Buying a cello gives any beginner a good start in their musical journey. However, finding the best cellos for beginners is no walk in the park. They come in different makes, sizes, models, and shapes which can be a little daunting to maneuver without help. This guide provides insightful details about finding the best cello and suggests the best beginner cellos for students.

Read on to learn more.

The Best Cellos for Beginners Reviewed

1. Cecilio Student Cello: Best Overall

Cecilio is one of the best beginner cello brands that specialize in student cellos. The CCO-100 student cello is one of them. The cello is hand-curved from traditional woods with flamed sides and backs, spruce tops, and inlaid purfling.

The instrument features four different sizes (½, ¼, ¾, and full size), allowing you to choose a suitable one for your height and arm length. As for its playability, the cello produces a great, loud sound as soon as you start playing.

You can reshape the bridge to improve the bow angles and replace the strings with a D’adario Prelude string set for better sound. This string set produces warmer tones than those that come with a cello. 

The cello also has everything a beginner needs to start playing the instrument. It comes with a Brazilwood bow, rosin cake, an extra set of strings, and a cello stand. The accessories and the cello come packed in a lightweight, padded case equipped with an adjustable backpack strap and pockets.

2. Forzati FCZ168 Cello: Best Budget Cello

You don’t have to splurge when buying your first cello as a beginner. The Forzati FCZ168 Cello is a fantastic cello for the price as it comes with $70 worth of extra accessories. They include two bows, three rosins, an endpin stopper, a music stand, and a string set. Its construction is relatively sturdy, showcasing Forzati’s artistry.

The cello outfit features durable basswood on the side, front, and back, while the fingerboards have solid black wood. Forzati finishes off with an elegant matte finish. Overall its sound quality is satisfactory. The cello produces a loud, beautiful sound that isn’t harsh or thin.

The steel strings enhance the sound by giving off a bright, metallic tune, finishing off with a robust angular tone attributed to the matte finish used in its construction. The three rosins are pretty handy, especially for beginners.

A new cello for beginners usually need lots of rosins to grab onto the C string, and having three is a bonus. This beginner instrument also comes with an antiskid feature to prevent the cello from sliding while playing.

3. D Z Strad Cello: Best Premium Cello

D Z Strad is the best cello brand for making quality instruments for professional musicians and beginners who want to level up. Its price tag is a little out of range but worth every dime. To begin with, D Z Strad cello model 101 uses natural ebony wood to make pegs, fingerboard, and other hand-carved fittings.

This construction adds to the cello’s durability and richness of sound. The cello is also outfitted with prelude cello strings with a solid steel core able to withstand temperature and humidity changes pretty well. They produce warm, round tones.

The D Z Strad cello model comes in one ¾ size providing a comfortable fit for most players. It means you don’t have to strain your fingers while playing, and your body doesn't get tired or develop pain and injuries because it's easy to maintain the correct posture. 

4. D’Luca MC100 Student Cello: Best Beginner Cello Set

D’Luca is one of the best cello brands known for making the beginner cellos. The MC100 is a great cello for players looking for one that comes with a range of accessories. Its construction is a little wanting but enough to help you learn the cello basics.

The body and cello fittings feature a gorgeous rosewood construction firm while the bridge is made from maple, the best wood for making this part of the cello. The cello renders a rich, deep tone when combined with the adjustable endpin.

This cello's back, neck, and sides are also made from maple, adding to this organ’s durability, stability, and beauty. D’Luca includes all the accessories a beginner needs. You get a set of extra strings, a cello bow, rosin cake, and a well-padded bag giving you great value for the money.

5. LYKOS Acoustic Cello: Best for Style

Besides function, construction, and durability, good cello brands look great too. This full-size cello from LYKOS comes in a gorgeous blue shade that proves that playing cellos shouldn’t be boring. LYKOS then adds a beautiful varnish with a glossy, elegant look. The company doesn't skimp on the construction material either.

