Venture into the enchanting realm of cellos, filled with diverse varieties waiting for you. New cellists often face a whirlwind of choices. Ever wondered which brand catches the eye? Must you have a sparkling new cello? Are tuning pegs a must-have? What’s the ideal size? These crucial queries arise during the quest for the perfect cello, and you’ll find the answers here. Curious minds will surely want to delve deeper.
How To Choose the Right Cello
Cello types encompass a wide range of instruments that vary in size, construction, and tonal qualities.
There are three different types to choose from when buying a cello, characterised by their main material: traditional wooden cellos, electric cellos, and carbon fibre cellos.
Wooden cellos are the most popular and most commonly recommended for beginners as they come in a wide range of sizes and prices.
Electric and carbon fibre cellos are only really suitable for intermediate to advanced ability players who require this type of cello for a specific reason: playing outdoors often or requiring amplification.
If you are just starting, your best option would be to choose a traditional wooden cello with fine tuners, as this will provide you with the most flexibility to explore different genres of music. You can always move on to a different type of cello later.
How To Figure Out What Size Cello You Need
With instruments coming in many different sizes, you probably wonder, “how do I know what size cello to buy?”. And this is a perfectly valid and important question!
Choosing the correct size instrument is an important step that must be considered carefully. When buying a cello, there are essentially 3 main categories:
1. The Standard Full Size
A full-size cello has a back length of approximately 76cm. This size is suitable for most adults and is what you will see professionals playing.
| Cello Size | Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 21 | 53 |
| 1/4 | 23 | 58 |
| 1/2 | 25 | 65 |
| 3/4 | 27 | 69 |
| 7/8 | 29 | 73 |
| 4/4 | 30 | 76 |
2. Fractional Sizes
Fractional sizes such as ¾ , ½, ¼, ⅛ , 1/10 and even 1/16, are great for children. These sizes allow children as young as three the opportunity to play the cello in a way that promotes a good technique, proper set-up and won’t leave them feeling frustrated that they can’t reach all of the notes.
3. The ⅞ Size
There is then the all important 7/8 size. This size is designed to be slightly smaller than the standard full size but without losing any power.
To read more about sizing a cello, read our article What Size Cello Do I Need?
What Cello To Buy
Quality of the Material
It may come as a surprise, but cellos aren’t made out of just any quality wood. Professionally made instruments should be made of spruce (for the top) and maple (for the sides, back and neck). This is especially important for an intermediate cello. Lower quality woods, such as laminated wood, might be more durable and cheaper but do not produce the same quality of sound as a single piece of spruce or maple. An easy way to assess the quality of the spruce top of the cello is to look at the grain of the wood. A good quality cello will have a tighter grain in the middle, underneath the fingerboard, bridge and tailpiece, which will become gradually wider towards the edges of the cello.
To assess the quality of the maple parts, it is easy to look at the “flame” (i.e. the stripes in the wood).
When relating flame to the quality, generally, the more densely flamed the back, sides, and neck are, the more expensive the wood. As the wood ages and experiences different temperatures and humidifies, it adapts to the cello’s shape and matures. This allows for more excellent responsiveness and the possibility of subtleties and means that cellos can appreciate in value.
Although primarily aesthetic, the colour could be a factor in determining quality when buying a cello. Varnish is used to treat the wood, and whilst a solid block of colour might look very tidy, it indicates that a LOT of varnish has been used. Too much varnish can become very heavy and hinder sound production and quality.
Ebony is a hardwood, and as such, an ebony fingerboard will not wear away over time. Ebony is commonly used for the pegs and tailpiece, although plastic can be used on cheaper instruments. Good quality ebony will have a tight grain and may even appear smooth.
Another telltale sign of a good quality instrument is something called inlaid purfling. Purfling is the double black line around the very edge of the cello. Some manufacturers cheat by painting this on; however, true inlaid purfling is vital as it prevents the cello from cracking if it gets knocked.
Finally, it is essential to check for any cracks, chips or split seams on the cello. When you buy a cello, it should be in good working order, and even the most minor crack can grow and become a significant problem later on, so make sure to check that it is in excellent general condition.
Cello Setup
- A straight bridge If looking straight at the cello, the bridge should be perpendicular to the strings, sit along the cello’s centre line, and be about halfway between the end of the fingerboard and the top of the tailpiece.
