Every cello player knows just how crucial it is to invest in the right strings. The best cello string is one that is of the correct length. This means that it ought to be long enough to play with. However, it shouldn’t be too long that it can’t be altered to fit your playing style.
Are you looking to buy the best cello strings but aren’t sure of where to start? Well, we’ve identified the 7 top-rated cello string sets. Read on to learn more.
Reviews of the 7 Best Cello Strings
Here’s a list of cello strings that are highly recommended:
1. D’Addario J1010 Prelude Cello String Set
Want to buy the best cello strings that offer good value for your money? Check out the D’Addario J1010 Beginner Prelude Strings.
The strings are constructed using a steel core, which not only enhances their durability but also the sound produced.
Often recommended for beginners, these strings provide a unique combination of warm tone, reliability, and affordability. And the best thing is, they come stored in pouches for maximum protection.
Important to note though is that the string set is only compatible with a 4/4 cello. More specifically, it should have a playing length of about 27 1/2 inches. Any smaller and these strings won't fit properly, which can affect your performance.
Pros
Cons
Have you been searching for the best cello strings for professionals? If you have, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a model better than the Evah Pirazzi Cello Strings.
As you might have guessed from the title, this string is tailored more for a soloist line cellist. This is because the A and D strings provide a bright sound whereas the G and C sound more pronounced.
However, this string set produces a harmonious, brilliant, and complex sound that works equally well for a group performance. Besides, you’ll also like the smooth transition between the Evah Pirazzi cello strings.
Pros
Cons
Would you like to replace only the A string on your cello? If that’s the case, the D’Addario Helicore Strings come as a full set or a single string. The model we’re reviewing here only includes the A string.
One of its highlights is the fact that it contains a fairly flexible, multi-strand synthetic core. This enables the string to provide the warm tone that you’d get from a gut string but without the susceptibility to temperature and humidity changes.
Thanks to this, your cello is guaranteed to produce a soft, clear, and stable sound and one that’s rich in the overtones too.
Pros
Cons
If the Helicore A string doesn’t live up to your expectations, Jargar is an excellent alternative. As was the case with the H512, you can buy a single A string or a full set of Jargar strings.
Once you replace your current A string, you’ll notice a significant difference in the sound produced. With the Jargar a string, you’re guaranteed of getting a crisp and bright response alongside sufficient projection and power.
The string is a medium gauge and it’s made from a chrome steel alloy, providing the best longevity. This string is also very versatile as it can be used by cellists, violists, and violinists too.
Pros
Cons
Want to purchase the best cello strings for intermediate players? If you do, the LS Larsen Cello Strings are your best bet.
Larsen is one of the oldest players in this industry, so it’s not too surprising that their LS quality strings have made it to our list. One of their most impressive features is the fact that they contain a steel core.
Steel strings such as these ones are not only durable but they provide a stable and very responsive sound. Plus, they offer better durability than many gut strings.
In addition to this, the Larsen strings offer exceptional projection making them fit for the classical cello repertoire.
You’ll also be pleased to learn that these are medium gauge strings. This means they provide a good balance between tone, response, and volume.
Pros
Cons
If you’re only interested in buying the G or C string, consider Dr Thomastik S32S33 Spirocore strings set.
One thing that makes these strings stand out is their quality. Each string constitutes a tungsten steel core build. This prevents the strings from corroding or breaking easily.
Better yet, they don’t need a long time to break in as other strings. So you won’t have to wait too long before you can start playing your instrument comfortably.
Pros
Cons
Yet another product we’d recommend for newbies is the Beginner Merano Cello Strings set.
One reason why we consider these among the best cello strings for beginners is their affordability. The fact that they’re cheap means you can buy several string sets so that you always have a spare one to use.
And the good thing is that they don’t compromise on sound quality. Even though they’re fairly priced, they produce a very warm tone, which makes them suitable for popular and folk styles.
To add to this, these Merano strings are very versatile. They work perfectly on both the ¾ and 4/4 scales.
Pros
Cons
Popular Cello String Combinations
Many cello players like to stick to one brand for all four of their cello strings. However, it’s not unusual to find other cellists choosing different brands for their A, D, G, and C strings.
To achieve this, determine the specific type of string you want to buy. Do you want to only replace your C string or your A and D strings as well?
How to Choose the Right Cello Strings
String Gauge
In simple terms, the string gauge refers to its thickness.
Most cello strings will have either light, medium, or heavy gauge. But several companies provide other variations that are characterized using different gauge numbers.
Considering the string’s gauge is crucial because it affects the sound produced. More specifically, thicker strings result in a richer tone. However, they have one major drawback, and this has to do with their slow response time.
Conversely, thinner strings are revered for their faster response time but the resulting sound is thinner and has a lower volume.
If you’re like most cello players, you’ll likely go for a medium gauge that is in the middle ground in terms of sound, volume, and quality.
Material
Apart from thickness, you’ll also want to consider the material used in the strings’ construction. Based on these, cello strings are classified into three:
Gut core
As implied, gut strings are made using the gut lining of an animal, usually sheep.
In the first couple of years, gut cello strings were the most widely available, and for good reason. They produce a very warm sound, which is also regarded as complex due to its rich overtones.
