In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: February 18, 2024
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The cello is a delightful instrument that can produce a wonderful range of notes. Whether you aim to be a brilliant soloist or become a part of a symphony orchestra, learning to play one can be a magical experience. To do so, you need to find the best cello for beginners. With the most expensive cellos reaching around $10,000, you want to start off with something much more affordable.
To find your perfect starting point, we have reviewed the eight cellos for beginners to give you the best possible choice for your first instrument. The perfect starter cello could well be the Cecilio CCO-100 as it produces a wonderful sound, has an impressive build quality, and also looks fantastic. While it’s an outstanding cello, we have also found seven other cellos, which might be more to your taste.
We have spent 57 hours finding the best cellos for beginners on the market and have used several sources like professional musicians’ feedback and reviews to provide the information you need. We’ve looked over the size, materials used, the weight and other key features such as the style and warranty as the perfect cello needs to tick all of the right boxes. To make your life as easy as possible, we have compiled a comparison table and in-depth reviews of each product. We also have a buying guide and an FAQ section so you’re not left with any questions. Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll know which one is the perfect cello.
"This cello provides an ideal sound quality, so you can even compare it with some expensive professional models. The bundle contains many useful things for beginners."
"The fantastic cello made from high-quality tonewoods that will help you to progress in no time. The manufacturer took care of the durability and included a carry case with it."
"If getting an acoustic cello is not for you, we recommend this electric model. It offers different colors, stylish appearance, and long-lasting construction."
"With this instrument, you will get the attention of the listeners because of the unique color and beautiful sound. You will easily improve your skills with it."
Material: crack-proof spruce top, maple neck, back, sides, pegs and fingerboard
Weight: 9 lbs.
Warranty: 1-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects
More features: four different colors available, includes carrying case, a bow with Mongolian horsehair, rosin, bridge, cello stand, and extra set of strings
Cecilio has been able to produce a brilliant cello that is beautiful and highly affordable. No matter how tall is the beginner, there will be something to suit as the sizes range from 1/4 size all the way to full size.
There are four different colors available to get something perfect for you, and it comes with all the accessories that you need to be able to get started. That includes a light and portable carrying case transport the cello without worrying for it.
Despite quality control issues on delivery that a few users reported, the cello comes with a 1-year warranty, so the manufacturer ensures that your money is safe. Many people also loved the crack-proof surface it features.
Overall, it’s a wonderful beginner cello and one which will set you on your way to becoming an expert.
If you’re looking for the instrument that comes with everything you need, this is an astonishing option. There are four different sizes available. It makes it great for learners of all ages.
The package contains all the accessories you might want, like a portable stand, which is a marvelous extra. There is also a clip-on tuner to make your life a lot easier because, with many other models, you will have to buy it separately.
This cello has a perfect design with a stylish finish. Some users have reported some defects on delivery, but this is a very rare issue. Most people adore that this cello is able to produce great rich tones. The construction of the instrument is quite sturdy, and you get what you pay for. It stays in tune for a long time, and it allows you to make even minor adjustments.
While style is never going to be the most important feature for a cello, you still want it to look great. This instrument is available in three different, colors and they all look great and expensive.
It does come with all the accessories that you need, but the pegs feel to be a bit loose. The cello itself is going to be able to give you an ideal sounding and the right tones to learn confidently.
The top of the cello is crack-proof, so you will have the durability that you need, and the carrying case is going to keep it protected when you’re on the move. It’s a magnificent beginner cello but only available as a full-sized version. If you compare it to some more expensive models, you will be surprised that this cello shows really great performance.
The Waful Acoustic Cello is a Cello kit that comes with everything needed to start learning. The spruce top is made of maple; the neck, back, and sides, of basswood; the fingerboard, of solid wood; while the pull string is made of aluminum alloy with a natural finish. This is a 4/4 size instrument, so it is a good option for adult beginners or students, although we recommend that you consult with your teacher on the most suitable size for you. Thanks to its dimensions, it is possible to carry it from one place to another with greater ease. It fits in most cars, so going to concerts or classes with it will not be a problem.