The sides, back, and face are made from basswood, known for its lightweight form and ability to give cellos a sweet, warm tone. The top part has a maple neck, while the chin rest, peg, and tailpieces feature blackened wood material.

The blackened wood material is known for its strength, smooth finish, and ornamental characteristics. The beautiful instrument also comes a padded carrying case to keep your cello safe. The only downside is that the cello comes in one size only (the full size). If you’re less than five feet tall, this cello might be a little overwhelming to use.

6. Merano ½ Size Student Cello: Best for Kids

Is your little one gearing up for the child’s school orchestra and needs a decent cello for the event. The Merono student cello is a great pick. It has just the right size for kids aged 9-11 years and a durable construction so your little one will use it for a long time.

Merano cello outfit features a maple neck, back, and sides as well as a crack-proof spruce top. The tailpiece is made from an alloy and comes with four fine tuners. Merano also ebonizes the fingerboard and the pegs so it can withstand tension a long time.

Another feature that stands out is the hard case that comes with the cello to protect the cello. The case is outfitted with a nylon exterior, an accessories pocket, and bow holders.  

7. Crescent Beginner Cello: Best Starter Kit

Finding a cheap cello for beginners that comes with handy accessories like a bow, strings, rosin, a bag, and fine-tuners saves you a great deal of time. This Crescent Beginner Cello starter kit is an excellent example. It comes with all such accessories for the price and performs relatively well. It also has a maple neck and the top features a crack-proof spruce.

Crescent also adds a beautiful high-luster varnish finish. The cello produces a rich, full sound, with throaty tones you would mistake it for a pricier cello. The only bummer is that some parts like the bridge and the pegs may need a little fine-tuning before playing. Some people end up replacing them altogether to get a better sound.

8. Primavera Prima 100 Student Cello: Best Student Cello

Primavera makes the best intermediate cellos, but this model is an excellent pick for beginners. The cello outfit is made from high quality materials. The spruce top has inlaid purfling and hand-carved maple while the pegs, fingerboard, and fittings are outfitted with ebony wood. This wood construction makes it easy to tune the pegs and maintain their shape.

Although most Primavera beginner cello outfits come in different sizes, this model is available in one size only-½. 

9. Cecilio 4/4 CECO-1BK: Best Electric Cello

Finding a cello that reduces noise is imperative for beginners who love practicing at home. This model is one of the many Cecilio cellos that will help you do just that. It is much easier to handle than acoustic cellos and it comes with a range of accessories to help you get started.

The package includes a cello bow, an aux cable, a pair of headphones, a case, a rosin, and a 9V battery. The bow particularly stands out due to its high-quality construction. It’s short and heavy, allowing beginners to work their form, hand, and wrist muscles. The cello also has an impressive construction.

The body is made from rosewood, while the pegs and the neck are made from durable spruce and standard materials. As for the sound quality, this electric cello will outdo the most expensive picks. It doesn’t produce much bass as a full-body would, but it’s enough for apartment living. And with the pair of headphones, you can turn up the volume to the highest setting without being too noisy. 

10. Waful Acoustic Cello: Best Intermediate Cello

This is a great cello for beginners but its size also makes it a fantastic intermediate cello. The spruce top is made from maple, while the back, neck, and sides feature basswood, and solid wood is used on the fingerboard.

The overall construction is pretty lightweight to help you carry it easily. Waful also adds a beautiful white varnish that stands out from regular cellos. The cello is quite responsive, producing warm, inviting tones, and the spruce top enhances the sound quality.

Unfortunately, the instrument comes in one size (4/4), making it an excellent option for adult beginners only. What’s more, it comes in a case made from a soft material which might not prevent bumps and accidents. If you’re always on the go, it’s best to buy a hard case to carry this cello.

