Buying a cello is no small task, especially if you plan on becoming a professional player. However, if you truly want to start off well and see if this instrument is the right choice for you, then you should learn how to spot the best cellos at any level.

You can learn to recognize the difference between beginner, student, intermediate, and even professional cellos if you learn some tips and tricks.

If you are fascinated by this beautiful instrument and want to learn more, then read on. We'll take you through everything you need to know about buying a cello, and recommend the best choices available now.

What is a Cello?

The cello, also known as the violoncello, is a bowed string instrument that is part of the violin family, having four strings, a hollow wooden body, and two sound holes. Though it looks like a giant violin, being around 4 feet long, it has thicker strings. And what makes it truly special is that out of all the musical instruments out there, it sounds the closest to the human voice (although this study has shown no musical instruments resemble voice).

The cello has an amazing tone diversity that goes all the way from warmer lower pitches to brighter and high notes. It produces lower notes than the violin, and it is played from a seated position, held between one's legs.

Acoustic vs Electronic vs Silent Cellos

Just like guitars, cellos can come in different variants. There are two main types of cellos, namely the acoustic cello, which is the most common and widely used, the electronic cellos, and there is also the silent cellos, which many don't even consider a cello.

Acoustic

The acoustic cello is by far the most complete instrument out of these, having the most beautiful sound that the electronic ones fail to imitate. It has quite a good volume on its own, and it can be amplified through certain means. Its greatest disadvantage is probably its size, and occasionally, its volume.

Electronic

When it comes to the electronic cello, it is easier to transport, tune, and most importantly, they are easier to learn and master than their acoustic counterparts. Many prefer electric cellos when they practice, due to their silence. However, their biggest con is their sound quality, the fact that you need a source of power, even batteries, and, amplifiers.

Silent

The silent cello is pretty synonymous with the electric cellos, however, they have an interesting feature. You can plug headphones in your silent cello, and thus practice in peace without disturbing anyone. The silent cello can be amplified, however, it fails in many regards when it comes to sound quality. But it is suited for studio work that doesn't imply anything classical.

Different Levels of Cellos

Tons of people will argue about the different levels of cellos, however, we have summed them up as: beginner, student, intermediate, and professional. Here are the main differences between them!

Beginner

Beginner cellos are easy to identify. The best cellos for beginners won't cost more than around 300 bucks. The strings are within the $50 range or much lower, however, when it comes to the bow, it should be as light as possible.

You can rarely find a beginner cello that you don't have to take to the luthier, due to their bridge. The bridge has to be short for beginners, and this is what the luthier does - they shorten the bridge so that students won't have to press too hard on the strings.

This is important as beginners need to develop their fingers, before pursuing higher bridges and place greater pressure on strings for certain tones. Another factor that gives away a beginner cello is its base material, which is often laminated wood. You can also find spruce and maple variants for greater sound quality, however, you shouldn't invest too much in a beginner instrument.

Student

When it comes to student-level cellos, they tend to stick to around the $800 range, with the set of strings reaching around $150. The bow should be of medium weight, and when it comes to the cello's bridge, it should be of medium height.

Student cellos are mass-produced, hence the reason why they are not focused on sound quality, have cheap strings, and are made to be affordable. Student cellos are often made out of cheap materials, such as low-quality plywood.

The tuning pegs and fingerboards are most of the time made out of maple and though you might think they have an ebony fingerboard, it is often dyed black to resemble ebony. They usually have a spruce top, maple neck, which is good even for higher-end cellos.

Intermediate

Intermediate cellos are between $2,000 to $5,000, or a bit more. The set of strings is around the $300 range. The bow is usually medium or heavyweight, and it can be between $150 to $200.

Intermediate level cellos have genuine ebony fingerboard and fittings, spruce top, maple neck, conferring durability, beauty, and hardness. Most of these cellos are hand-carved from quality materials such as maple wood or ebony.

Professional

The best cello is often the oldest cello. When it comes to professional-level cellos, they do stand out from the rest. First of all, professional cellos are at least 50 years old. The prices that go for professional cellos start, if you are lucky, from $5,000, and they go all the way up, even to six digits.