- Strings that are not old To check that the strings are ok, look at where the string sits on the bridge and is wound around the pegs in the peg box. If the string looks like it is unravelling, it is about to snap and should be changed for a new one! Ask someone at the shop or your teacher to help you with this.
- Strings that are not too close to or too far from the fingerboard It should be easy to press down on the strings to create a pitch. It should also be possible to play an open string without vibrating against the fingerboard. If the bridge’s height or the top nut (small raised section at the top of the fingerboard) is off by even a few millimetres, it can make the instrument unplayable.
Where to Buy a Cello
If you are an advanced player, you’ll want to look at buying a cello in person at a shop. You will be able to see the instrument up close, ask questions, try it out yourself, and possibly even negotiate a lower price!
If you are buying your first cello, or buying an intermediate cello, buying an instrument online is the most popular method. Our favorite online option, especially when looking at beginner cello outfits, is gear4music.com. Yes, there are more ways to buy a cello online (such as Amazon and eBay). Still, we recommend this shop as they are specialists in their field, trusted by professionals worldwide, and will know how to post the instrument to you safely without it getting damaged on the way!
Should You Rent or Buy a Cello?
If you are learning through a school or local music service, it may be possible to borrow a cello instead of buying a cello. Many schools and music services have an instrument loan scheme to borrow an instrument free of charge or for a small annual fee. For children, these schemes are excellent as they are an easy way to ensure that they always have access to an instrument of the correct size.
If you are an adult beginner or learning with a private teacher, you will most likely need to own your cello.
Cello Recommendations
Beginner Cellos
Stentor
Stentor made their first cello in 1895 and is now one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of string instruments. Their student cellos are reliable, sturdy and consistent. The company does offer some more advanced models, but they are most well-known for their entry-level instruments, which make up the core of many schools and local hub instrument loan schemes.
STENTOR
COMES WITH: cello, wooden bow and soft padded case
FEATURES: Ebonised straight grained fingerboard
STENTOR
- Trusted international maker
- Sturdy and durable instrument
- Good price
- Low quality is variable quality amongst items
- Not ebony fingerboard
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Primavera
Although only founded in 1995, Primavera is an excellent cello brand for beginners and aims to revolutionize the student string instrument – and have been succeeding. All Primavera instruments have been designed especially for primary school level teaching and come highly recommended.
Other popular beginner brands include Cecilio, Merano, Gear4Music, Gewa, Roth & Junius.
PRIMAVERA
COMES WITH: cello, wooden bow and soft padded case
FEATURES: Full ebony fingerboard
PRIMAVERA
- Trusted international maker
- Full ebony fingerboard and pegs
- Easy to play and produce a nice sound
- Variable quality amongst items
- Slightly more expensive than other beginner models
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Intermediate Cellos
Hidersine
An intermediate cello is essential when progressing towards the middle grades (grades 3-6). These instruments provide more colour than beginner instruments but are more accessible to play than advanced cellos, with many more subtleties to discover.
Popular makes of intermediate cellos include:
Hidersine
Hidersine have been in operation for 130 years and produce an excellent range of cellos for students of all skill levels. The Hidersine brand makes a quality instrument and we totally recommend them.
HIDERSINE
COMES WITH: cello, wooden bow and soft padded case
FEATURES: -Ebony fingerboard and pegs
HIDERSINE
- Trusted international maker
- Full ebony fingerboard and pegs
- Flamed ribs, scroll and back make instrument look more expensive
- Expensive for the quality
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Westbury
The Westbury Cello is an excellent advancing student string instrument. It is a handmade and hand varnished cello made by Eastman Strings. They all have excellent tone production and is a great intermediate cello option.
COMES WITH: Cello only - bow and case must be purchased separately
FEATURES: -Ebony fingerboard and pegs
Westbury
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted maker of high standard instruments
- Reasonable price for the quality
- Easy to play
- Encourages progress
- Handcrafted
- Not part of an outfit - bow and case must be purchased separately.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Advanced Cellos
The company that dominates the advanced range of instruments is Eastman. Their methods inspire some of the 17th century’s most notable German luthiers, such as Goffriller and Tecchler. Their advanced cellos are divided into the Master Series and Heritage Series.
These cellos are suitable for advanced students and are also popular amongst professionals.