11. Stentor 1102 Student Cello: Best Value Cello

Stentor is one of the cello makers that has made a name for itself. It's an affordable intermediate cello brand but its beginners’ lineup remains highly recommended. The cellos are crafted from high-quality solid tonewoods and this quality instrument has the sides and the back made from maple, while the fingerboard and the pegs feature blackened wood, and the front has a carved spruce top. 

Since it’s a starter kit, Stentor adds a cello bag, rosin, and a Brazilwood bow, giving you great value for money. The bag has beautiful blue and gray colors and is outfitted with accessory pockets and back straps. 

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Beginner Cellos

You’ve probably used a rented student cello for some time and are confident about buying the best beginner cello. However, you will quickly learn that finding the right cello is no child's play.

The best beginner cellos have little to do with price; instead, it’s about finding an instrument that helps grow talent. You’re learning the basics of making notes at this stage, so you want a cello that responds quickly to less-refined movements.

Here are the features beginners should look at when buying beginner cellos.

Case

Check whether the cello comes with a case. Even the best cellos are fragile and need sturdy cases to store and carry. The best cello comes with a carrying case, but it doesn’t always protect your beautiful instrument adequately.

A good carrying case should have plenty of padding, and if it doesn’t, look for a better quality. The best cellos come with hard-shell cases for utmost protection. 

Bow

As for the cello bow, look for one made from Pernambuco or Brazilwood.

Although both kinds of wood originate from the same tree, Pernambuco lasts longer because it is processed from the heart of the tree. Carbon fiber and fiberglass are also used to make bows due to their high-quality sound and lightweight construction.

Budget

How much do you want to spend on the cello? If you don’t want to rent, an investment as low as $200 will get you a great beginner cello. Such beginner instruments aren't entirely handmade and have poor quality sound.

Once you’ve mastered the playing technique, invest in a high-end cello, within the $2000-$5000 range. If it’s out of range check if the seller offers financing options. Also, keep in mind you always have the option of selling a cello if you need to later.

Size

Cellos come in different sizes to accommodate players’ varying heights, ages, and arm lengths. Their sizes are based on the length of the instrument’s back which ranges between 17.5 inches and 30 inches.

It’s best to visit a shop that deals in organs to get all these measurements right and find the right student cello. Try out different cellos to find one that suits you best. With the right size, you can easily reach the top and bottom of the fingerboard. 

It also allows you to maintain a proper posture when playing. A good cello allows you to keep the back straight, and the knees bent at 90 degrees when playing. You should also be comfortable when using the cello regardless of the number of hours you practice.

Check the weight too. It plays a significant role for student cello players looking for something flexible and portable. Sometimes weight isn’t just about carrying the cello to a band practice but moving around the stage. Cellists who want to be mobile are likely to choose electric cellos as they're lighter and more flexible. 

Acoustic vs Electric Cello

The acoustic cello has been a staple classical instrument, and many trainers in music educators national conference vouch for it. It projects sound better and produces characteristic mellow tones as those heard in an orchestra.

On the other hand, an electric cello is easier to play and much more affordable. You can also adjust the volume and tones easily compared to an acoustic cello, which needs months of practice. More so, you can record the sounds while playing an electric cello.

While it takes a discerning ear to identify the difference between playing an electric and acoustic cello, it’s best to start with an acoustic cello. It helps you develop technique and skill before trying other cello types.

If an electric cello is your first cello, you might experience difficulty playing higher quality cellos which are often acoustic. The best cellos for beginners should be responsive enough to project sound at the slightest strike. A high quality cello should be louder than the other instruments. That’s why visiting a violin shop is the best way to find a good beginner cello.

Buying Strings

Cello strings are made from two materials: steel and nylon. Nylon-stringed cellos are the best cellos for beginners because they last longer and are more comfortable. They also resist breakage better while providing the much-needed flexibility required when playing cellos. 

On the other hand, steel-stringed cellos are best for players who have already learned the basics of playing the cello. Such beginner cellos are more challenging to play, but they produce a louder volume than nylon strings.