On the other hand, this a white cello that looks quite elegant and classic. In addition, its spruce top provides optimal sound quality. This instrument will be perfect for you, especially if you like white colors. The case included in this purchase will allow you to take your cello anywhere without any problem. In addition, it comes with small compartments to store other necessary things.
The white color not only makes this instrument stand out but also adds a touch of seriousness and elegance to make you look perfect in every practice and concert. Although it comes with a case to carry it, the fact that it is soft can be a downside for those who travel a lot with it, since a hard case will be ideal for avoiding bumps and accidents.
Why did it make our list?
Elegant white finish
Ideal for beginners and students
Comes with everything to start learning
Includes strings
Warm and inviting sound
What is not ideal about it?
The bridge appears a bit cheap; strings unusually thin
Stentor created a cell that is made from the highest quality tonewoods. The result is a cello that sounds fantastic and will allow you to progress from beginner to intermediate level easily.
The cello is quite bulky and can be a little hard to transport, but the carrying case that it comes with can help you. It is easy to tune, and it will show a wonderful performance every time you play it.
The build quality is very good, and this cello will last you for as long as it takes you to move up to the next level. The pegs and fingerboards are especially great compared to other cello’s, which are at this price point. This cello can stay in tune for a long time, and the listeners will be fond of the feeling that they get when they hear it.
The first thing that strikes you about this cello is the design. It looks stunning, and the feelings that you get when playing it are beyond description. There is a variety of sizes for all ages, and it makes it a beautiful first cello for everybody.
While this cello is not for intermediate level and above, it does have impressive build quality but will have to find for an upgrade once you are ready to move onto the next level. It’s very comfortable and will encourage you to play longer.
The durable nylon case makes it very easy to carry, and you get a shoulder strap, a bow to go with it, and rosin. It all adds up to great value for money, and this is the cello that you’re going to love playing.
Desperate to learn the cello, but don’t want to make too much noise? Getting an electric cello is a perfect solution. It allows you to plug in your headphones and not worry about annoying the neighbors or the rest of the house.
There are a few striking color options available, which all look great, and the design will overwhelm anyone who sees it. Without a doubt, you will love the appearance of the instrument. There is very little that can go wrong with the cello, and it will last for a long time because of the reliable construction.
The sound that you get from the electric cello is outstanding, but the headphones that come with it aren’t that great. They are fine at the start, but as you get to grips with the cello, you might prefer to get something better.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then getting a black cello is certainly going to make you stand out from the crowd. The unique color looks great on such a classical instrument.
Although it is a beginner cello, it is hard to ignore the fact that it offers wonderful sound quality, so you will not regret buying it. You will also find that this cello is very easy to play and will make any beginner keep going.
It can be a little difficult to get the bridge on, and you might require an experienced hand to do that. Other than that, this is a great option. It will give you all the tools that you need to become a cello expert eventually. This instrument is definitely worth considering because it will make you progress quicker.
What do we love it for?
Unique color
Good value for money
Impressive sound quality
Easy to play
What were we disappointed with?
Difficult to assemble
Things to Consider
In this buying guide, we’ll be looking at all the key aspects of those cellos for beginners. You want to have the perfect compromise between cost and quality, and we’ll show you how you can get that. By the end of the guide, you’ll have all the information that you need to be able to make the right choice for you.
How to pick the best cello for beginners?
To pick the best cello for beginners, you want to find the instrument that is easy enough to play, offers a great sound, but also fits in with your budget. A high-quality professional cello will probably cost around $3,000, with the most expensive ones at around $10,000. Luckily, the instruments for the beginners are not that expensive but may lack the quality. That makes it even more important to look at the key features to find a beginner cello that has the right materials and everything you need to get started.
Cello size
There are a lot of different size options when it comes to a cello. Some models we’ve looked here go all the way from full-sized to 1/16 size. The biggest factor with this will depend on age. As if you’re buying for your child, it might need something a little smaller. If you’re looking for a wider range of sizes, then the Cremona SC-100 has six different options available.