When it comes to the bow, they start from the $300 range, while the strings at around $350, and they go up and up. Professional cellos are made out of the highest materials available, however, their age is often the most important aspect in regards to their quality. As the wood dries up over time, it produces a higher quality sound. They are hand-carved and of high quality.

How to Choose the Right Cello - Things to Consider

If you want to purchase a beginner cello, an electric cello, or a high-quality instrument, there are certain things that you should consider beforehand.

Playing Ability

First and foremost, before buying a cello, you should take into consideration your playing ability. Most cheap cellos are used only for study, or as a hobby, however, if you don't work as a musician, you probably shouldn't invest in a top-level cello.

When it comes to the cellos bow, if you are a beginner, you should buy a light one, and then progress towards the medium weight and finally heavy weight. As a student, you definitely want something in the middle. That would be a cello that has a relatively good level of durability, since you will use it a lot, but also, a relatively good sounding one.

Some brands are specialized in cellos for beginners, students, intermediate players, and some have hand carved cellos of the highest quality. Let's see which cello brands are the best based on your playing ability!

Best Cello Brands

Brands are often used as a guide for quality, however, some unknown brands might make good cellos as well. Currently, some of the best brands when it comes to cellos are Cecilio, D Z Strad, Cremona, Merano, Yamaha, Crescent, Primavera, D'Luca, or Eastman Strings or Knilling.

The best brands for beginner cello players are usually Stentor, Cremona, or Merano. When it comes to the best brands for student cello players, you can go with Cecilio or D'Luca, while intermediate and higher up cello brands are typically made by D Z Strad, Yamaha, Knilling, Eastman Strings, or D'Luca.

Brand isn't everything when it comes to the top tier cellos. By the time they were made, many of their respective brands either stopped producing them, or went with something else, so if you come across an old cello, don't let the name of the brand fool you.

With that being said, let's see some cello characteristics, what is a full-size cello, and what you should pick based on your age and height!

Overall Size - Cello Characteristics

A full-sized cello is 4/4, which means it can fit well for anyone around age 14+, with their height being around 5’+/ 152cm+, and their arm's length at 24″+ / 61cm+. It is suited for both children and adults and it is the standard size of a cello.

Next up, there is 3/4, which is suited for children between 11 and 13 years, at a height of 4’6″ to 5′ / 140cm to 152cm, and an arm's length of 22″ to 24″/ 56cm to 61cm.

Cello sizes of 1/2 are suited for kids between the ages of 8 and 10, with a height of 4′ to 4’6″ / 123cm to 140cm, and an arm's length of 20″ to 22″ / 51cm to 56cm. Then, you have 1/4 cellos, suited for children of 6 and 7 years old, that have a height of 3’6″ to 4′ / 110cm to 123cm, and an arm's length of 18″ to 20″ / 46cm to 51cm.

There are also 1/8 cellos, intended for children of 5 or 6 years, with a height of 3′ to 3’6″ / 91cm to 110cm, and an arm's length of 16″ to 18″ / 41cm to 46cm. The smallest cellos are 1/10, intended for children between 3 and 5 years old, with a height of 3′ / 91 cm and under, and an arm's length of 16″/ 41 cm and under.

Cello Weight

Does cello weight matter?

Most people don't take into consideration the weight of a cello, which in time, can end up causing back problems. Typically, cellos weigh between 5 and 7 pounds. However, if you add in a hard cello case, the bow, and other accessories, the total weight can go up between 20 or 25 pounds.

Theoretically, the lighter the cello, the better the sound, as the wood through the ages gets drier and becomes lighter, although, this is not always the case. It depends on the type of wood it is made out of. Try to always look for a cello that is lighter, especially if you carry it around often, or if you wish to buy it for your child.

Rib Height

When it comes to the rib height of cellos, it is a topic more reserved to the advanced and professional players. Generally, cellos with higher ribs tend to result in a more diffused sound. On the other hand, lower ribs might improve focus.

Rib height in bigger instruments ultimately may affect the playability or feeling of an instrument more than anything else. The average rib height of a cello is 4 ½, with the older ones, from the 18th century, being lower.

