Introduction:
Table of Contents
The cello is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sounding instruments in the world. Able to produce sounds both deep and melodious as well as strident or angst-ridden, the cello can truly run the gamut when it comes to musical and lyrical expression. Here some question arises, why the cello can produce so many different sounds? which are the best cellos in the world?
One of the reasons why the cello can produce so many different sounds is due to its construction. A well-made cello, in the right hands, is an extremely versatile instrument.
But how can you tell which cellos are worthy of consideration? To help, we’ve assembled a shortlist of some of the best cellos in the world that are available right now.
Best Cello for All Levels
Investing in a cello can be exciting. Whether you’re a beginner or at a more advanced level, it helps to know what to look for. Our article will look at what we consider some of the best cello brands. We will also look at some frequently asked questions to help you with the buying process.
Considerations for Best Beginner Cello
Buying your first cello as a beginner can be exciting. You, however, need to know how to go about the process. With so many brands, available, it can get confusing. You may end up spending a lot of money on an instrument you will not be able to use. So when shopping for a beginner cello, you need to have the following in mind:
- Do your research on the instrument. Learn everything you need to know about the different types and what would serve you best as a beginner. Factors to pay close attention to include size, tone, quality, and accessories.
- If you do not have the budget, consider buying a used cello. Make sure you get an expert to check it out for you so that whatever you buy can be of good use to you.
- Seek advice from experts such as music teachers. They have the advantage of knowing the best types of beginner cellos.
- Once you decide on your preferred brand, read customer reviews. It is a good determinant of the quality you will be getting.
Best Beginning Cello: Cecilio CCO-100
For a beginning student, there are several factors to consider :
| 1. How easy is the cello to play? |
| 2. How well does it sound? |
| 3. How durable is it? Can it hold up to the stress of being played incorrectly while the student is learning? |
| 4. How easy is it to take care of? |
These are important questions that any prospective first-time cello buyer should be asking.
For our money, the beginning cello that best answers these demanding questions is the Cecilio CCO-100. This inexpensive cello is highly rated and worth considering.
It is built of high-quality, durable materials that can handle the stress that results from being handled by a new student. At the same time, it produces a rich tone that isn’t always found in other beginning instruments.
Even better, the Cecilio CCO-100 is priced affordably — and is even bundled with a “cello starter kit” so anyone can begin to play right away!
Top 5 Best Cecilio cellos (2020) :
1. Cecilio CCO-100 :
Pros
- Full-Size varnish cello.
- You will get a complete package of accessories.
- Impressive sound quality for the price range.
- Comparatively low price.
Cons
- String quality is Low.
- Strings will need a replacement soon.
- Cello Bow would not last long.
2. Cecilio CCO-200 :
Pros
- Full-Size Solid Hand cello.
- Beautiful High-Luster Varnish Finish
with Inlaid Purfling - You will get a complete package of accessories.
Cons
- String quality is Low.
- Little costly.
3. Cecilio CCO-300:
Pros
- Full-Size varnish cello.
- Beautiful High-Luster Varnish Finish
with Inlaid Purfling. - With a complete package of accessories.
Cons
- Little costly compared to other Cecilio CCO cellos.
4. Cecilio CCO-500 :
Pros
- Incredible price.
- High-quality materials, including grade 1 ebony for the fingerboard, tailpiece, and pegs.
- Beautiful high-luster varnish finish.
- With a complete package of accessories.
Cons
- The included bow has some lacking quality and doesn’t produce the best sound.
- Needs to be luthier adjustment to achieve its best possible quality.
5. Cecilio CCO-600 :
Pros
- Hand-Carved Selected Well-Aged Solid Maple Back & Sides.
- Beautiful Inlaid Purfling.
- Hand Rubbed Oil Finish (The wood would breathe much better than a lacquer finish, results in the cello with a much warmer tone and louder volume)
Cons
- High cost.
- String need to more improvement.
Top 5 Cecilio Cellos (Infographic) :
Considerations for Best intermediate Cello
D – Z Strad Model 150
Key Features:
- Nice varnish work.
- Suitable for an intermediate cello player.
- Handmade & hand oil-varnished.
Pros
- It is a quality cello that gives excellent value for money.
- The package comes with a bow and case.
- It has exceptional sound quality.
Cons
- The string quality is not very good. You may need to upgrade it at some point.
D- Z Strad is high quality and very attractive; the manufacturers carefully handicraft each piece.
The production process uses natural drying. It ensures the stability of the equipment when in use.
Cremona SC-100
Key Features
- Solid and fined sound.
- Perfectly fitted rosewood pegs and quality tailpiece with smooth fine tuners which is helpful for easy tuning.
Pros
- Beautiful design.
- Sound posts and bass bars are hand-fitted.
- It comes with a case and other extras.
Cons
- The package does not include resin or any extra strings.
