Why should you care about advanced cellos? Well, every cellist reaches a point where they start playing at pro level. When you reach those heights, you’ll want an instrument that exudes class and plays elegantly. The kind of cello that’s guaranteed to turn heads when you play.
Unfortunately, not all advanced cellos are created equally. Some have beautiful tones while others have more muted tones. Similarly, some are sold as outfits whereas others come as stand-alone units.
If you’re looking to buy one, this guide will help. We’ve reviewed the best cellos for advanced players, and provided a detailed guide to assist you in your selection.
Reviews of the Best Advanced Cellos
1. D Z Strad Cello Model 250
The Cello Model 250 is ranked as the best cello for advanced players, and rightly so.
Made by world-renowned luthiers, this cello is designed to stand the test of time. Each string instrument is handmade from scratch to give it a professional’s touch.
D Z Strad uses premium ebony wood not only for the top and back but also for the fingerboard and fittings. The aged ebony makes this instrument durable while enhancing its sound quality. But what makes this cello’s design truly stand out is the oil varnish used to complete its look.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that this cello comes in different sizes. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to choose one that feels comfortable to play. The sizes available are: 1/2,1/4,1/16, 3/4, and 4/4.
The fact that it’s available in different sizes means that even beginners can find one that fits them. However, its prices are in the same range as other professional cellos so it might not be the ideal choice for newer players.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking to replace your entire arsenal of cello accessories? If you are, the Albert Nebel VC601 by Eastman Strings is among the best cello outfits for advanced players.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this is a nice-looking piece of equipment. It comprises hand-carved maple back and sides alongside a German spruce top. The icing on the cake is the antique spirit varnish added on top of these solid tonewoods.
This cello also arrives fitted with a quality set of cello strings: the Spirocore G and C and Larsen A and D strings.
But what really attracted us to the VC601 by Eastman Strings is the range of attachments that it comes with.
This brand meets all the needs of beginners and professionals by incorporating a cello bag, bow and rosin. That said, keep in mind that the outfit will cost you more than buying the instrument on its own.
Pros
Cons
Don’t mind splurging on a professional cello? If so, you should check out the D Z Strad Model 500.
One of the things we love about this instrument is that it comes in two sizes. If you’re keen, you’ll notice that these sizes are tailored more for intermediate and professional players rather than beginners. Specifically, the unit we’re reviewing here is a 4/4 but you can also get it in a 3/4.
When it comes to construction, D Z Strad went out of its way to find high-quality materials. Both the top and back are made from a blend of spruce and maple wood.
The wood is sourced from the Italian Alps after which it's dried seasonally to remove any moisture present. The benefit of using such seasonally dried wood for construction is that it lasts a long time.
If you’re wondering about its acoustic performance, this cello delivers an open and resonant sound. And thanks to the specially-designed C string, it also provides unparalleled power and clarity.
As we mentioned earlier, this is one of the most expensive string instruments for cellists. The silver lining is that it comes complete with a cello case, rosin and brazilwood bow.
Pros
Cons
A more affordable cello for advanced players is this instrument by Paul Weis. While it’s not the most renowned brand, this cello is just as good as the creations from more popular brands.
As we’ve come to expect of professional cellos, this one is also built with durability in mind. This is not too surprising considering that it’s made by Paul Weis - a renowned luthier.
So what sort of wood is used? Well, the body features flamed maple and spruce solid wood, enabling it to last long. In addition to this, Paul Weis sourced some of the parts from other top-rated brands.
For instance, you’ll find a Wittner tailpiece that’s made of light alloy to keep its weight to a minimum. Also onboard are Thomastik Superflexible Strings, which hit that sweet spot between power and durability.
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Cons
Searching for a cello that you can grow with as you advance your skills? If you are, you will love the stentor 1108 cello that works well for both professionals and beginners. Stentor cellos are revered for producing high sound quality, and one is no exception.
This instrument has the price of a beginner cello but it’s equipped with premium features; hence, why we recommend it to advanced players. For instance, it’s made of high-end materials giving it the durability that a professional instrument ought to have.
Specifically, the top is made of fine-grained solid spruce while the back and sides are constructed using maple. Meanwhile, the fittings are made of ebony.
Another reason why we consider Stentor a good brand is the fact that it sources some of its parts from other reputable manufacturers. For instance, this cello comprises the Red Label string set from Super Sensitive. These significantly enhance the instrument’s tonal quality.
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Signs That You Should Upgrade from Intermediate to Advanced Cello
Finding an advanced cello is the easy bit. The hardest part of this process is figuring out the right time to upgrade.