You also need to check the string height as it plays a critical role in the cello’s final sound. A good rule of thumb is to look for cellos with low string height. If the string is too high, it hurts your fingers when playing because you’re still learning to play the instrument. 

Cello Material

The cello material impacts the price and the sound of beginner cellos. You want an instrument that grows with you and is hardwearing. A long-lasting student cello has the top part of the musical instrument made from spruce wood. Maple wood is used on the back, sides, and neck as it’s more stable. Other woods used to make student cellos are boxwood and rosewood. 

Be sure to check the material used to make the bow, pegs, tailpiece, and fingerboard. Most cellos feature solid wood tailpiece but this feature doesn't have much impact on cellos for beginners. Ebony is the most preferred material for pegs and the fingerboard because it’s strong enough to withstand pressure and tension. 

Rosin

You also want to check the material used to make the rosin. It’s a type of resin that players rub onto the bow to make it stickier and increase friction when gliding the cello strings. It comes in three varieties: light, dark, and medium-hued rosins. Light rosins are dry, less sticky, and less dense hence suitable for violists.

Medium-hued ones are denser and tackier than light rosins, making them great for cellists looking for a little more sound. Dark rosins are the stickiest, creating the most friction between the strings and the bow. Most beginners use light rosins, but if you want louder, heavier, and deeper sounds, darker and medium-hued rosins are the best.

Read our guide on choosing the best cello rosin for more information.

Price

Beginners have little experience in the way of skill level and buying instrument. Most of them assume that the best cellos are expensive. Pricey cellos are deemed to have better materials and high-quality craftsmanship.

Finding the best cello has little to do with price but growing skill. An expensive cello can produce great sound but can be challenging to play. The most affordable cellos have a price range of $200-$1000.

Extra Features

Look for musical instruments equipped with extra features to make playing the cello easier. A tuner, for example, is one handy accessory you need as a beginner because it’s challenging to tune the cello using tuning pegs only. To see some of our highly recommended cello tuners click here.

A student cello that comes with extra strings is another bonus for beginning players. Check if the instrument comes with a cello stand too. You don’t want to leave the cello leaning up against a wall where it’s easy to knock over.

Cello Brands to Avoid

If buying the cello online, it’s best to look at specific cello brands. Cecilio, Cremona, Merano, D Z Strad, Crescent, and D’Luca are some of the best cello brands. Since some cellos sold online are from unknown sellers, it’s best to check the company’s reputation before purchasing the equipment.

FAQs

What is the best beginner cello to buy?

The Cecilio Student Cello is so far the best cello for beginners. The fact that it’s easy to play, is available in different sizes, has a firm construction, and many accessories makes it a great buy for beginners.

Is a cello a difficult instrument to learn?

Cellos are a little tasking to learn and need much practice and dedication. You may need to put in many hours to master different playing techniques but with the right cello the learning process is a little easier.

Are cheap cellos worth it?

Cheap cellos are suitable for players shopping on a budget. Reputable brands might offer cheap cellos but the sound might not be as great. Cheap cellos are also prone to damage and the tuning pegs can be tasking to fine-tune.

How expensive is a beginner cello?

Cellos can cost as much as $10,000 and above. These types are handmade and are cellos designed for professionals. It's best to start off with affordable options that cost between $1000-$2500. There are laminated options too that cost less than $500.

Where do you buy a cello?

It's important to find a reputable dealer when buying your first cello. Physical stores are the best places to find beginner cellos but online websites like Amazon, Guitar Center, and Fiddler Shop offer reliable cellos too.

Conclusion

With this best beginner cellos guide, you can confidently purchase the right cello. The Cecilio Student Cello is our best pick due to its sturdy construction, playability, and a vast range of accessories. However, if it’s a little out of range, check out the Forzati FCZ168 Cello. It also comes with many accessories, but you might need help assembling it because the bridge comes apart. Be sure to check critical features like the size, construction material, and responsiveness.