What stands out about the Cremona SC-100 is the attractive design. You get five different levels, making it ideal for students to intermediate level.
The body comprises Maplewood, resulting in a durable and stable quality cello. There is a lot of attention to handcrafting and final output. The sound quality is good and the package comes with a case, bow, and horsehair.
Palatino VC-450 Allegro Cello
Key Features
- Hand Carved Maple Back, Sides & Neck are solid.
- Comes with Ebony Frog Bow.
Pros
- Attractive, sturdy body featuring high-quality material.
- It is light making it comfortable to use.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- It does not come with extra string or a case.
The Palatino VC-450 Allegro Cello comprises hand-carved maple and ebony. There is a lot of attention to precision and fine-tuning.
It is very attractive to look at. The inlaid purfling and sound post results in a very smooth sound. The package comes with a bow and Mongolian horsehair.
Best Intermediate Cello: Andreas Eastman VC305
Key Features
- Beautiful hand finishes.
- Ebony Fingerboard, Maple Back, and nice Ribs
- Limited Lifetime Warranty.
As a student advances, it becomes important for them to choose an instrument that also represents a step up in quality. The Andreas Eastman VC305 easily fits this bill.
Made of high-quality wood and finished off with a beautiful, dark varnish, the VC305 is a striking instrument to behold.
The included Pirasto strings are considered excellent strings, and when you put them together, you get a cello that produces both complex, rich sounds as well as bright and lively tones when played well.
Considerations for Best Advanced Cello
Eastman VC-305
Pros
- Solid market reputation.
- You get a quality cello that produces an excellent tone.
Cons
- You need to buy the case and bow separately.
Eastman has a good market reputation for the quality of its cellos. It has some of the best-advanced players’ cellos.
The manufacturers handcraft each piece. The package comes with metal alloy tailpieces and Despiau Bridge.
D Z Strad Model 600
Pros
- You get a quality cello from a company that enjoys a reliable market reputation.
- Excellent sound quality.
- Sturdy, attractive design.
Cons
- The price point is high.
D Z Strad model 600 comprises an attractive handcrafted maple and ebony body. You get a study instrument with excellent sound output. The package comes with extras like a bow, case, and strings. It comes in different sizes, so you can choose the most comfortable for you. You can be sure of a top-quality cello.
Yamaha SVC -50SK Silent Compact Cello Outfit
Pros
- It is quiet with excellent sound.
- You can connect it to your laptop.
- The construction is very solid.
Cons
- Positioning the cello requires a bit of practice before you get comfortable.
The Yamaha SVC -50 SK is quiet, so you can practice without fear of disturbing the neighbors. You get a fantastic acoustic sound that has a lot of depth to it. Connecting it to a laptop will make you feel like you are playing with the band. The package comes with a bow and strings.
Best Advanced Cello: Ivan Dunov Superior
It is impossible to list a cello as the “best” advanced model — as players progress in skill, so do their individual styles and needs, so what is best for one player isn’t necessarily the best for someone else.
Still, there are some models that rise higher than others, and the Ivan Dunov Superior VC402 is one of those that players notice and admire. Excellently crafted, these cellos create expressive tones that can fit any style and fit it well.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cellos
Q: Is it better to buy or rent a cello?
For beginners who may not have the budget, you can initially think of renting. However, you have multiple options at very friendly prices. Eventually, you may find it more cost-effective to own one.
Q: How much does a cello cost?
Different cellos come at different price points. It depends on the brand and features. The cost of a beginner cello or student cellos, for example, will be different from advanced player cellos. It also depends on whether you’re buying new or used. You could spend hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Q: Which is the cello brand to buy?
You will find excellent cello brands in the market when you research about best cello brands. Some of the best brands are D’Luca, Merano, Cecilio, Yamaha, and D Z strand. Duport Stradivarius may perhaps be the best, but there are only 63 of them available. You’ll also need to come up with almost $20 million to own one.
Q: Where can I buy a cello?
You can buy a cello online on platforms like eBay, Amazon, or directly from the manufacturers. You can also find them in music shops.
Q: How many strings does a cello have?
Cellos have four strings. These are A, C, G, and D.
Q: What should I do when shopping for a cello?
- Determine your needs and skill level.
- Decide how much you want to spend
- Do your research on the different brands. Ask professionals or music teachers for advice on the best one to buy
- Read customer reviews. It is especially critical if you are shopping online
- Visit music shops and test with different sizes to see how they feel in terms of comfort
- Invest in a good quality cello to enjoy long-term usage.
Conclusion:
We have looked at what we consider some of the best cello brands. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced, you are sure to find something suitable for you. Remember to do your research well before investing your money in one.
This list barely scratches the surface of what cellos are available and worth the money, but it should get you pointed in the right direction.
Finally Remember, though, that the best cello is the one that fits the player perfectly, and there’s no substitute for that.