This can be particularly difficult if you’re a parent looking to buy a cello for your young one when you don’t play it yourself. Not sure whether you should switch from cellos made for beginners and intermediate cellists? Look for these telltale signs:
The player physically outgrows their current cello
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the player’s cello. Perhaps they started out with 3/4 or 1/2 size.
Now that they’re a little older, and still interested in playing, that same cello is likely too small for their hands.
As a result, they may experience cello injuries such as cramping on their hands due to the discomfort of holding a smaller string instrument. Worse even, this may compromise their capability to produce great sound. To avoid this, consider upgrading to advanced cellos that suit their size.
The instrument becomes worn out
In an ideal world, your cello would last for decades. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, so your cello is bound to incur damage at some point.
Simple issues such as a fallen/misplaced sound post or open seam are easy to repair with the help of your local luthier.
But for more serious problems like a warped instrument, buying a brand new one is the best solution. One way to know the extent of damage is to check the cost of repair. If you’re having to spend nearly half of the initial buying price on a repair, you might as well invest in a better cello altogether.
Player advances their skills
Another reason that warrants buying an advanced cello is if you’ve upgraded your skillset.
Initially, you probably had a cello tailored for beginners or intermediate players. Such instruments are designed to provide modest sound at a fair price. At times, they’re made of flimsy materials that don’t last.
Once you qualify as a professional player, you’ll want to get your hands on a higher-quality cello that matches your skills.
Types of Advanced Cellos
Beginner and intermediate players aren’t usually keen on the type of cello they play.
But when you get to the level of advanced players, you may have a preference for a specific type. On that note, the main types of advanced cellos to pick from are: acoustic or electric.
Although their notes sound similar, these two instruments work differently. An acoustic cello comprises a hollow structure, which inherently amplifies the strings’ vibrations.
In contrast, an electric cello consists of a solid structure that has to be linked to an amplifier to boost the sound projection.
That said, there’s no one type that’s best for advanced cello players. The choice depends entirely on your musical preferences.
You can go for an acoustic cello if you like its classical rich tones. However, if you’d like to get a little creative and try out new sounds or genres, a good electric cello is the best way to go.
How to Choose the Right Professional Cello
There are a few things you should consider when looking for a professional cello. They include:
Tone
You cannot compare the tone produced by professional cellos with instruments made for beginners. These advanced string instruments deliver way more refined tones, allowing you to showcase your skills as a pro.
So one thing you’ll want to check is the quality of sound the instrument generates. You don’t want to invest in a professional cello only for it to end up sounding like beginner cello models.
Size
Professional cellos come in a variety of sizes. So you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting one that suits your height.
Generally, these advanced cellos come in 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 sizes. The 4/4 or full-size is the best option for cellists who are taller than 5 feet. If you’re of medium height, that is 4 ½ to 5 feet tall, then the 3/4 is a great option. And, if you’re less than 4 feet tall, then go for the smaller 1/2 cello.
These are just estimates and they might not work for every player. As such, it’s better to visit your nearest music supply shop and get measured for a cello.
Materials
Another factor to pay attention to is the range of materials used in the cello’s construction.
In particular, check whether the wood used was dried properly. This prevents your cello from warping and helps to avoid sound distortion. Thankfully, most professional cellos are made of high-end materials, so you won’t struggle to find quality instruments.
Bow
Are you looking to buy the best cello bow as well? Then consider investing in an outfit rather than stand-alone cello models. Most outfits include a bow and rosin for cellos as standard accessories. This saves you time as you won’t have to look for a suitable bow to play your new instrument.
Cello Brands
Given that you’re buying an advanced cello, you’ll likely end up paying top dollar for your instrument.
For this reason, it’s good to buy only from the best cello brands. Such cellos come with long warranties, which makes for a risk-free investment. So if you encounter any issue, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll get a refund or replacement.
Here are a few recommendations of the best cello brands:
- D Z Strad
- Stentor
- Paul Weis
- Eastman
FAQs
How much is an advanced cello?
Their prices range from $1,500 to $6,000. However, it’s possible to find cello models that cost well over $6,000. This depends on the quality of craftsmanship and materials used, both of which influence the kind of tone produced.
How do I know if my cello is good quality?
The easiest way to know is to play the cello and listen to its tonal quality. Good quality cellos are able to maintain a consistent tone across all four strings and registers. So whether you’re playing in the lower, upper or middle registers, the instrument should generate a pleasant sound.
Conclusion
Have you been looking for the best professional cellos? Well, the D Z Strad 250 model comes highly recommended for advanced players.
It’s available in various sizes, making it easy to find one that suits your height. More importantly, it’s made of gorgeous aged tonewoods, enhancing its durability and playability.
