Sifting through the best beginner cellos can be a confusing and time-consuming task. I’d love to share my tips and advice with you about the best cello to buy for beginner players.
Quick Look: 10 Best Beginner Cellos
★ #1 Best Beginner Cello Overall: Scott Cao 017E ★
- Best Cheap Beginner Cello: Cecilio CCO-300
- Best Beginner Cello Under $1,000: Cecilio Oil Finish CCO-600
- Best Beginner Cello Under $500: Cecilio CCO-300
I began playing the cello at a young age and have now been performing on the professional stage for more than 15 years. I’ve seen firsthand what a beginner cellist needs, so keep reading to find out how to choose a cello for beginners.
What Is a Beginner Cello?
A beginner cello is an instrument to get you started on your cello journey. Your beginner cello should inspire and motivate you, and should therefore have great playability, sound, and quality while keeping to your budget.
Luckily, beginner cellos are available in fractional sizes and can cater to any beginner cellist, old, young, big, or small.
Types of Beginner Cellos
The most common type of cello to begin on is an acoustic cello. It will give you the sound and feel of a traditional instrument. It’s also entirely possible to begin on an electric cello, and I’ve seen a few students do so.
Acoustic Beginner Cello
An acoustic cello is the most traditional and common cello to start on. It has a beautifully rich sound and is the best instrument for anyone to begin on.
Electric Beginner Cello
Electric cellos are less common to begin on, but there are definitely some out there with great playability at an affordable price. If you’re sure about only playing the electric cello, or if you need to practice silently, this could be an option for you.
Acoustic-Electric Beginner Cello
This is a halfway instrument that gives you the benefit of a traditional sound while also being able to be amplified. It comes with compromises, though.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Cello
When choosing the best beginner cello for you, the most important factors are sound, playability, and budget. Cellos are all beautiful, so aesthetics also come into play.
Size
Beginner cellos come in multiple sizes to accommodate cellists of all ages. The most common sizes are 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, and 4/4 (full size).
Most adults play a full-sized cello, although a 7/8 size is available for smaller adults. Follow this chart for younger beginners:
- 3-5 years: 1/16 or 1/8 size
- 5-7 years: 1/4 size
- 7-11 years: 1/2 size
- 11-15 years: 3/4 size
- 15+ years: 7/8 or 4/4 size
The Overall Tone & Sound
This is the most important factor to take into consideration when choosing the best starter cello. Your cello should have a rich, beautiful sound, with an even tone across all four strings.
Price
Beginner cellos are the most affordable cellos you can find. They’re great for anyone on a budget. They range from about $500 to about $3,000.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of a cello is important to many people, and the individual cuts of spruce and maple wood make your instrument beautiful. Look for quality wood and an antique or spirit varnish to make sure your cello is beautiful.
10 Best Beginner Cellos
Here are my top 10 picks for the best beginner cellos on the market, focusing on sound, playability, quality, and great setup/outfit packages.
1. Scott Cao 017E Cello
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: Prelude
- What’s included: Just the cello
- Material & finish: European maple and spruce, antique varnish finish
- Best for: Beginners looking for a quality setup
The Scott Cao 017E Cello is handcrafted in the renowned workshop of Scott Cao. It’s made from European sourced wood. It has great playability and a clear tone, making it the perfect instrument for a dedicated beginner.
✅ Best sound
✅ Trusted craftsmanship
✅ Quality wood
❌ No outfit package
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
As far as cellos go, this is the best cello for beginner players for price vs sound. It’s made in a quality workshop by trusted luthiers, and I’ve seen numerous students begin on this cello with great results.
2. Fiddlerman Artist Cello
- Available sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Helicore
- What’s included: Cello, hard canvas cello cover, carbon fiber bow, Holstein rosin
- Material & finish: Antiqued spruce and maple wood, spirit varnish finish
- Best for: Beginners looking for a quality instrument in an outfit package
This Fiddlerman Artist Cello is made from stunning wood and has a warm and dynamic tone. It comes in an outfit package that includes a bow and rosin for a basic setup.
