Meghan Herlihy
Cellos, also known as violoncellos, are mainstay string instruments found in bands and orchestras of all levels, from beginners to professionals. They have four strings, are strummed with a bow, and are in the same family as violins and violas. They’re known for their large size and height, as well as for being one of only two string instruments played standing upright instead of held in the arms or between the chin and shoulder. Cellos make excellent solo instruments as well as parts of orchestras and other ensembles. If you’re a cello player looking for a new instrument or you’re just starting to learn to play one, consider the following recommendations.
What Should You Consider in a Cello?
Here’s what you should look for:
- Height: Most people don’t realize that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to cellos. The right cello for you is going to depend on your age, height, and arm length. The cello won’t do you any good if you can’t reach it properly, after all. A full cello will almost always be the right choice for most adults, but kids and teenagers will have to start with a 3/4, 1/2, or smaller instrument. If you’re buying for your child, be sure to check their height against the provided sizing charts beforehand.
- Acoustic vs. Electric: Acoustic cellos are the standard, but some musicians prefer electric cellos’ amplified sound. Standard acoustic cellos can be played anywhere since you don’t have to worry about plugging them in, and they don’t require the extra equipment (like an amp or batteries) that an electric cello does. They have the classical string instrument sound that some musicians find hard to achieve on electric cellos. Electric cellos are much lighter and almost always narrower, so they’re easier to transport and position while playing. There are also five- and six-string electric cellos for an extended range of notes, which most acoustic cellos will lack. Consider which factors are more important to you and your music.
- Beginner vs. Advanced: Many beginner cellos will be smaller with kids in mind, though there are full-sized beginner cellos, too. The biggest difference is in the materials. Since beginners are learning basics, certain parts of the cello see more repetitive motions and thus need to be equipped to deal with more friction. These parts, namely the pegs and fingerboards, tend to be made of more durable wood like maple on beginner cellos. On advanced- and intermediate-level cellos, these same parts are usually made of ebony instead. Beginner cellos also tend to be machine-made and less expensive since they’re more transitory, while more advanced instruments tend to be at least partially handcrafted.
Top Choice: Mendini By Cecilio Cello Kit
This quintessential, pristine-sounding acoustic cello is suitable for both beginners and experienced players. This model comes in 1/4, 3/4, and full-sized options, so you can buy it for adults, teens, and children alike. (You can refer to the accompanying sizing table to help determine which size you should buy depending on the musician’s age if you need some guidance.) The classic design is mostly maple wood with a crack-proof spruce top and an elegant, natural finish. You can buy it in its natural reddish-brown color or in black, purple, or blue. Besides the cello itself, you receive a padded carrying case with pockets and adjustable backpack straps, a wooden bow, a cake of rosin, and a spare set of alloy steel cello strings.
Cecilio Cello Instrument – Mendini Full Size Cellos for Kids & Adults w/ Bow, Case and Stringsac
A classic cello with a pristine sound that is suitable for kids and adults alike.
Best for Beginners: Eastar EVC-1 Acoustic Cello
This full-sized, handmade cello is designed to be beginner-friendly. It’s made of brown spruce wood panels and a maple backboard and side plates with a varnished finish, which combine with the instrument’s elegant lines to produce a clean, stable sound. The pearwood fingerboard is designed to point at the muscovite points on the board, which can help new students of cello music more quickly find the correct position while they’re learning to play. The tuning knobs are also made of pearwood, which pair with the aluminum in-wire to make the cello’s sound a breeze to adjust as needed. This cello comes with a Brasilia wood bow with unbleached horsehair strings, three packs of rosin, a cello bridge, a cello stand, and an extra set of cello strings.
Eastar EVC-1 4/4 Acoustic Cello Matt Natural Varnish with Imprinted Finger Guide on Fingerboard for Students Beginners with Cello Stand, Case, Bow, Bridge, Rosin, Extra Set of Strings (Full Size)
A full-sized and handmade cello designed with new students in mind.
$409.99 
Best Electric Cello: Cecilio Black Metallic Electric Cello
If you want to give the unique, amplified sounds of an electric cello a try, consider investing in this model. It’s full-sized and hand-carved from solid maple wood, with a metallic black finish for a sleek, modern look. A metallic mahogany finish is also available for purchase if you prefer. Both colors have an ebony fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece with a mother of pearl inlay for an even more attractive aesthetic. This electric cello’s slim, open body makes it lighter and more portable than traditional cellos. The four fine tuners are detachable so that you can remove them at any point if you wish. This cello is powered by a 9-volt alkaline battery (included in purchase), and its 1/8-inch output jack will allow you to connect it to most PA systems or guitar amps. Also included with purchase is a padded and lightweight carrying case, a container of rosin, an aux cable, and headphones.
Cecilio 4/4 CECO-1BK Black Metallic Electric Cello with Ebony Fittings in Style 1 (Full Size)
A sleek, modern-looking electric cello that can plug into amps for louder, clearer sound.
Also Great: Cecilio Ebony Fitted Cello
This lustrous, varnished cello with inlaid purfling will look as good as it sounds and is ideal for intermediate players. The cello body is made of a hand-carved spruce top and flamed maple neck, back, and sides. The attractive red-brown color and classic lines are enhanced by the ebony fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece, all with a mother of pearl inlay and nickel-plated fine tuners. The included carrying case is semi-hard, which provides the cello with protection without decreasing its portability. The Brasilia wood bow is of the highest quality, as are its unbleached, genuine Mongolian horsehair strings to give the cello the purest possible sound. You also receive a case of rosin, a bridge, a cello stand, and an extra set of strings with your purchase. This cello is available in both 3/4 and full-sized options.
Cecilio CCO-500 Ebony Fitted Flamed Solid Wood Cello with Hard & Soft Case, Stand, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Extra Set of Strings, Size 3/4
An elegant cello with a lustrous finish.