COMES WITH: Cello only - bow and case must be purchased separately
FEATURES: Full ebony fingerboard
EASTMAN
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Very high-quality materials
- Excellent sound quality
- Handcrafted
- The antiqued look has a pleasing aesthetic
- Not part of an outfit - bow and case must be purchased separately.
- Montagnana cellos are slightly wider than most cellos, so they may not fit all cases (but Eastman do make a suitable case - K2)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Cello only - bow and case must be purchased separately
FEATURES: Full ebony fingerboard
"Davidov" Stradivari
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Very high-quality materials
- Excellent sound quality
- Handcrafted
- The antiqued look has a pleasing aesthetic
- Not part of an outfit - bow and case must be purchased separately.
- Montagnana cellos are slightly wider than most cellos, so they may not fit all cases (but Eastman do make a suitable case - K2)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Electric Cellos
Electric Cellos can look amazing and be enormous fun to play. Only suitable for intermediate players onwards, the price range is vast, as is the quality of the instruments
COMES WITH: Cello, soft case, headphones, chest support, cable
FEATURES: Active preamp with under-saddle pickup
STAGG
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Cheap cello price
- Folds up to a slim size for easy transportation
- Available in gloss white or black
- Low sound quality - not warm or acoustic
- A limited number of tone controls
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Cello, soft case, headphones, chest support, cable
FEATURES: Master volume
Yamaha
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted international brand & a quality instrument
- Warmer and sweeter tones
- Authentic feel and shape
- This is an expensive instrument
- Does not collapse
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: Cello, bow, and case included
FEATURES: Hollow body molded from Kevlar and carbon fiber composite
Bridge
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stable instrument not affected by temperature or humidity
- Able to manipulate sound as the cello is responsive
- Available in multiple colours
- Does not collapse
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Cello Accessories
Spare Strings
When you buy a cello, it should come with a cello bow and a set of four strings already fitted. But it’s always a good idea to have a spare set, just in case one snaps! You might also want to upgrade from the standard factory strings to something a bit better.
Perlon and Kevlar are a string type that has a synthetic core; these strings are rapid to respond and powerful.
Other strings are made of gut (sheep’s intestine), wrapped in metal. These strings have an enormous range of colours and a rich tone, but they don’t retain their pitch very well! Early music specialists favour these strings as they are authentic, but they constantly have to retune their instrument!
But the vast majority of strings available to purchase have a steel core, are robust, powerful and produce a wide range of sound colours.
Strings come in various tensions, making them more or less easy to play, and many are also available in different sizes.
Depending on the level of player, I would choose from one of these:
AVAILABLE IN: 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 3/4, 4/4 sizes
INCLUDES: All four strings
D’ADDARIO Prelude Cello String Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted international brand
- Stay in tune for a long time
- Unaffected by temperature and humidity
- Smaller range of tonal colours compared with strings that are double the price
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: All 4 strings
FEATURES:
- Multi-stranded steel core
D’ADDARIO
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted international brand
- Stay in tune for a long time
- Quick bow response
- Suitable for all musical genres
- More expensive than other strings
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: All 4 strings
FEATURES: Steel core
Evah Pirazzi
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted international brand
- Clear, resonant sound
- It can take a while to settle
- Sound can be too bright/harsh for some cellos
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: All 4 strings
FEATURES: G and C strings wound with tungsten
LARSEN
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted international brand
- Rich sound which is easy to manipulate
- Powerful sound
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Rosin
Rosin, an important part of our cello accessories list, is a solid form of tree resin used on the bow’s hair to help provide more grip when bowing across the string. Rosins can come from many different trees, have different colours, produce a distinct sound and even smell different!
Cello rosin is usually a dark red, whereas violin/viola rosin often looks orange or gold, and double bass rosin looks almost entirely black!
Rosin is an essential piece of kit that you will need to keep with you at all times!
COMES WITH: Premium Case
USES: The original recipe handed down from Ladislav Kaplan
D'Addario Kaplan Dark Rosin
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing Case
- Low Dust
- A Pleasure To Use
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
An essential piece of equipment unique to cello and double bass players is the spike holder or endpin stopper. There is nothing worse than your spike slipping across the floor mid-performance!
To solve this problem, there are several inventions, some of which work better than others, but all are better than nothing!
