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Cellos

Cellos Overview

A cello is the second largest string instrument after the double bass. You’ll find musicians playing the cello in orchestras and string quartets. However, there are different kinds of cellos ranging from student cellos to professional cellos.

While most cellos look the same, they may be constructed differently due to their material and the technique to build it. The cost of the cello can range depending on the quality of the wood, workmanship and fine details.

So, which cello is right for you? Prior to purchasing your cello, you must determine which features are most important to you. Consider the wood used to make the cello, the size, the carrying case, the tuners, the bow length, pegs and more.

With so many options, we’ve done our best to narrow down your search by comparing some of the most popular cellos on the market. We’re confident that our comparison will help determine which is best for you and we've even outlined below some of things to look out for if you're in the market for a new Cello.

Materials

The materials that a cello is made from have a big impact on both its price and the sound that it produces. The better quality of material the better sound it makes and, consequently the higher the price of the Cello. The best Cellos are typically made with a spruce top and maple sides but some are made with Poplar as well. There are also Cellos available in laminated wood but it's best to avoid those as they do not produce a sound comparable to their spruce/maple counterparts.

The other option is Carbon Fiber Cellos which are growing in popularity these days as they tend to be lighter and more durable. Many players turn to these Cellos for playing outside as they can still produce a strong full sound while being less affected by environmental factors like changes in temperature and humidity.

Size

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a Cello is ensuring it is the correct size for your body. Cellos are made in fractional sizes to and must be in proper proportion to the player. Your cello doesn’t have to be the most expensive model, but it does need to be properly sized for you.

While they do come in multiple sizes, the most common is the full size 4/4 Cello which is best for adults. They also come in 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 sizes which are generally for children. The size of the instrument grows with the player so it is important to get the size best for you.

Cost

There are many things to consider when buying a Cello, not the least of which is cost. Prices can range from millions for the very best professional Cellos to about $1000 for a quality beginner one. It is definitely not a cheap pursuit but for the serious committed player, the average amount to spend falls in the $2500-$5000 range.

Accessories

New Cellos usually come with accessories, some being more important than others. Obviously they come with a protective case and you can buy things like tuners, stands, extra strings and music books, but the most important accessory, perhaps as important as the Cello itself, is the bow.

The bow has as much to do with the sound so it is important to make sure it is as high quality as the Cello. If not, upgrade it. The general rule to follow is it should be 20-25% of the total cost of the Cello. Also, bows are made of different materials as well and some work better with certain Cellos and others work better with others. It is also crucial to rosin your bow properly for best sound and performance. Don't underestimate the bows importance to your sound.

Finally, don't forget to purchase an anchor, commonly referred to as a Rockstop, especially if you're a beginner player. This piece of equipment ensures that the end pin doesn’t slip on the floor or carpet while you’re playing. They are very affordable and come in differnt varieties, most popular of which is an adjustable strap that attaches to your chair. If nothing else, they provide the player with one less thing to worry bout so they can concentrate on their performance.