Best
Beginners Cello
-
Overall: Ebony Fingerboard And Pegs
-
Best Feature: Hand-Carved Solid Spruce Top And Maple Back, Sides, And Neck
-
TedScore™: 7/10
Best
Intermediates Cello
Cello Series HIGH-QUALITY CELLO
-
Overall: Endpin With Ebony Plug, Brass Ring And Screw
-
Best Feature: Ebony Pegs And Fingerboard
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Professionals Cello
-
Overall: Beautifully carved scrolls, fine purfling, and varnish
-
Best Feature: andcrafted With Great Precision And Attention To Detail
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Considering buying a cello? Wondering about the cost? Hold on tight because **cello prices** can really **vary!**
It’s important to know what you’re getting into, from £/$100 – £/$10,000. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the different price ranges of cellos and what you can expect in terms of quality, sound, and tone.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or professional player, we’ll help you find the perfect cello.
Factors Affecting
Cello Prices
Types of Cellos
Student Cellos
Designed for beginners and early-stage learners. They’re typically affordable and constructed with durability in mind.
These cellos may be made with laminated or partially solid wood to withstand the rigours of beginner use.
They provide a decent sound quality suitable for introductory lessons and practice.
Intermediate Cellos
They’re a step up from student models and are intended for advancing students and amateur musicians.
They’re crafted with better-quality materials and construction techniques, improving sound and playability.
Intermediate cellos often feature solid tonewoods and more refined craftsmanship to enhance resonance and tone production.
Professional Cellos
They’re the highest quality instruments for experienced cellists and professional musicians. They’re meticulously handcrafted using premium tonewoods, such as spruce for the top and maple for the back, ribs, and neck.
Professional cellos are known for their superior sound projection, responsiveness, and nuanced tonal qualities. Renowned luthiers often craft these instruments and they can be quite expensive.
Budget-Friendly Cellos: Options Under £500
Cecilio CCO-100
It’s a full-size cello with a hand-carved solid spruce top, maple back, sides, neck, and an ebony fingerboard and pegs. It comes with a bow, a padded carrying bag, and rosin.
PERFECT FOR: Beginners and Students
FEATURES: Hand-carved solid spruce top and maple back, sides, and neck
OTHER INFO: Ebony fingerboard and pegs
Cecilio CCO-100
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!
- Inlaid purfling
- Four nickel-plated fine tuners
- Affordable price
- Good quality sound
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to play
- The bow with the cello may not be of the highest quality.
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™.
Student Cello by Gear4Music
Full-size cello that produces superior sound and features superior craftsmanship. While it may be more expensive than beginner models, its quality and beauty make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about their music.
COMES WITH: Laminated spruce and basswood body
FEATURES: Coloured silk strings wrappings help learning
Student Cello By Gear4Music
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!
- 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™.
Stentor Student I
It’s an entry-level student violin outfit designed for beginners, made from solid tonewoods with inlaid purfling and featuring good quality pau rosa pegs and ebonized straight-grained fingerboard.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Solid tonewoods with inlaid purfling
OTHER INFO: Good quality pau rosa pegs and ebonised straight-grained fingerboard
Stentor Student I
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!
- Lightweight construction
- Comes with a bow, rosin, and a lightweight carrying case
- Good quality sound for an entry-level instrument
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to play
- Comes with all necessary accessories
- It may not be suitable for intermediate or advanced players
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™.
Mid-Range Cellos: Options Between £500 to £5,000
Yamaha VC5 Series
They’re handcrafted from select tonewoods, feature a hand-applied oil varnish finish, and have ebony fittings. The VC5 Series cellos produce a rich, warm, well-balanced tone across all registers and come with a bow, a padded carrying bag, and rosin.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to advanced players
FEATURES: Select tonewoods, including a spruce top and maple back, sides, and neck
OTHER INFO: Hand-applied oil varnish finish
Yamaha VC5 Series
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!
- Ebony fittings, including the fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece
- High-quality sound
- Superior craftsmanship
- Beautiful finish
- Expensive
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™.
Eastman Strings VC200
It’s the first model in the Andreas Eastman series handcrafted from select tonewoods, including a spruce top, maple back, sides, and neck. It has a hand-applied spirit varnish finish and ebony fittings, including the fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece. The VC200 produces a rich, warm, well-balanced tone across all registers.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to advanced players
FEATURES: Inlaid purfling
OTHER INFO: Four fine tuners
Eastman Strings VC200
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!
- Tailpiece with a mother-of-pearl inlay
- Lightweight construction
- Easy to play
- Comes with all necessary accessories
- It may not be suitable for beginners who require a more affordable instrument
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™.
Stentor Conservatoire Cello
It’s a cello model produced by Stentor, a well-known and respected string instrument manufacturer. It’s specifically designed for serious students, aspiring musicians, and semi-professional cellists who require a reliable and responsive instrument for their musical pursuits.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate and advanced cellists
FEATURES: High-quality tonewoods
OTHER INFO: It's finished with a traditional, attractive varnish
Stentor Conservatoire Cello
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!
- Handcrafted by skilled luthiers
- Offers excellent value for its price
- Quality Craftsmanship
- Versatile and adaptable to different musical styles and genres
- Limited Customization
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™.
High-End Cellos: Options Over £5,000
Stradivarius Cellos
Crafted by the renowned Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These cellos are highly regarded for their exceptional craftsmanship, historical significance, and superior tonal qualities. Original Stradivarius cellos are rare and highly valuable, often considered some of the finest instruments ever created.