If possible, it’s best to opt for a full-sized (4/4) cello such as the Waful Acoustic Cello as this is the size that you are eventually going to graduate to anyway.
That being said, comfort is the main priority. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to consult a cello size guide to get the perfect fit.
Materials
While the quality of the woods may vary, every decent cello is more or less made in the same way. The top of the cello is usually made from spruce, while the back and sides of the cello tend to be made from maple to give it the sound that you need.
The fingerboard and pegs of a cello need to be made from a hard and durable wood, which is why the manufacturers usually chose ebony for that. Other materials can be used, such as rosewood, which is used for the fingerboard on the D’Luca MC100.
Weight
You’re not going to have to worry too much about the weight of the cello. With it being an instrument that will rest on the ground, it is not going to be hard for you to play if it weighs a bit more. The important question to ask is how much you’re going to be transporting the cello.
If you are going to be taking it to music classes and performances, then you will want it to be easily portable.
You want to make sure that it’s light enough to carry and also has a carry case that is easy to use without having too much weight of its own.
If you want a lightweight cello, then look no further than the Lykos Acoustic Cello.
Bow
It’s important to check the material that forms the frame of the bow and the bow hair that touches the strings. The frame of the bow can be made from the Pernambuco, carbon fiber or a generic hardwood.
Pernambuco will be the highest grade material, with the other two being good substitutes. In terms of the hair, this will vary in quality. It should come from a horse in a cold climate, such as Mongolia or Canada, as these horses have thicker hair. The hair is unbleached to keep the elasticity.
Strings
The strings are obviously vital for the instrument because they determine how it is going to sound. You shouldn’t rush for the highest quality strings for a beginner cello, but you can always find better ones. The cellos that we have looked at here all have strings that can make a rich sound.
A good added extra with these models is to have an extra set of strings included, as you will have to replace them over time. As you get better, you’d be able to invest in better strings, which will then be able to create a deeper and fuller sound.
Rosin
Without rosin, the horsehair on the bow isn’t going to be able to make enough friction to be able to make a meaningful sound. Rosin will increase the amount of friction on the bow and therefore increase the sound.
Most bows featured here will come with a standard type of rosin, which will be able to give you the average sound, but there are different types available. Darker rosins are generally sticker and therefore used to produce lower notes.
Carrying case
With a carrying case, you often have to decide which is more important to you: portability or protection. A hard carrying case will give you more protection, but it is going to be heavier and more difficult to carry. A lightweight case, such as the one that comes with the Cecilio CCO-100, is soft but still able to give a lot of protection.
As well as the type of material, you also want to check for extra features that you might need. Having a strap can make carrying it over your shoulder a lot easier, and extra pockets might be required to make sure that you can take everything with you.
What else to look for?
As well as the standard accessories, there are also a few other extras which can be very useful.
Tuner – Tuning the cello can be difficult for a beginner, and you will probably need to have a tuner, so having one included is a big plus.
Stand – You don’t want your cello leaning up against a fall where it can be easily knocked over. Getting a cello stand is essential.
Colors – Everyone wants their instruments to be beautiful, and the cello is no different. A range of colors can help you to pick the perfect cello for you.
Acoustic cello vs. electric cello for beginners
When it comes to the guitar, you probably see as many acoustic instruments as you do electric. For the cello, an electric model is very rare. In an orchestra, you want to be able to get the rich and deep sound that an acoustic cello can provide.
Performing on stage can be a long way off, which is where an electric cello, such as the Cecilio CEVN-1W, has its advantages. While you are learning, you will be able to play silently and not have to worry about anyone hearing you developing your talents.
Many people, however, would prefer to hear the tones of the acoustic cello and stick with the same instrument that you’d be playing for years to come. The choice will be a matter of personal preference about whether you want the more natural sounds of a cello such as the Lykos Acoustic has or the flexibility of an electric model.
Prices
When it comes to learning to play the cello, you won’t want to spend thousands of dollars on your first model, as there is a much higher risk of damaging it. Even with beginner cellos, there can be a wide range of prices.
