Best
Sound Quality Electric Cello
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Overall: Built-In Reverb And Volume Control
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Best Feature: Silent Practice Mode With A Headphone Jack
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TedScoreâ„¢: 9/10
Best
Versatile Electric Cello
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Overall: Lightweight And Durable Body Made Of Solid Maple And Ebony
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Best Feature: Polarâ„¢ Pickup System For A Wide Range Of Tonal Possibilities
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TedScoreâ„¢: 8.8/10
Best
Value for Money Electric Cello
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Overall: Built-In Preamp With Volume Control And Headphone Jack
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Best Feature: Lightweight And Durable Body Made Of Carbon Fibre
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TedScoreâ„¢: 8/10
Are you a cellist looking to explore new sounds? Or are you a beginner looking for a unique instrument to learn? Either way, an electric cello might be the perfect choice for you.
Electric cellos offer a modern twist on the traditional cello, with a sleek design and sound that can be amplified to suit any performance setting.
I’ll reveal which silent Cello I own from this list, and why.
So why not join the growing community of electric cello players and see where this exciting instrument can take you?
What is an Electric Cello and Why You Should Consider It
An electric cello is a type of cello that uses electronic amplification to produce sound instead of relying solely on acoustic resonance. Unlike an acoustic cello, an electric cello can be played without disturbing your neighbors or anyone around you.
Electric cellos come in various shapes and sizes, with designs and features to suit different playing styles and preferences.
Some models are designed to look and feel like traditional cellos, while others have a more modern, futuristic design. Some electric cellos even come with built-in effects and amplifiers, allowing you to create a wide range of sounds and tones.
One of the biggest advantages of an electric cello is that it allows you to play in various settings without worrying about feedback or other issues arising from using a traditional acoustic cello.
Whether you’re playing in a small club or a large concert hall, an electric cello can produce a clear, consistent sound that everyone in the audience will hear.
History and Evolution of Electric Cellos
The first electric cello was invented in the 1920s by a musician named Paul Tutmarc. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that electric cellos began to gain popularity.
In 1964, the Beatles used an electric cello in their song “I Am the Walrus,” in 1968, the Moody Blues used an electric cello in their hit song “Nights in White Satin.”
In the 1970s, electric cellos became more widely available, and musicians began experimenting with different styles and designs.
One of the most popular electric cello designs is the NS Design cello, invented in the 1990s by a musician named Ned Steinberger. This cello features a solid body and a unique design for greater playability and a more modern sound.
Many electric cellos are available today, from traditional designs with built-in pickups to more modern designs with advanced electronics and effects pedals.
How They Work: The Science Behind Electric Cellos
When you think of a cello, you might imagine a traditional wooden instrument with four strings that is played with a bow. However, electric cellos are a different beast altogether.
These instruments rely on electronic amplification to produce sound rather than the acoustic resonance of a traditional cello.
So, how do electric cellos work?
Well, it all starts with the pickup. An electric cello can be fitted with a bridge or body-mounted contact pickup, which provides an electric signal. Alternatively, a built-in pickup can be installed.
This pickup converts the strings’ vibrations into an electrical signal, and then sends it to an amplifier or speaker to produce sound.
The Advantages of Electric Cellos
One of the most significant advantages of electric cellos is their ability to produce a wide range of sounds. Electric cellos can create sounds similar to electric guitars, basses, and violins with distortion, wah, and chorus features.
This versatility allows musicians to experiment with different genres and styles of music, making electric cellos a great choice for those who want to explore different musical avenues. Another advantage of electric cellos is their portability.
Unlike acoustic cellos, which can be bulky and difficult to transport, electric cellos are lightweight and easy to carry around.
This makes them an ideal choice for musicians who frequently perform on the go or who need to travel with their instruments. Electric cellos are also easier to amplify than acoustic cellos.
With built-in pickups, electric cellos can be easily connected to an amplifier or sound system, allowing musicians to play at higher volumes without sacrificing sound quality. Electric cellos are great for those who perform in large venues or play in bands or orchestras.
Finally, electric cellos are often more affordable than their acoustic counterparts. While high-end electric cellos can be expensive, many options are available at lower prices, making them accessible to musicians of all skill levels and budgets.
Choosing the Right Electric Cello
Size and Shape
Sound Quality
Price
features
Brand and Model
7 Best Electric Cellos
PERFECT FOR: serious students to professionals
FEATURES: Silent practice mode with a headphone jack
OTHER INFO: Built-in reverb and volume control
Yamaha SVC-210SK Silent Cello
Price
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!
