Buying an instrument can be a rather expensive investment. To be a good musician, you need high-quality instruments, reliable units that will suit your preferences, artistic needs as well as the ability to learn and improve your skills.
Cellos, in particular, can be a challenge to purchase; they can significantly vary in price, quality, and reliability, so it can be easy to buy a cello that isn’t right for you. This especially applies if you’re looking to buy a cello online; you simply need to have all the necessary information to make the right decision, and we all know how wrong this can go when buying online.
Therefore, to make things a bit easier for you, we’ve decided to gather all the best cello brands in one place for you to look at. These are our top picks; cellos that are exceptional, but will suit your budget, no matter how high or low it is. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it!
The Best Cello Brands for Beginner Players
1. Medini by Cecilio Cello (CCO-100)
- Brand - Cecilio
- Price - $
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Spruce top with maple back, neck, sides
- Complete outfit
- Bow included
- 1-year warranty – manufacturer's defects
If you’re looking for a cello of decent quality and a reasonable price, you must check out the Medini cello by Cecilio. It is a cello designed for beginners; kids or adults. As such, it is very forgiving and reliable, enabling you to practice, make mistakes, and improve over time.
But, why do we think this is an excellent buy? Well, first of all, this cello comes with the full equipment; you’ll receive a hardwood fingerboard and pegs, alloy tailpiece with 4 built-in fine tuners, padded lightweight carrying case, Brazilwood cello bow, a cello stand, an extra set of strings, and a high-quality rosin cake.
All of this comes with a 1-year warranty against any of the manufacturer’s defects. The cello arrives without being fully set up, just to avoid any potential damage during transit. However, it is rather easy to assemble.
2. Yizhen-G Acoustic Cello
- Brand – Yizhen-G
- Price - $
- Full size - 4/4 cello
- Made from maple spruce(top) and basswood (neck)
- Treated with fine varnish
- Complete outfit
- Bow included
- No warranty information
Another exceptional beginner’s type cello is this one from Yizhen-G. It is a 4/4 full-size bow cello designed to suit the needs of beginner players, students, and kids. You’ll receive a complete outfit, a full set cello that includes the wooden cello body, a soft, padded case, bow, rosin, and the bridge.
The pull string is made from aluminum alloy, while the fingerboard and pegs are made from solid wood. Because it is treated with fine varnish, the cello looks high-end and high-quality.
It is a quality, reliable unit design to be rather forgiving of beginner’s mistakes, extensive use, and long practicing hours. The cello requires bridge setting and proper adjustment. The bridge is not set up prior to the shipment, to avoid potential damage during transit.
3. Lykos Acoustic Cello
- Brand – Lykos
- Price - $
- Full size - 4/4 cello
- Made from maple, basswood, blacked wood, arbor
- Crack-proof top
- Exceptional varnishing
- Complete outfit
- Bow included
- No warranty information
Our final recommendation for the best beginner-type cellos comes from Lykos. Now, this cello is something special; it is a blue unit, made to stand out. We’re pointing this out because it may not be everyone’s color of preference, but it is surely an eccentric unit. However, if you do not like it, Lykos offers the regular, wooden finish variety of the same cello, so make sure to check it out.
Regardless of the color, this cello is a wonderful piece of instrument. It will enhance your learning and practicing experience and make you feel like a professional. The cello can withstand long practicing hours and extensive use, which is expected at the beginner levels. Being suitable for adults, students, and even kids, this cello is versatile and will fit everyone’s needs.
The Lykos cello is a full set; you’ll receive the cello, of course, as well as a soft, padded case, bow, and rosin. The top is crack-proof, and the neck is solid and durable. We, yet again, have to point out the beautiful finish, but most of all, we have to emphasize the brilliant sound this cello makes. It will make your musical journey truly special.
The Best Cello Brands for Intermediate Players
4. DZ Strad Handmade Cello Model 101
- Brand - D Z Strad
- Price - $$
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Value-packed complete outfit
- Made from hand-rubbed Italian tonewood
- Made according to traditional European practices
- Exceptional appearance and playability
- Bow included
- Warranty info only from DZ Strad directly
There probably isn’t a better cello for intermediate cello players out there; the DZ Strad Cello, Model 101, is one of the most favorite cellos among private teachers. The unit is completely reliable and consistent in the sound it provides.