If you wanted a budget cello, then Waful Acoustic Cello that costs around $150 would be the best option for you, as it won’t hurt the bank balance too much, and there is a smaller risk of it being a waste of money. The quality won’t quite be the same, so if you’re looking for a better model, and the Stentor Student I Cello is a great option with a price tag around $500.
It could be that you believe that you’d be happy to pay more for something that is well made and sounds fantastic. If that sounds like you, then the Cremona SC-100 would be able to give you a perfect starting point while still not having to pay out thousands of dollars.
Whether it is a piano, violin, trumpet or a cello, it’s hard to get a great sound out of any instrument when you are a complete rookie. After you get past that first stage, with all the cellos that we have looked at here, you are going to have a good sound.
What you shouldn’t expect from these cellos is to sounds the same as a $3,000 model. That being said, they are great for learning, and the sounds that you get from them will still be fantastic and allow you to progress to intermediate and then expert level.
For the untrained ear, tuning any instrument can be hard work. It takes time to learn how to do it by ear, and therefore getting a tuner can help to save a lot of time and effort until you learn how to do it the traditional way.
Once you are more confident, you can learn how to tune the cello by ear. You don’t always want to rely on a tuner as you can forget it at home, or the batteries can run out, but they are great for those who are just starting out.
Learning an instrument can be tough. You shouldn’t rush through practicing, and you need to have patience. You should practice as often as you can, but if you start tired, you need to rest up.
There are quite a few important cellist tips, and one of the main ones is to warm up before you get started. One of the majestic aspects of a cello is that it can be quite physically challenging to play longer for your muscles and joints. They will build up strength as you play the cello more and more, but at the start you should warm-up.
Our Verdict
The cello is a beautiful instrument and one which you or a loved one will enjoy playing. Getting a beginner cello is a perfect place to plan your journey to becoming a virtuoso.
The Cecilio CCO-100 is our favorite in this list as it is easy to play and will produce wonderful and consistent sound.
Another great option is the D’Luca MC100, which not only sounds incredible but also comes with a stunning package.
Lastly, we recommend Lykos Acoustic Cello for adults, which is made from high-quality materials, offers an excellent quality of sound, and comes with useful accessories for beginners.
Whichever one of these cellos you choose, you won’t go wrong. All that’s left to do is pick the best cello for beginners and learn how to play the wonderful instrument.
That last one is a VIOLIN. Is this just a list of top sellers on Amazon or were these vetted in some appreciable way? Because for you to not notice it’s not even the correct instrument… does not instill confidence in this list.
Hello there! Thank you for your comment. We apologize for any confusion caused by the inclusion of the violin in the list. We understand that this may have raised doubts about the accuracy of our selection process.
Please note that our list of top sellers on Amazon is based on a combination of factors, including sales data, customer reviews, and popularity. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable information, occasional errors or oversights may occur.
We appreciate your feedback and will definitely take it into consideration when curating future lists. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for your understanding!
Brilliant post on the Cello. As you have said Cello’s can vary in quality significantly and they certainly are not cheap instruments. That’s why it’s important that you have a strong understanding of what you are looking for in a Cello. If you would like to learn more, please check out our post on what to look for when buying a Cello, written by pro-cellist Ellen Porter.
thanks for the information
That last one is a VIOLIN. Is this just a list of top sellers on Amazon or were these vetted in some appreciable way? Because for you to not notice it’s not even the correct instrument… does not instill confidence in this list.
Hello there! Thank you for your comment. We apologize for any confusion caused by the inclusion of the violin in the list. We understand that this may have raised doubts about the accuracy of our selection process.
Please note that our list of top sellers on Amazon is based on a combination of factors, including sales data, customer reviews, and popularity. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable information, occasional errors or oversights may occur.
We appreciate your feedback and will definitely take it into consideration when curating future lists. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know. Thank you for your understanding!
Brilliant post on the Cello. As you have said Cello’s can vary in quality significantly and they certainly are not cheap instruments. That’s why it’s important that you have a strong understanding of what you are looking for in a Cello. If you would like to learn more, please check out our post on what to look for when buying a Cello, written by pro-cellist Ellen Porter.
Thank you for reading
Mo