Spike Holder/Endpin stopper
BLACK HOLE
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Small, compact size
- Easy to use
- Only suitable for small endpins
- Not reliable on all floors
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
FEATURES: Belts and Strings Around Chair Legsy
STENTOR ANCHOR
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reliable - won't slip
- Easy to use
- Available in a variety of colours
- Not fully adjustable - 6 pre-set holes
- Large and clunky to carry
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
XEROS
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reliable - won't slip
- Easy to use
- Available in a variety of colours
- The strap may not fit around a chair with large legs.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Music Stand
Music stands are a crucial bit of kit for when you start to play from sheet music, and is one of the most important cello accessories you can buy. Stands are usually made of metal and are often collapsible for easy transportation. Some shops sell music stands with a carry bag too!
INCLUDES: Light | Carry Case | Sheet Music Clip
FEATURES: A carrying bag and a sheet music folder
Cahaya Portable Music Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Cello Stand
A cello stand can come in handy when you want to put your cello somewhere safe during a practice break, without having to put it back in the case.
Here are a few examples:
INCLUDES: 1 metal stand
FEATURES: Suitable for all sizes of cello
STAGG
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
INCLUDES: 1 metal stand
FEATURES: Suitable for all sizes of cello
GEWA
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Cello Case
Most student cello outfits will come with a padded bag included in the price. These are great for providing a lightweight way to carry your cello. But they don’t always offer the best protection.
Here are some alternative suggestions, listed in order of least protection to full protection:
COMES WITH: 1 Padded Bag
FEATURES:
-25mm tricot interior padding
-2 wheels
-Tearproof and water protected
GEWA
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted international brand
- Protects cello from scratches and some knocks
- Won’t protect cello from a major knock or fall
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: 1 Semi Rigid Case
FEATURES:
-Plush lined interior
-High density foam construction
-2 bow holders
HIDERSINE SEMI-RIGID
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Protects cello from knocks
- Slim and lightweight design
- Available in 4 sizes
- Won’t protect cello from a major knock or fall
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
COMES WITH: 1 ABS Outer Shell Case
FEATURES:
- Foam Injected Interior Absorbs Impact from Bumps
- ABS Outer Shell for Long Lasting Durability
- Bow and Music Pockets for Keeping Your Accessories
BAM Classic
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Protects cello from knocks & drops
- Lightweight design
- Detachable rucksack carrying straps
- Expensive (but worth it!)
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Insurance
All cellists insure their instruments, and you should be no different. The only company I recommend is Allianz, which has provided insurance for musicians since 1960
PRICE: Most affordable on the market
FEATURES: A policy that can be adjusted depending on regions and travel
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
- Can insure on worldwide travel
- Ensures you are always covered
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Cello buyer’s guide
Summary
We hope this cello buying guide provided you with comprehensive information for buying your cell1o
Buying a cello can seem like a complicated process, but once you know what type of cello you’re looking for, the size and your budget, you will find that everything else becomes a lot easier.
Making music should be fun, so don’t let the stress of buying an instrument deter you from following your passion!
I hope you enjoyed this article – if so, please share it and let us know what you think in the comments below!
FAQ's
Sure, the sections about choosing the right cello and accessories are enlightening, but come on, Ellen, where’s the insider scoop on the secret societies of cellists hiding in the shadows? Guess we mere mortals are not privy to such classified info, huh?
hey anyone tried electric cellos they mention any good? wanna try but not sure where to start lol
The section on cello accessories is comprehensive. However, one might consider adding a metronome to the list. It’s somewhat surprising to see it omitted given its importance in practice routines.
Hey everyone! So I’m totally new to this whole cello world and just stumbled upon this incredibly helpful article. I saw the part about figuring out what size cello you need and got kinda stuck. Do you think it’s better to start with something more manageable size-wise or should I just aim for the full size right off the bat? Also, massive thanks to Ellen Porter for putting all this info together, really clears up a lot of my doubts!
ElizaT, it’s great that you’re stepping into the cello realm! Generally, the choice of size should primarily be based on both your comfort and the reach of your arms rather than starting off with something specific. For adults and most teenagers, a full-size (4/4) cello is typically suitable. Yet, if you’re unsure, trying a few sizes at a local music shop might give you a better idea of what suits you best.