Upper Bout Size

The upper bout size of an average cello is 13 7/16. Newer models may have some unusual sizes, however, what is important is that the upper bout, where the neck ends, is seated in the middle of your chest. This is the right position when playing the cello, and it is very important for the player to have a good posture while playing.

Neck Size

The most common and probably the most comfortable length of a cello's neck is around 28 cm / 14.9 inches. However, if the stop length is bigger than 40.5 cm / 15.9 inches, and the neck length is proportional, then chances are high that the string length will be too long and will negatively impact playability.

Endpin

The endpin is crucial for placing your cello in the ground. You need to make sure it is made out of metal, and that it is sharp and durable. Another important aspect is its length, which should be at around 50 cm / 19 inches max. The little wheel that controls the endpin should also be periodically greased with alloy, and you also need to protect the tip of the endpin with a plastic cap so you don't harm anyone.

You won't always have the possibility of using the endpin everywhere, and as such, you will need a cello endpin anchor or stopper. These devices help you place the endpin and fix it on the floor, but make sure you use the strap to attach the anchor or stopper to the chair's leg, where you are sitting.

Other Accessories: Cello Carrying Case

A crucial accessory that you should take into consideration that will boost the cellos life, is its carrying case. Cellos are big and they get damaged easily, and a good carrying case will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Types

There are two types of cello cases, the soft case, and the hard cases.

Soft case

The soft cello cases are the most affordable, and easy to carry, however, they don't offer much protection. They are primarily used by beginners, students, and local touring cellists due to their portability.

Hard case

The hard cello cases are the best when it comes to protection. They are used by students and professionals, especially when travelling on long tours. Their quality relies on their base material, and probably their biggest disadvantage is the added weight that you have to carry.

Hard-shell case

The hard-shell cases are probably the most popular since they are usually lighter, and some have even wheels, which are adequate for children carrying them around. They are also great for those flying with a cello as it make it easier wheeling around airports.

Another aspect to take into consideration is the case shape.

Cello Case Shape

Cello cases have different forms, such as oblong, shaped, and dart-style. The shaped and dart-style ones are the most lightweight and are thus great for beginners and children, and they are the cheapest.

When it comes to oblong cases, also known as rectangular cases, they are heavier and more expensive, however, they come with some advantages.

The instrument is protected more efficiently, and it grants you more room where you can store your cello accessories. These are the best cases for students and professional players. Some cases have built-in hygrometers and humidifiers for cellos since while travelling, humidity can negatively affect your cello.

Important Aspects of Cello Sound

Buying the right type of cello mostly comes down to sound, however, you can improve it.

Cello Strings

When it comes to sound, nothing can make or break a cello better than its strings. Cello strings are vital, and thus you should know some good string brands. Thomastik, is a good brand for beginner cello strings for example, while Larson, Pirastro, or D'Addario are great for student, intermediate, or professional players.

Cello String Type

Cellists develop their style as they go, and when it comes to cello strings, there's 3 variants: Gut Core, Synthetic Core, and Steel Core Strings. There is also a fourth option where one combines different string types together. For example, one might use synthetic strings for the G and C, and steel strings for the A and D. Let's see exactly what sets apart the three variants of cello strings!

Gut Core Cello Strings

The gut core cello strings are the primordial cello strings, made out of sheep intestines. Many professional cellists use them due to their warm sound, complex, and rich overtone. These should only be used by professionals since they are the hardest to work with. It takes a week to let them settle in the cello, and they become out of tune very easily and frequently.

They also have a short lifespan, and plenty of factors such as temperature or humidity affects them. The other two string types are much more durable, and another con of gut core strings is that their response is slower, they are softer, and sounds are more difficult to produce.

Synthetic Core Cello Strings

The concept behind the synthetic cello strings was to imitate the tone of gut core strings and solve some of their downsides. They stabilize between one and two days on a cello, and factors such as temperature or humidity variations, don't affect them as much.

They are made out of Perlon, which is a type of nylon, or a fibre known as Kevlar. Often, these strings are completed on the outside of their core with various metals, such as aluminium, silver, chrome steel, tungsten, or even gold.