- Beautiful natural wood finish
- Excellent sound quality
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Durable and requires minimal maintenance
- Expensive compared to some other electric 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 TedScoreâ„¢.
PERFECT FOR: advanced to professional players
FEATURES: Polarâ„¢ pickup system for a wide range of tonal possibilities
OTHER INFO: Lightweight and durable body made of solid maple and ebony
NS Design WAV4 Electric 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!
- Excellent sound quality
- Advanced features for professional-level performance
- Sleek and modern design
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a more traditional cello sound
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES: Solid wood body with black metallic varnish finish
OTHER INFO: Ebony fingerboard and pegs
Cecilio 4/4 CECO-2BK Electric 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!
- Built-in preamp with volume control and headphone jack
- Good sound quality for the price
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- May require some setup and adjustment to achieve optimal sound 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 TedScoreâ„¢.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate cellists
FEATURES: Lightweight and durable body made of carbon fibre
OTHER INFO: Built-in preamp with volume control and headphone jack
Bridge Aquila Electric 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!
- Excellent value for money
- Beautiful and sleek design
- Good sound quality for the price
- May not be suitable for professional-level performances
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 TedScoreâ„¢.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate cellists
FEATURES: Solid wood body with a black grid-coloured finish
OTHER INFO: Built-in preamp with volume control and headphone jack
Kinglos 4/4 Black Grid Colored Solid Wood Electric 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!
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Affordable price compared to some other electric cellos
- Good sound quality for the price
- Sleek and modern design
- May require some setup and adjustment to achieve optimal sound 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 TedScoreâ„¢.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES: Solid maple body with white finish
OTHER INFO: Built-in preamp with volume control and headphone jack
Stagg ECL 4/4 WH Electric 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!
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Affordable price compared to some other electric cellos
- Good sound quality for the price
- Comes with a gig bag and bow
- May not have the same level of sound quality as some higher-end electric cellos
- May require some setup and adjustment to achieve optimal sound 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 TedScoreâ„¢.
PERFECT FOR: professional cellists
FEATURES: Solid-body with hand-carved maple top
OTHER INFO: Built-in preamp with volume control and EQ
Barcus Berry Vibrato AE Series Electric 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!
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes with a soft case
- Excellent sound quality
- Sleek and modern design
- Expensive compared to some other electric 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 TedScoreâ„¢.
The Best Electric Cello
Summary
If you’re looking for a new challenge in your musical journey, an electric cello might be just the thing for you.
With their sleek design and modern sound, electric cellos offer a unique playing experience that can’t be found with traditional acoustic cellos.
One of the biggest advantages of electric cellos is their versatility. Unlike acoustic cellos, primarily used in classical music, electric cellos can be used in various genres, from jazz to rock to pop.
This means you can experiment with different styles and find your unique sound.
After testing all these instruments, I decided to buy the Yamaha SVC-210SK Silent Cello.
It’s the most useful instrument for me (I live in a central London flat, so the idea of practicing whilst not disturbing others is great!).
I’m not sure if I’ll use it in a live performance yet, but I’d be happy to give it a go!
If you’re considering becoming an electric cello player, be sure to do your research and find a model that fits your needs and budget.
Many great brands and models are out there, so take your time and find the one that’s right for you!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Do you want to discover more about this amazing instrument? Check out this next article!
This Cello Buyer’s Guide is your one-stop shop for all things cello-related!
FAQ's
The cost of an electric cello can vary widely depending on the brand, quality, and features. However, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3000 for a decent electric cello.
Electric cellos are not necessarily easier to play than acoustic cellos. They have some advantages such as being easier to amplify and having a more consistent sound, but they still require the same level of skill and technique as acoustic cellos.
Electric cellos offer several benefits over acoustic counterparts, including playing silently with headphones, adjusting the volume and tone, and amplifying the sound for performances. They also tend to be more durable and require less maintenance.
Yes, you can hear an electric cello without an amp, but the sound will be very quiet and may not be audible in a noisy environment. The sound produced by an electric cello without an amp is similar to that of an acoustic cello played very softly.
The main difference between electric and acoustic cello is how they produce sound. An acoustic cello produces sound acoustically, whereas an electric cello produces sound electronically through pickups and amplifiers.