The playability is simply motivating and the warm, round tone will make you keep playing over and over again. This cello can be used by both intermediate and professional cellists, private teachers, and students.
The cello is made from spruce and maple wood, with an incredible, high-end finish. It is a full-size, full-set cello, meaning you’ll receive all the essential parts, including the bow, cello strings, rosin, a wonderful case, and so much more. The cello is made in accordance with the traditional European practices, which require hand-rubbing of the wood, natural drying, and ventilation.
With this cello, you’ll be forever motivated to play and improve your skills with each new tone. Make sure to check it out and don’t be discouraged by the price; with decades of durability, this cello will be one of your best investments.
5. Andreas Eastman Cello
- Brand – Eastman Strings
- Price - $$
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Complete outfit
- Made from European and Chinese maple, spruce, ebony, carbon fiber
- Hand-applied antiqued varnish
- Larsen and Spirocore strings
- Available in size 7/8
- Limited lifetime warranty by Eastman Strings
Andreas Eastman VC405 cello is truly a work of art. Made from high-quality European and Chinese maple, this cello had a high-end appearance, an even more brilliant tone, and playability. The cello is designed for intermediate players, but it can also be used by beginners. It is surely a motivating unit since it provides pretty easy playability and makes even the very mistakes sound like a masterpiece.
The cello can withstand long playing time during practicing hours and is suited for extensive use. That is why the brand Eastman String provides a Limited lifetime warranty;t they’re pretty sure this cello will in fact last you a lifetime.
Being a full, complete outfit, this cello arrives with all the necessary parts, including the fiber bow, special Eastman rosin, extra-padded cello bag, and so much more. We do have to mention that price of the cello is higher up, but being such a high-quality unit, we are certain this cello is worthy of every single penny. This especially applies if you’re pursuing a career as a musician or you simply want to master the craft of playing the cello.
6. Scherl & Roth Galliard Cello
- Brand – Scherl & Roth
- Price - $
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Complete outfit
- Made from European maple and spruce
- Hybrid lacquer/spirit varnish
- Available in sizes 1/2 and 3/4 as well
- Warranty information not available
Our final recommendation for the best intermediate player cellos comes from Scherl & Roth. This cello is the perfect unit designed to fit the needs and requirements of both beginner and intermediate players. It is one of the most favorite practicing cellos for private teachers as well as professional cellists. The cello provides a warm tone and has exceptionally easy playability.
Now, considering it is a higher-end cello, we do have to commend Scherl & Roth for making this cello budget-friendly. Despite being an intermediate-level instrument, it still caters to lower budgets and makes exceptional units available to every kind of player. It also comes in different size ranges, so the cello is suitable for younger cellists, as well as adults.
Some of the cellists might not like the lacquer finish of the cello, and we would completely agree with that. But, other than this, the cello is pretty flawless and simply perfect for practicing and improving one’s skills. Make sure to check it out and see for yourself. Considering the high quality, you won’t find a better cello at such a budget-friendly price.
The Best Cello Brands for Advanced Players
7. Rudoulf Doetsch Cello Outfit
- Brand - Rudoulph Doetsch
- Price - $$$
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Complete outfit
- Made from premium aged European tonewoods
- Lightly antiqued varnish
- Fiberglass cello case
- Prodigy cello bow
- 5-year warranty
Rudoulph Doetsch cellos are some of the best cellos you can play on. They’re the top picks among teachers and students thanks to the clarity of the sound, easy playability, and smooth playing response. As such, this particular cello is often used by advanced players, musicians who want to practice and improve their skills on a durable, reliable, and responsive unit; a unit that can quickly adjust to one’s unique, particular style and tone.
We have to point out that the cello arrives with all the necessary equipment, including the CodaBow Prodigy cello bow. The bow has a supportive design and creates a strong, clean, and even sound. It has exceptional on-string forgiveness and comfort that will enhance every student’s or professional player’s playing abilities.
This cello will allow you to develop confidence and enhance your talent. It will motivate you to become even better thanks to the dynamic, clean sound and on-string forgiveness. The cellos itself has an exceptional, high-end appearance which you can protect thanks to the fiberglass cello case. Make sure to check it out; we guarantee you, this is the cello of your dreams.