Their response is quick, and their tone is very rich, but not as much as the gut core strings. These strings are used by professionals, intermediate, and even beginners.

Steel Core Cello Strings

The last type of cello strings is the steel core cello strings, often referred to as metal strings. They are made out of a straight or twisted wire, which is wound with metal. They are the most stable and durable out of all the cello string variants, and they offer stable pitch, and the highest volume possible.

Many cellists, such as those singing jazz, folk, or other genres prefer them due to their focused sound, brightness, and they work very well especially with electric cellos. Students and beginners often choose these types of strings since they are the least expensive.

Cello String Gauge

When it comes to cello string gauge, the light, medium, and heavy variants are the most common. Some companies may have variations, and they use gauge numbers. The most common string gauge is the medium variant.

To understand the medium variant, you have to take this into consideration: thicker strings produce more tone, however, they have a slower response. When it comes to thinner strings, they deliver the fastest response but produce lower volume sound.

There is no right or wrong here, and you should experiment and see which is the best for you.

Sound Responsiveness

The sound and response of the cello are primarily dictated by its strings, bridge, its base material, age of the wood, neck and tailpiece.

The tailpiece, for example, can be light or heavy. If it is too light, you might lose a bit of the bottom end sound, and if it is too heavy, it might have a mutating effect on the higher registers.

Strings are vital to your overall sound, and the best way to get more response, harmonics, brilliance, is by making the right combination of strings of different types.

When it comes to the cello's neck, in some cases, it can be readjusted for greater projection. One possible reason for a weak projection, sound response, is if the cello's neck is too low.

You can check the cello's neck projection with a stiff ruler, by placing it on the fingerboard at the middle or the highest point, after which you extend it to the bridge. If from the bridge to the lower edge of the ruler, you get close to 81 mm / 3.2 inches, then you are good to go. If not, then you might need to take it to a luthier and have it adjusted.

Old cellos go through this process often as their neck was designed to be lower.

Cello Bridge

When it comes to the bridge, thickness and height are important factors to look into. The openness of your instrument can be influenced by the bridge. If it is thin, you will have a more open sound. If the bridge is high, you will find it more difficult to push on the strings, however, the sound will be more powerful.

However, if the bridge is short, the effort is lowered, however, the sound is weaker. Beginners and students should play on a shorter bridge with strings like the Thomastik medium, since they are easy to play, especially for children.

Read our guide on the best cello bridges for a better understanding of what makes a great bridge.

Tone

The tone and volume of your cello are influenced by plenty of things. Four of the most important are: how much weight you apply to the string, the angle of the bow on the string, the bow playing speed, and the point of contact between the bow hair and the string.

The quality of the strings, as well as the cello's age, play an important role in tone. The older the cello is, the more quality of sound and tone you will have. Thicker strings produce more tone.

Projection

Cello projection is related to how you hear your own instrument. While playing the cello, you might think you sound dry, while the audience hears a completely different thing. Most players place their ear next to the cello pegs in noisy environments to hear themselves clear.

You can test the cello's projection by playing in a large room, with a friend accompanying you. If he or she also knows how to play the cello, even better. You can take turns and examine the instrument's projection.

Here are the 4 most common causes of an unfulfilling cello projection:

If you have discovered such problems in your cello, and solving all these issues didn't help you out to get a better projection, then you need to find another instrument, which fits your playing style.

Some cellos are designed to work for certain types of players. For example, the Stradivari cello is the best choice for players that can draw/coax rather than press the sound out of their cello. The Montagnana cellos respond the most to bow pressure, thus strong players who play hard are the most suited to use them.

Cello Bow Quality and Weight

When it comes to cello bow quality and weight, you should first take into account your playing level. Beginners should always start off with light bows to get used to the effort, the standard being 80 grams.

From here, it is more a matter of preference, so you can go either with the medium bows or the heavier variants. The bow sizes are just the same and apply to the same age categories as the cello sizes, with the 4/4 being the full-size bow for both adults and children.