PERFECT FOR: Professional
FEATURES: Handcrafted with great precision and attention to detail
OTHER INFO: Made from carefully selected, high-quality tonewoods, such as spruce for the top and maple for the back, sides, and neck.
Stradivarius Cellos
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!
- Beautifully carved scrolls, fine purfling, and varnish
- Historical Significance
- Exceptional Sound
- Delicate and require careful maintenance and handling
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™.
Montagnana Cellos
Crafted by Domenico Montagnana, an esteemed Italian luthier from the 18th century. These cellos are highly regarded for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal capabilities, and unique aesthetic characteristics. Original Montagnana cellos are rare and valuable, often sought after by professional cellists and collectors.
PERFECT FOR: Professional
FEATURES: High-quality tonewoods and exhibit precise carving and finishing
OTHER INFO: Distinctive aesthetic features
Montagnana Cellos
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!
- Revered for their deep, rich, and resonant sound
- Rare and highly coveted among musicians and collectors
- Superb craftsmanship
- Exceptional tonal qualities
- Expensive
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™.
Guadagnini Cellos
Built by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, an Italian luthier who lived from 1711 to 1786. Guadagnini was known for his exceptional craftsmanship, and his cellos are highly regarded by musicians and collectors alike.
PERFECT FOR: Professional cellist
FEATURES: Renowned for their rich, complex, and resonant tonal qualities
OTHER INFO: Have a comfortable neck and a well-adjusted setup
Guadagnini Cellos
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!
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Considered valuable investments
- Highly regarded for their tonal beauty
- Highly prized
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™.
Prices of Other Cellos
Price Range
They’re hand-made by modern, respected craftsmen. Made in the best workshops in China and Romania, where they emulate the cello-making traditions of Mirecourt, France and Markneukirchen, Germany.
These cellos are a step above beginner cellos regarding sound quality, craftsmanship, and materials.
They’re perfect for students who have played for a few years and are ready to upgrade to a higher-quality instrument.
Made by individual luthiers or small workshops. They’re made with higher-quality materials and are crafted with greater attention to detail than intermediate cellos.
Designed to produce a more complex and nuanced sound than intermediate cellos.
They’re perfect for students serious about their music and looking for an instrument to help them achieve their goals.
They’re made by master luthiers who have spent years perfecting their craft. Professional cellos are made with the best materials available and are crafted with the utmost attention to detail.
They produce a rich, complex sound unmatched by any other type of cello—the perfect choice for serious musicians looking for an instrument to help them achieve their highest potential.
Where to Buy a Cello
There are plenty of options available both online and in person.
Online retailers like Amazon and Shar Music offer a wide variety of cellos at different price points, while local music shops may offer more personalized service and the opportunity to try out instruments before making a purchase.
You could also attend a cello festival or convention, where you can try out multiple instruments and talk to experts in the field.
Don’t forget to check out classified ads and secondhand shops for potential deals. With a little research and a lot of enthusiasm, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect cello for you.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cello
First, think about your playing level and goals. If you’re a new player, you may want to consider purchasing a beginner cello.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced player, you may want to consider purchasing an intermediate cello.
Next, consider your budget. Cellos can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of pounds, so it’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it.
You’ll also want to think about the size of the cello, as well as its sound quality, materials, and craftsmanship.
Finally, don’t forget about the accessories – a good bow, case, and rosin are essential for any cellist.
With these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect cello for your needs and goals.
Cello Price Range
Summary
Now that we’ve explored the different types of cellos and their corresponding price ranges, let’s recap what we’ve learned.
First, we have the student cellos, perfect for beginners. These cellos are machine-made and are priced between £200 to £2,500. They’re affordable and offer a consistent tone, making them ideal for students just starting.
Next up, we have the intermediate to advanced cellos, perfect for players looking for better-quality sound. These cellos are made with higher workmanship, which results in better dynamics and stronger projection.
The price range for intermediate to advanced cellos is between £2,500 and £5,000.
If you’re a professional or an advanced player looking for the highest quality sound, you should consider investing in a collectable cello. These cellos are priced at £5,000 and above and are made by skilled craftsmen who use only the best materials available.
We hope this article has helped you better understand cello price ranges and provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a cello.
Happy playing!
Stradivarius over 5k? Thought they’d be like millions lol.
Not sure I agree with classifying cellos so rigidly as student, intermediate, and professional. Lots of overlap in quality and playability depending on the brand and how well the instrument’s been cared for. It’s more about the right fit than the label.
interesting read. gotta say, finding budget-friendly cellos that don’t compromise too much on quality is a real challenge. been looking for something decent for the school orchestra without spending a fortune. will definitely check out the Cecilio CCO-100, sounds like it might be just what we need.
I absolutely enjoyed reading through the options for mid-range cellos you’ve listed, Carina . It’s refreshing to see such a comprehensive list that gives amateurs like me a clear insight into what our next upgrade could be without breaking the bank. The Yamaha VC5 series caught my eye, definitely seems like a solid choice given its reputation for durability and sound quality. It’s articles like these that make navigating through the myriad of options out there a bit less daunting. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!
Eastman Strings generally have a warmer tone, great choice if that’s what you’re aiming for.
Has anyone tried the Eastman Strings VC200? I’m curious about its sound compared to Yamaha’s.