✅ Arrives fully set up
✅ Warm tone
✅ Great playability
✅ Lifetime warranty and adjustments
❌ Limited sound colors
Why I Recommend It
This is a gorgeous cello that’s very easy to play. It has a beautifully warm tone, comes in an outfit package, and has a lifetime warranty from fiddlershop.com – something I find to be important for beginner cellists.
3. Cecilio Oil Finish CCO-600
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: Cecilio
- What’s included: Deluxe ABS case, soft case, brazilwood bow, bridge, rosin, cello stand, extra strings
- Material & finish: Fine grain spruce, highly flamed maple, hand-rubbed oil finish
- Best for: Beginners wanting a beautiful cello on a budget
The Cecilio Oil Finish CCO-600 is Cecilio’s highest quality beginner cello. Made from selected woods, it’s a beautiful instrument that comes in a great outfit package to get any beginner set up.
✅ Best outfit package
✅ Two cases
❌ Arrives disassembled
❌ Limited sound
Why I Recommend It
While this isn’t Cecilio’s cheapest cello, it’s certainly a bargain for its beauty. It has aged wood and an antique varnish, making it a beautiful first cello. Note: this cello requires assembly on arrival (bridge and strings).
4. Cecilio German Type CCO-500
- Available sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
- Strings: Cecilio
- What’s included: Deluxe ABS case, soft case, brazilwood bow, bridge, rosin, cello stand, extra strings
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, high luster varnish finish
- Best for: Beginners on a budget
The Cecilio German Type CCO-500 is German type cello and is one of Cecilio’s cheaper cellos. At a great price point, many beginners will be happy with the quality of this cello.
✅ Best outfit package
✅ Two cases
✅ Low price tag
❌ Arrives disassembled
❌ Average sound quality
Why I Recommend It
This is a good cello for beginner players and for those on a budget. Its sound is limited, but this cello has good playability and is a great start for many beginners.
5. Cecilio Handmade CCO-300
- Available sizes: 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
- Strings: Cecilio
- What’s included: Deluxe ABS case, soft case, brazilwood bow, bridge, rosin, cello stand, extra strings
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, high luster varnish finish
- Best for: Beginners on a budget
Similar to the CCO-500, this cello is Cecilio’s cheapest cello. The Cecilio Handmade CCO-300 is the perfect instrument for those trying out the cello for the first time.
✅ Lowest price tag
✅ Two cases
✅ Best outfit package
❌ Arrives disassembled
❌ Average sound quality
Why I Recommend It
This is my recommendation purely based on price. This cello has the lowest price tag, which gets you a basic instrument and a great outfit package.
6. D Z Strad Model 250
- Available sizes: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Helicore
- What’s included: Cello, bow, case, rosin, end-pin stopper
- Material & finish: Spruce and maple
- Best for: Beginners looking for quality
The D Z Strad Model 250 cello from D Z Strad is a well constructed instrument that’s easy to play. It’s carved in a traditional way and has a rich and warm tone.
✅ Great size range
✅ Great playability
✅ Good sound
❌ High price tag
❌ Arrives disassembled
Why I Recommend It
Compared to many other cellos on this list, the sound of this cello is right at the top. It’s extremely resonant and a pleasure to play.
7. Maple Leaf Strings MLS 140 Apprentice Cello
- Available sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
- Strings: Perlon
- What’s included: Cello, brazilwood bow, case
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, hand-applied oil finish
- Best for: Beginners with a bit more to spend
The Maple Leaf Strings MLS 140 Apprentice Cello was designed by Maple Leaf Strings to give beginners the best possible start. It has an ease of playing and a sound that isn’t often heard in cellos in this price range.
✅ Good playability
✅ Nice sound
❌ Limited sound
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
This is a solid instrument for a beginner cellist. It’s easy to play and has an encouraging sound that will see you through years of cello playing.
8. Strobel MC-205 Recital Series
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Helicore
- What’s included: Cello, soft case, carbon fiber bow
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, antiqued amber finish
- Best for: Beginners with a bigger budget
The MC-205 Recital Series cello by Strobel is a quality instrument that produces a beautifully warm tone. It’s a much-loved cello by students across America.