A small tip: when playing the cello, you should always tighten the hair of the cello bow before playing, and then make sure to loosen it when done, to prolong its life. There is a small screw on the bow which does this. The cello bow quality solely depends on its base material and hair.

The best hair for the cello bow is horsehair from Mongolia. This is because it is much more durable, coarse, and has a better grip. Pernambuco wood and carbon fibre are the highest quality materials that a cello bow can be made out of, but they might be pricey for some. The most affordable options are fibreglass or Brazilwood.

Cello Bow Types

Pernambuco cello bows have the best balance, and they are denser and sturdier than their Brazilwood counterparts, which come from the same tree. They have a strong sound and are less likely to have their shape distorted by prolonged use, and thus, are the most expensive cello bows.

Carbon fibre cello bows are almost just as good as their Pernambuco brothers. They have great durability regardless of weather, and good strength. Their greatest asset is their weather resistance, which cellist that play around the world favour as they deal with this regularly.

Rosin - Essential Cello Bow Accessory

The rosin is an essential cello accessory that is used on the cello bow. You always have to use it before playing. You can apply the rosin on the bow with up and down movements, however, don't do this more than 10 times before playing.

Also, use the bow to coat your strings with rosin as well, to prolong the bows life. Rosin is responsible for the friction needed to produces smooth, consistent, resonant sound, if you apply too little, the sounds are faint, and if you apply too much, they are raspy. Usually, it is specified how much you should apply.

To spot high-quality rosin, and apply the right one for your cello, use dark rosin. The light variant is mostly used for violins and smaller instruments. The best rosin for cello beginners and students is Hidersine Deluxe Cello Rosin. For intermediate cellists, Bernardel Rosin, while some of the best high-quality cello rosins are the Melos Rosin, Larica Rosin, Andrea Rosins, or Leatherwood Bespoke Rosin.

The Tuning of the Cello - Cello Pegs

The tunning of your cello depends on its pegs. Each cello has 4 holes where the tuning pegs are inserted. They have different dimensions, so if you break one, you have to check its size.

If you want to tune your cello with more accuracy and stop your pegs from moving abruptly when tuning, there is a special chalk that can be used. Use the chalk on your cello pegs and in its holes for more accuracy when tuning.

Tailpiece

When it comes to the tailpiece of the cello, you have to make sure you keep their small wheels greased with a special alloy. These fine tuners are crucial when you tune your cello, as they are very sensitive and can easily get stuck if you don't use the alloy.

For one semitone, you have 5 commas, just to understand how sensitive these fine tuners are. Not all cellos have a tailpiece with built-in tuners. To note that, the lighter the tailpiece is, the less bass you will have.

Fingerboard

Most cellos have a fingerboard made out of ebony, and they are among the best due to their resilience. Beginner cello players should look for markings on the ebony fingerboard since it could help them master the correct hand positions.

Student cellos may also have these markings, however, you can always make your own.

Best Cello Materials

When it comes to good materials, all the best cellos are made out of high-quality wood. Ebony or maple is always on the top tier list no matter where you look, spruce tops as well. Any cello which isn't made from laminated wood, or the kind that shines too much, will be a great instrument.

Top 7 Best Cellos of 2021

Now that we've covered everything related to cellos, let's see which are the best cellos for beginners, students, intermediate and professional players in 2021!

1. D Z Strad 900 Model Handmade 4/4 - Best Overall Professional Cello

This D Z STRAD 900 is the best cello for advanced and professional players. The model comes in full size 4/4, and it is a beautiful hand-carved and antique varnished instrument. It has a grained carved spruce top, flamed maple back, ribs, neck, and it comes with heart-shaped ebony pegs.

This model has a composite tailpiece and carbon fibre endpin assembly. With its vintage appearance, it also has a rock maple bridge, and it comes with a set of Larsen A+D strings and Spirocore G+C. This cello is truly a work of art made by the Silver Award-winning luthiers of the Violin Society of America. It would do wonders in the hand of any player who is willing to stretch their budget.

This professional cello doesn't come with a case, bow, rosin, and you should thus be ready to invest a bit more to get the best out of it.

