor
No products found.
2. Paititi CE3005PE Scholar – Best for Students Taking Lessons
The Paititi CE3005PE Scholar is the ideal cello for a student that is going back and forth to lessons. It comes in at a moderate price so you won’t spend a lot of money.
It is set up and ready to go right out of the box. It has a hand carved maple back, hand carved spruce top, maple sides and neck. It ihas ebony pegs, aluminum tailpiece, and for fine tuners to your instrument will always be in tune. It has a unique matte finish which looks attractive. You will get a deep and powerful sound out of the instrument and it has good projection while you are playing at. You get a Brazilwood bow, soft case, and a large cake of rosin when you order. It comes in the sizes 1/2, 2/4, and 4/4 so it is suitable for many different players. If you’re taking lessons, this cello is a good choice.
Pros:
- Decent price
- Sounds good
Cons:
- Poor case
- Not a lot of added accessories
3. D Z Strad Handmade Student Cello – Best Moderately Priced Cello
For those that are looking for a moderately-priced cello that has excellent tone, have alook at the D Z Strad Model 101. This instrument looks great and will meet your budget.
This cello is easy to play. It features a round and warm tone. It is a favorite of a Suzuki teachers and other music professionals that teach people how to play. It has a hand carved spruce top, maple back and sides. It comes with a chin rest, ebony fingerboard, hand carved pegs and fine tuners. The finish is attractive in done in a red varnish. It has a classic and vintage look to it.
You get a cello case, prelude cello strings, bow, and rosin. The beginner or intermediate player has everything they need the sound great with the D Z Strad Model 101.
Pros:
- Good sound
- Looks great
- Easy to play
Cons:
- Case is not very good
- A bit expensive
4. D'Luca 4-String Cello – Best Vintage Looking Cello
If you were looking for a vintage-looking cello, have a look at the D’Luca, 4-String Cello. this is an attractive looking instrument for students or anyone that wants a high-quality product.
This cello comes in 3/4 size. It’s perfect for ensembles, solo, or regular practice. It has excellent workmanship and made with selected tonewoods so you get excellent sound out of the instrument. The back is made with figured maple and the top is made with a fine grain spruce. It has professional ebony purfling which adds due to attractiveness of the product. It has an ebony fingerboard, pegs and a carbon fiber tailpiece with four fine tuners.
It comes with several accessories including a genuine horse hair bow, padded gig bag, and a rosin cake. The gig bag has shoulder straps so it is easy to carry around with you. The D’Luca, 4-String Cello in an excellent looking instrument suitable for all players.
Pros:
- Attractive look
- Comes with accessories
Cons:
- It is a bit expensive
- No 4/4 size available
5. Merano 3/4 Size Cello – Best Cello Package
For those looking for a solid cello package which has everything you need to get started, the Merano 3/4 Size is one product you want to have a look at it.
It features a solid spruce top. The sides, neck, and back are made out of maple wood. It has a black hardwood fingerboard and wood pegs. The alloy tailpiece comes with four built-in tuners to keep your instrument in tune. You get a bow with genuine horse hair as well as a padded gig bag. Other accessories include cello stand, extra set of Stearns, music stand, rosin, and a tuner. if you are looking for an exceptional bargain the the Merano 3/4 Size provides that for you.
Pros:
- Plenty of accessories
- Good tone
Cons:
- Some might not like the white color
- Tuner and bag could be better
6. D Z Strad Model 900 – Best Pro Cello
The D Z Strad Model 900is a superior instrument for advanced cello players are those that are playing in an orchestra setting.
This cello features in antique varnish which is hand rub. The top is made with a tightly grain Sprucewood. It has figured flamed Maple ribs, back, and neck. It is suited for professionals due to the excellent workmanship and attention to the details. It has heart-shaped ebony pigs, carbon fiber end pin assembly, and a composite tailpiece. It has been set up with a rock maple bridge by luthiers so you know the instrument is going to sound great right out of the box.
Luthiers from the violin Society of America helped create this cello. You get a cello that has a vintage appearance and a warm, sound, and even tone. If you’re looking for an exceptional cello, have a look at the D Z Strad Model 900 as it has what you need to sound great.
Pros:
- Great sound
- Excellent wood
Cons:
- High cost
- No Accessories
7. No products found. – Best for Young Players
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The Gxiang 1/2 Acoustic Cello Is a good option if you have younger children that want to take out the cello. It has a lot of great options that you’re going to love.
It is 1/2 size so it’s suitable for children who are 8 to 10 years old. It has a maple spruce top, basswood back, neck, and sides. The fingerboard and pegs are made with solid wood.It has an attractive yellow finish and also has four fine tuners so you can get your cello into tune quickly it comes with a soft carrying bag that has adjustable backpack straps as well as an accessory pocket. The beginner students will have what they need to get started playing the cello.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Comes with gig bag
Cons:
- Does not come with many accessories
- May not have the best sound
No products found.
8. Leeche Handmade Electric Cello – Best Electric Product
Some players may not want an acoustic instrument. In that case, have a look at the Leeche Electric Cello which has everything you need to start playing right away.
You get a full 4/4/ size cello. It features a German advanced pick up system so you get excellent sound once you plug it in. It produces low noise but has high sensitivity and fidelity. It’s easy to control with the tone and volume controls. It has an on-off switch, phone, Mike, and line-out input. It has a maple neck, plywood body, ebony fittings, and fingerboard. The tailpiece is made with aluminum alloy. Power the system with a 9 volt alkaline battery. It comes with a soft gig bag, though, auxiliary cable, set of strings, and an extra bridge. This product has what you need to get into electric cello playing.
Pros:
- Good tone
- Excellent pickup
Cons:
- Odd shape
- You need an amp
Conclusion
You have plenty of options on the market when it comes to finding the best cello to meet your needs. The instrument you get will depend upon your age and requirements. Make sure you measure your arm length and get a size that will be suitable for you. Your local music store can help you identify what you will require.
The D Z Strad Handmade Student Cello Is a recommended option because it is made to a high-quality. You will spend over $1,000 for it, but you will get something that sounds great. It also comes with a lot of accessories that you need to begin playing. You get your money’s worth when you order this product.
Another great option is the Paititi CE3005PE. This is the better choice if you don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on your cello. It is still a suitable product and it comes with the accessories you need to get started.
Professionals will want to look at other models in the D Z Strad lineup such as the D Z Strad Model 900. Is a high-quality cello made with superior wood for a warm and vibrant tone. The downside is that you’ll spend a lot of money on it.
You will find amazing products at most price points. Try to spend a little bit more than you intend on your instrument as you want something that’s going to last you a long time be easy to tune, and sound great.