✅ Warm tone
✅ High quality
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
I’ve seen this cello played by many beginner and intermediate students. It has a warm sound and is a quality build, making it a great investment for your cello playing future.
9. Ren Wei Shi Model 8000
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Helicore
- What’s included: Just the cello
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, oil varnish finish
- Best for: Beginners with a bit more to spend
Ren Wei Shi is a trusted luthier, and the Ren Wei Shi Model 8000 cello is an excellent product. Beautifully made, this cello sounds great and has a wonderful comfort of playability.
✅ Good sound
✅ Great playability
❌ No outfit package
Why I Recommend It
This is another great sounding cello that I would recommend to any beginner who has the budget for it. It doesn’t come with any add-ons, but it’s a fine-sounding and easy-to-play instrument.
10. Maple Leaf Strings Ruby Stradivarius Cello
- Available sizes: 4/4
- Strings: D’Addario Helicore
- What’s included: Cello, soft case
- Material & finish: Spruce, maple, antique varnish finish
- Best for: Beginners looking for an investment instrument to grow with
The Ruby Stradivarius Cello by Maple Leaf Strings is beautifully made and designed for beginners to grow with. It’s a high-quality instrument that won’t disappoint.
✅ Good investment
✅ Good sound
✅ Beautiful finish
❌ Highest price tag
❌ No outfit package
Why I Recommend It
Buying a cello is always an investment, and if you’re sure you’ll continue on your cello journey, this comes close to the best concert cello for beginner players. It will only appreciate with age.
Best Beginner Cello Brands
The best cellos are made by luthiers, rather than brands, but when buying a beginner cello there are some great brands out there.
Some cello brands are better than others, and below are the best cello brands for beginner players.
Scott Cao
Established in 1989, this company has a reputation for its unbeatable quality and exceptional craftsmanship. Scott Cao’s cellos have a beautiful tone and incredible quality for their price. These cellos are at the top of the list for me.
Fiddlerman
Fiddlerman is a Florida based company making violins, violas, and cellos. The cellos are made and shipped directly from the workshop in Florida. They have a partnership with fiddlershop.com and offer warranties and free adjustments.
Cecilio
Cecilio cellos are handcrafted in LA and come in great outfit packages. This is a popular brand for beginners who are looking for affordable, quality instruments that come in a range of sizes.
D Z Strad
D Z Strad is one of America’s leading workshops, offering a line of cellos that starts at a very budget-friendly price. All of their cellos have attention to detail with a deep quality of sound and are carved in a traditional way.
Maple Leaf Strings
Maple Leaf Strings is a brand that produces a large range of beginner and intermediate violins, violas, and cellos. Not all of their cellos are of the best quality, but there are some that are worth the purchase.
Ren Wei Shi
Ren Wei Shi studied at the Chicago School of Violin Making and has established his own brand of quality violins, violas, and cellos. His cellos are handcrafted and offer a beautiful tone and quality.
Strobel
Strobel Strings is a brand that will do a great job of helping you find an instrument that will be an investment for the future. They have multiple levels of instruments, all of which are outlined with a lot of information on their website.
Beginner Cello Aesthetics and Material
Almost all beginner cellos are made of spruce and maple wood and are finished with a unique varnish.
Wood
Beginner cellos are usually made from wood. The best beginner cellos have a top made of spruce (for sound projection), a body made of maple (for aesthetics), and the fingerboard and fittings made of ebony or rosewood (the best woods for durability).
Finish
The best beginner cellos are made with natural materials. There are many finishes to choose from in a varnish — my personal recommendation is an antique varnish or a spirit varnish.
Color
Beginner cellos are almost all made from varnished wood, although the tone and age of the wood can vary. If you’re looking for something more interesting, check out electric cellos, which are known for their unique designs and colors.
The Bow
Made from either wood or carbon fiber, the bow’s weight and balance are extremely important for playing the cello. A good bow for your cello will be easy to play and create a beautiful sound, while a terrible bow will do just the opposite.