2. D Z Strad Cello Model 250 Handmade - Best Budget

The D Z Strad 250 Model is probably the best budget cello currently on the market! It comes in 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 3/4, and 4/4 full size. Available for all ages and size, it is the best cello for intermediate users, however, a student or a beginner can also greatly benefit from its features!

This model comes with high-quality hand-carved tailpiece and pegs! It's made out of aged tonewoods, has genuine ebony fittings and fingerboard. The cello is 100% handmade and oil-varnished.

For a small fee, you can get this cello together with a premium dark Kaplan rosin, cello anchor, hard case, and D'Addario strings set. The bridge doesn't come installed, however, you can easily do so by following up on an instruction video.

3. Mendini By Cecilio - Best Cello for Beginners

The Mendini cello from Cecilio is among the best cellos for beginners! It comes in 1/4, 3/4, and in 4/4 full-size variant, from one of the best cello brands out there. This high-quality beginner instrument comes with all the accessories needed for anyone of any age to start learning to play the cello.

It comes along with a lightweight case that has adjustable backpack straps as well as pockets. What's more, it also comes with a high-quality Brazilwood bow, stand, rosin, and even additional backup quality strings. It weighs only one pound, so it is easy to carry around even for children.

It features a spruce top which is crack-proof, maple neck, sides and back. The instrument comes without the bridge assembled for safety, however, it can easily be mounted. This is one of the best beginner cellos and is even great for students too.

4. Cecilio CCO-500 Ebony Fitted Flamed Solid Wood Cello - Best Cello for Students

The Cecilio CCO-500 is the best cello for students, and it's a fairly good instrument even for beginners. Cecilio CCO comes in 1/2, and full size 4/4, and it comes with a one year warranty for any defects from the manufacturer.

This student cello has a hand-carved spruce top with a flamed maple neck, sides and back, high-quality ebony fingerboard, tailpiece, and pegs featuring 4 nickel plated fine tuners for greater accuracy when tunning. Cecilio CCO 500 will certainly teach any student the important aspects of tuning, both from the pegs, and its fine tuners.

The instrument comes with both a hard and soft case, a good quality Brazilwood bow that has Mongolian horsehair, which is the best, rosin, stand, and an extra set of strings. The bridge is installed separately, and you might need to take your Cecilio CCO 500 to the luthier for further adjustments. This student cello will last you for years if you take care of it.

5. D Z Strad Model 600 Handmade - Best for Intermediate Players

One of the best intermediate cellos comes from D Z Strad yet again, the 600 handmade model. This instrument comes in all sizes, from 1/2, 1/4, 3/4, and 4/4. It can be used by a student or a beginner as well, however, its perfection can be fully grasped by intermediate players or higher.

Made in the USA, this student cello is made out of flamed maple, with its scroll being hand-carved on the sides and its back. It has a spruce top, and this instrument doesn't come alone, but with a hard case, bow, rosin, and Spirocore and Larsen strings.

6. Cecilio 4/4 CECO-1BK - Best Beginner Electric Cello

The next instrument on our list is an electric cello. The Cecilio 4/4 CECO-1BK is among the best beginner electric cellos out there! It is hand-carved from solid maple wood, and its fingerboard, pegs are made from ebony. The tailpiece has 4 detachable fine tuners, and it is powered through 9V Alkaline batteries, that are included.

This instrument comes with a one year warranty, padded lightweight soft-case, bow, rosin, aux cable, and even headphones. With this electric cello, if you are a student and wish to practice, or you simply want to record things, you can easily do so without disturbing others.

This electric cello will help you master even its acoustic counterpart with ease. Now an electric cello might not have the same classic sound as its acoustic variant, but the versatile sound settings available for an electric cello will more than makeup for it. For a live performance, you will need an amp.

7. D Z Strad Handmade Student Cello Model 101 - Great Student Cello

Another great student cello that fairs just as well as a beginner instrument, is the D Z Strad Handmade Model 101 Student Cello. The instrument comes in all sizes and will keep any new players at the beginning of their journey, enticed by it for years and years.

This student cello has hard-carved pegs, tailpiece, spruce top, maple back, sides, and an ebony genuine fingerboard and fittings. It comes with a soft case, bow, prelude strings, and rosin, a favourite among Suzuki teachers. The student cello has a deep red varnish finish and has a clear and resonant tone.