8. Wilhelm Klier VC702 Advanced Cello
- Brand – Wilhelm Klier
- Price - $$$
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Complete outfit
- Made from aged European tonewoods
- Antique-style, multi-layer spirit varnish
- Expertly tuned plates
- No warranty information
If you’re looking for an even more professional cello than the previous Doetsch, then you must check out the Wilhelm Klier VC702 cello for advanced and professional players. This is the unit that represents everything brilliant about cello instruments. It is highly responsive, provides an exceptional, sophisticated sound, and appears highly elegant. The cello is made using a time-honored workshop method, used for creating and designing high-end instruments for hundreds of years.
The cello achieves a warm, strong, clean sound thanks to its design and the design of every piece. The sound is generally described as round as if the cello has already been played and broken in, but it’s new. No other cello can truly recreate such a sound without dozens of years of continuous use.
The Klier cello is a true high-end cello, designed for advanced musicians. If you’re an intermediate player looking to improve, this is the cello to go with; it is an excellent upgrade choice. Sure enough, the cello is also on the high-end of the price, but considering the durability, responsiveness, and reliability of the unit, you will be investing in a life-lasting cello.
9. Jonathan Li VC503 Cello
- Brand – Eastman Strings
- Price - $$$
- Full size – 4/4 cello
- Complete outfit
- Made from flamed maple and medium-grain spruce
- Golden colored oil varnish
- Premium sound production
- Expertly tuned plates
- No warranty information
Ever wondered what cello do 2Cellos musicians use? Well, Luka Sulic, a member of 2Cellos uses this Jonathan Li cello to create masterpieces alongside his friend and colleague Stjepan Hauser. This is how you know that Jonathan Li cellos are high-end, high-quality instruments when two of the most popular cellists in the world use them to create music.
The Jonathan Li cello creates a sound from the very heaves; it is a beautiful sound that is perfectly, tonally balanced. The sound is strong, even, elegant, and of the highest quality. Just like the cello itself; we’re talking about an instrument made from flamed maple and medium-grain spruce. This speaks for a sophisticated appearance and to top it off, there is the refined golden oil varnish that enhances the tone quality even more.
If you’re looking for a truly unique, highest-quality cello that will be by your side a reliable, durable, motivating unit, then look no further than Jonathan Li VC503. make sure to check it out and see for yourself!
Buying a New Cello: A Quicks Guide
Answer the following questions to know what kind of cello you need!
- What Cello Size Do I Need? – The cello size can vary, so it is essential to purchase the size that perfectly suits your needs, capabilities, and aspirations. The 4/4 cellos are a full-size unit, but there are sizes also referred to as 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and 7/8. So, how do you know which size is the best for you? Here’s how;
Take a/your cello, sit on a chair and make sure your knees are bent at a 90 degrees angle. As you Hold the cello firmly, check whether the neck of the cello lies a few inches from your left shoulder. Then, check whether the lower corner toucher your left knee, and finally, check whether the thickest string of the cello is close to your left ear. If all of these requirements are met, then the cello is the right fit for you. If not, then you either need to size up or down.
- What Kind of a Cello Do I Need? – Now, if you’re a student, a first-time cello player, then you will need an entry-level cello. Such a cello is designed to be exposed to more friction since you’ll be constantly practicing on it. If you’re an intermediate or advanced player, then you’ll be looking for higher-end cellos of greater quality with better and more dynamic sound.
- How Can I Choose The Right Cello? – We always recommend people talk to their teachers, who are generally experts for cellos. You can even contact local cello makers or professional cellists for advice. Talk to your fellow cello-playing friends as well, or try to link up with cellists from around the world via online platforms and forums. The possibilities are endless, but you should always start by asking your teacher.
- What Do I Need To Play the Cello? – Alongside the cello, of course, you will need a proper, durable, solid, and protective case. Then you will need rosin, which is applied to the bow to create friction between the cello and the bow. Of course, you will need a bow, a rock stop, and extra cello strings, in case the string on the cello break.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, our top picks for the best cello brands will help you make a final decision. It is important not to hurry such an important purchase; do your homework and check as many cello brands as possible. The more you know, the clearer it will be what kind of cello you need. If you’re still not sure which cello to buy, talk to your cello teacher, a local cello maker, or even a professional cello player.