On the flip side, these strings take a rather long time to settle in on your cello. Plus, they get affected by changes in temperature and humidity. This can then cause them to go out of tune very easily.
Steel core
These are more popularly referred to as metal strings since they’re made from either straight or twisted metal wire.
One thing you’ll like about these metal strings is that they’re the most durable and stable. They provide a relatively stable pitch and produce high-volume sound.
If you like to play jazz, country, folk, or pop music, steel core strings are the perfect choice for you. They also work well in electric cellos.
Synthetic core
These were the first strings invented with the aim of replacing gut core strings. The idea was to overcome the limitations that gut strings present.
As such, synthetic strings produce equally pleasant sounds as their gut counterparts. However, these strings are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. And, they settle in your instrument relatively fast.
Usually, these strings are made of synthetic fibers or some sort of nylon. On the exterior, these same strings are wounded in a mixture of metals like tungsten, chrome steel, gold, or silver. This construction allows them to produce a darker sound than any other type of string.
Scale
The next thing you’ll want to check is whether the strings come in different scales. The majority of strings are available in either 4/4 or ¾. But if you have a smaller cello like a ⅛, ensure that the strings you buy are compatible.
Number of Strings
One question you should ask yourself is, “just how many strings should I buy?” If you don’t want to replace all four strings, then you can save money by buying a single or a pair of strings.
Sound Quality
Another thing you’ll want to consider is the sound quality produced by a particular cello string. If there’s a nearby music store, we recommend paying it a visit. You can then experiment with different types of strings and get a feel of the tone they produce before buying them online.
Skill Level & Ease of Use
One thing that cellists don’t realize is that some cello strings are easier to set up than other strings. This is particularly crucial for beginners.
Are you looking for cello string sets that respond the minute you touch them? Or, are you a more experienced cellist who understands just how much pressure you need to apply so the strings produce a specific tone?
If you’re not too sure, consider starting with an easy-to-use cello string. As you gain more skills, you’ll be able to detect the sound quality produced by each string. This will then make it easier to pick cello strings that produce your desired sound.
Setup
Finding the right cello string is just half the battle. The other half is learning how to string your instrument correctly. For intermediate and advanced players, you probably have a bit of experience with installing the strings on your cello.
But if you’re a newbie, you may want to seek assistance from a cello string organizer. This individual acts as an intermediary between a student and his/her teacher by helping them set up their cello strings properly.
Brand
Though not as important as other factors, you may also want to consider the brands of cello strings.
The best cello string brands have years of experience making quality products. They also offer exceptional customer service. This way, if you ever need a replacement, refund, or help to string your musical instruments, you’ll have access to it.
On that note, here are some of the brands we recommend:
Pirastro
Whether you want a complete 4-string set or a specific string - Pirastro has got you covered.
Check out the Obligato strings set or Passione strings.
Larsen
Like Pirastro, Larsen offers single or complete sets of cello strings. This ensures that you don’t waste strings that you don’t really need.
D'Addario
This brand is praised for making strings that produce a very clear and focused sound.
FAQs
Are Jargar cello strings good?
The intermediate Jargar strings are pretty good. These strings have an exceptional string quality, resulting in a richer sound while providing a superb response to the bow.
How long do cello strings last?
The length of time that your cello strings last depends on how often you play your cello.
If you play this instrument for an hour every day, your strings will last between 3 and 5 months. But if you play less often, the strings can last up to a year before needing a replacement.
What are cello strings made of?
Traditional cello strings were made solely from sheep gut. However, we now have a steel core and synthetic strings.
How many strings on a cello?
The standard cello has four strings that are usually tuned in fifths.
What strings are on a cello?
In no particular order, a cello has D, A, G, and C strings.
Where to buy cello strings?
You can choose to buy cello strings from a musical supplies shop or online. If it’s your first time buying them online, visit a brick-and-mortar shop first to get a feel of the different types.
How much do cello strings cost?
The prices of cello strings vary widely.
Oftentimes, this depends on whether you’re buying a complete set, individual, or cello string combinations. It goes without saying that a single string, like a string d, will cost less than a pair such as g and c strings.
The price also differs based on the quality. Strings that are good enough for beginners cost less than $100 for a set. Other cello string sets designed for intermediate and professionals can go up to $200 or more.
How often should you change cello strings?
If you want to use quality strings each time you play, consider changing them every 8 to 12 months. This way, you can ensure that the sweat, germs, and rosin that accumulate on the strings don’t end up affecting your playing style.
Conclusion
Buying cello strings is never easy. Thankfully, there are a few factors that can help to narrow down your options. These include the ease of setup, material used, brand, scale, and cello string gauges.
Based on these factors, one of the best cello strings is the D’Addario J1010 Prelude. The medium gauge strings arrive packaged in a sealed pouch to minimize the risk of corrosion and damage. They produce a relatively warm tone and they’re very responsive.
Also crucial to mention is their affordability. The full set that includes A, D, G, and C strings come in at under $50. However, you have the freedom to buy individual strings as well and ones of different scales. So if you only need a c string, you can buy this on its own; hence, save money.