FAQ

1. What is the Best Brand of Cello?

The best brand of cello is Cecilio. This is not necessarily due to their professional level cellos, but rather for the fact that they pave the way with their beginner cellos, student cellos, and intermediate cellos, for cellists around the world, to aspire to greater heights and reach the top.

Their high-quality cellos ensure that students will continue to commit to their instrument and move forward.

2. How Much is a Good Cello?

The best cello brands out there create good cellos for any level player. A good cello depends on your playing ability.

A good beginner cello can cost you around $300, while a good student cello goes for $800. For an intermediate user, it can reach between $2,000 and $5,000, while a good cello for professionals goes beyond the 5k mark.

3. How do I choose a Good Cello?

Choosing a good cello, or any other instrument should be done with a knowledgeable person beside you. If that option isn't available, take a look at the reviews, or if you can physically inspect the cellos, try them out until you feel which one is the best for you.

Depending on your playing ability, a good one will capture your attention immediately with its sound. A good cello should have a spruce top, maple neck, sides, back, and it should be free of cracks or other markings. It shouldn't be heavy, but it should be hand-carved, and you should identify its purfling.

4. Are Strobel Cellos Good?

Strobel cellos are quite good since they provide handcrafted instruments made from solid tonewoods with great attention to detail. Their products are praised by teachers and students alike, and they are among the best cello brands.

5. How do I tune a Cello?

The cello is tuned through its pegs, which are located in the head, and through its little wheels located at the bottom in the tailpiece. You first have to get your A note right. Start with the A string, and listen to the A note from a piano, or you can do this with a tuner, and turn the peg until you hit the A note right.

To proceed with the next strings, play the strings A and D simultaneously until you have a perfect quint. Repeat this process from D to G, and from G to C. When it comes to fine-tuning, you use the tailpiece. You spin the little wheels until you get the desired sound.

6. What Does a Cello Look Like?

A cello looks just like a violin, however, it is considerably bigger. A regular violin is 14 inches / 34 cm, while regular cellos are 30 inches / 76.2 cm or more. Cellos are part of the violin family along with the viola and the double bass.

7. How Are Cellos Made?

Luthiers are the ones responsible for creating cellos. The wood varies from maker to maker, and other materials are sometimes used. Generally, they have a spruce top, maple back and sides. The top and back of the cello are hand-carved, however, the less expensive ones are machine-made. Its curves are made by heated wood bent around pre-made forms.

Inside the cello, a bass bar and soundpost are placed. The bass bar is glued underneath the bridge to support the tension of the strings and helps with internal vibration.

The neck, pegbox, and scroll are made out of a single piece of wood, and the fingerboard is glued on top, usually made out of ebony. And the bridge isn't glued to the cello, but rather, it stays in place due to the tension of the strings.

8. How to Tell if a Cello is Good Quality?

A good cello is made out of high-quality wood, such as maple. Check the purfling, which generally has three layers, a piece of normal wood sandwiched in two layers of black wood which can be detected visually.

Inspect the varnish application, and note that high-quality cellos are made from carved wood. The cello should be light, since if it's aged, the wood dried, and thus its lighter weight.

Look for any cracks, and check the tuning with the pegs. A good quality cello should have a pleasant sustain when plucking open strings, while a strong dampening of a string may indicate some design problems.

9. What Size Cello to Buy?

If you can inspect the cellos physically, your knees should be a little lower than the f-holes, and the intersection at the bottom of the neck should sit in the middle of your chest. The standard size for children above the age of 14, and adults, is 4/4, which fits anyone with a height of 5’+/ 152cm+, arm length 24″+ / 61cm+.

Here are the other specifications:

Conclusion

Buying a cello is not a small feat, and even when looking at the best cello brands, things might get tricky. The best cellos are the ones that match your needs and wants, and they will require years of dedication until you unveil all of their secrets and true potential. We hope our guide for buying cellos has helped you in deciding upon an instrument, or at least, showed you what to look for in this beautiful instrument.