Buying New vs Used
I always recommend buying a new instrument from a good cello brand to ensure a proper setup. Used beginner cellos are ok to purchase if properly set up and in a good condition. Check for cracks in the wood, breaks in the glue, and worn-out fingerboards.
What’s in the Beginner Cello Box?
All beginner cellos come with different things, and some boxes are more extensive than others. Here are some things you might expect:
Cello
Hopefully, your cello will be set up and ready to play, although some cellos do require assembly (such as bridge setup and putting on strings). Definitely ask a teacher or professional to help with this.
Cello Bow
A cello bow is a stick made from either wood or carbon fiber with horsehair connecting its two ends. The bow is important for the sound of the instrument, so look after it by loosening it between practice sessions.
Rosin
Spread rosin along the length of your bow to get the best possible sound out of your cello.
Cello Strings
Your cello will come with a set of strings, and some even come with spares. If you’re unhappy with the sound of your cello, replace the strings with better quality ones. It can make a world of difference.
Cello Stand
Some outfits include a cello stand for you to rest your cello on between practice sessions. If you’re using a cello stand rather than your case to store your cello at home, try to keep your cello from collecting too much dust.
Cello Case
Your cello will come with some form of case, whether hard or soft, but they’re not always the best quality. See if you can purchase a better case to protect your cello well. I recommend hard cases for all cellos.
Extras
To have the best setup possible, make sure you get your hands on the following:
- Extra strings (Keep these with you at all times because strings snap at unexpected times.)
- Mute (Hotel mutes are useful for practicing quietly.)
- Music stand
- Endpin holder
Beginner Cello Brands to Avoid
Watch out for cellos under $500 because they’re usually not very good. Generally, Ebay is not a great place to purchase cellos.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.
How Much Do Beginner Cellos Cost?
There are many beginner cellos available for all budgets, and it’s important to choose the right one for your abilities and goals. Beginner cellos range from about $500 to $3,000, so you’ll be sure to find the right cello for your budget.
What Are the Best Beginner Cellos?
These are the three best beginner cellos, focusing on sound, playability, quality, and affordability.
Scott Cao 017E: Best for Sound
This is the best cello on the list for sound. It comes the closest to a traditional luthier-made instrument.
Maple Strings Ruby Stradivarius: Best for Resonance
A close contender to the Scott Cao 017E for its sound, this cello produces beautiful resonance.
Cecilio Oil Finish CCO-600: Best Budget Cello
At under $1,000, this is the best budget cello on the list. It has a beautiful finish that will impress.
Where Are the Best Beginner Cellos Made?
The best beginner cellos are generally made in Europe, America, and Asia, but you can find quality cellos anywhere in the world.
What Is the Best Sounding Beginner Cello?
The Scott Cao 017E is the best sounding beginner cello.
Where to Buy Beginner Cellos
Shopping in-store gives you the benefit of trying out different cellos and testing them against each other. Buying online offers customer reviews, fast delivery, free returns, and great deals. Just be wary of the super cheap ones!
Amazon
Amazon.com has a variety of the best beginner cellos, and you can find great deals and read reviews from previous customers. You can also test and return your cello for your money back.
Online Music Retailers
Fiddlershop.com and Guitarcenter.com are great online stores where you can find many beginner cello options.
Your Local Music Store
At your local music store, you can try different cellos and hear how they sound against each other. Ask someone to come with you and be sure you love the sound of the cello you pick — every string should resonate evenly and be easy to play.
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In Conclusion
In the end, buying the best beginner cello will always be very a subjective process. You need to be happy with the feel and sound of your new instrument, and there are plenty of cellos out there to make that happen.
Before purchasing your beginner cello, make sure that the cello is comfortable under your fingers and all the strings are resonating and full of sound. You’ll be playing your cello for many hours to come, and you need to be happy with its sound.
If you’ve tried any of the cellos on this list, let me know in the comments, and feel free to share this post with others who are looking for the perfect beginner cello.