Can You Hear a Difference Between an Electric Cello vs Acoustic Cello? | Bach Cello Suite No. 1

[@WendyLaw]

🌟Learn about my NEW Cello Mastery Academy launching soon!! Please apply here and learn more: bit.ly/3Hjc0Wg

[@johnstrawb3521]

@Wendy Law I'm not sure what that second thing is, but it's not a cello! (From someone who is smitten with both acoustic and electric guitar.) Thanks, though, for the opportunity to compare.

[@kippen64]

Electric cello, pleasant. Accoustic cello, reaches into my soul.

[@jacquespienaar5627]

this comment should be a famous quote

[@RobYoungband]

agreed. acoustic far more beautiful.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@RobYoungband The Electric Cello sound falls in between a Cello and a Baritone Saxophone

[@williamkauffman5745]

the natural cello has a deeper, more complex tonal quality

[@WoWCabbage]

Such a large difference. The acoustic is fuller, seems to have more range(?), and resonates more. Just better sounding. The electric cello is good for very tight spaces, that’s the key advantage but it has few benefits when compared to the other.

[@LouisFrayser]

I'm surprised. I prefer the sound of the electric. It's sounds smoother and the sounds are more equalized high-to-low. The acoustic does have a lot more character, especially the lows. Probably with different amplifications I might prefer it over the electric. Thanks for the video. I think I will still buy an acoustic 1st.

[@danielbelik]

Of course, acoustic cello need a good microphone and the room also does matter, then it will be better on the record. On electric recording process is easier.

[@marktaz1]

To me the electric sounds muffled, whereas the acoustic is bright and clean. But my question is about the electric's amplification system and its EQ settings. I'm guessing that can make a big difference! But regardless, thanks for the fun video, Wendy!

[@erikak8187]

I totally diss agree with your opinion on the electric cello. That’s not a nice thing to say.

[@MysticalDragon73]

@@erikak8187 How the hell was it not nice? Geesh thats absurd. Mark was spot on with his inputs.

[@peter2uat]

@@erikak8187 I see/hear a problen in this comparison of two totally different types of instruments. The acoustic cello has a big resonating body perfectly shaped and carved to do its thing, whereas an electric cello has only a small transducer of 2.5" in length (not a microphone!) and nothing to resonate.The 'sound' is solely made by using the right combination of filters and amplification. Even the loudspeakers play a dominant role in the way the listener will appreciate the/any instrument. Miss Wendy does not show what type and size of speaker she is using, maybe only something like a desktop sized one? I really don't know. On the other hand - have a look at studio speakers as used in music production - a small sized active one (8x8x8") will cost you $ 1250 per piece - are you willing to pay such a sum just for everyday listening ? Most people, great musicians included, do not care about the quality of their electronic home sound equipment - don't ask how I know!

[@sillywwabbit]

I wouldn't mind having an electric cello - though I don't think I would go for a 6 string model. That said, I still prefer the sound of the acoustic Cello over the electric. Even in Impulse mode it can't achieve the subtle overtones of the acoustic, IMO.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Actually the Electric Cello is built in a way to sound more like an Amplified Acoustic. The 6 stringer is easier than you think as the 4 normal strings are in the center with 1 additional string on each side

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Actually Acoustic Cellos nowadays have been redesigned to have the same response as an Electric.

[@michaelow-yong7908]

Great playing Wendy. The acoustic cello carries more tonal characteristics while the electric filtered all the nuances. Choosing between the two depends on the nature of project, whether it's a classical or pop event. The electric has its own tonal appeal for the pop listener.

[@erikak8187]

People stop making rude comments about the sound when Wendy plays the Electric cello. Her playing the cello is her life. I swear so many people like to come on KZbin or what ever and say mean things and bash people. Stop that or stay off if you have nothing nice to say.

[@dubai-xs9nn]

Yes, big difference. I prefer the acoustic one. Thanks

[@Owldaughter]

This is such an interesting comparison. It comes down to overtones. There’s more complexity to the acoustic sound. You can also finesse the sound production by choosing where to play the note, since they resonate differently depending on where they’re produced on the fingerboard. The sound on the electric was more even overall, but that’s not necessarily what we’re looking for when interpreting a piece. I use my electric for technical practise, but for working on musicality and more complex/subtle sound production, I use my acoustic. There’s a whole different dimension to the sound of an acoustic.

[@H-DA]

I'm thinking about getting a cello and you might be able to help me, since you play e and a cello. :) I wonder if a heavy mute can make the a cello as silent as an e cello and if it's still fun to play with mute. Because my apartment has got paperthin walls, I will have to play muted all of the time and I wonder if a electric one makes more sense in that case. I love acoustic instruments but I play a digital piano, too and I prefered playing an electric violin (but the high sounds are not for me, that's why I'm looking for a cello instead) because of that. So I guess I would be better having an electric cello, too even as a beginner?

[@billie_the_birdie]

This makes me want to pick up cello again. My acoustic one is still at my parents' house but I'm tempted to save up for an electric one. A) it looks much easier to carry around and B) I live in a flat so being able to plug in headphones when practicing would be much more social 😂

[@cliffordsmith428]

The acoustic sounds so rich and airy. The electric sounds nice… like a good effort with a cold. I do love this piece.😍😌❤️

[@hxjp1234]

Bach Cello Suite No. 1

[@peter2uat]

from my point of view (hearing...) this comparison does not give the full potential of the electric instrument, as room acoustics play a big role in addition to the loudspeakers used to reproduce the sound. You most certainly have used speakers designed just for home listening, not for reproducing the sound of an electronic instrument. There are great differences in speaker & amplifier technology, which should not be left out of the comparison. Even the microphone used has a different effect on the sound. BUT - YOU play beautifully!

[@erikak8187]

Yes. Absolutely. The electric cello has a nice deep zing to it. The classical cello has a deeper rich sound to it. I love them both can’t wait to see more videos with your Electric cello. Have you ever heard of Tina Gup she does a lot of industrial metal videos and she also does classical videos. Some of her industrial videos she plays both. Maybe you could connect with her and get some ideas and who knows what the tide may bring. She’s based out in Las Vegas. I have the up most respect for both of you. She plays a lot on the electric cello. She’s been playing for a very long time.I’m so happy for you branching out and getting an electric cello. I was wondering for a very long Tim if that was something you wanted to do. I wish I had said something to you sooner. You are going to have so much fun. You can’t go wrong. I’m excited to see more videos. You deserve nothing but the best. You are so talented. Virtual hug

[@Malinda-l9u]

wow, well the Electric Cello was very low and pretty soothing. And as for the Acoustic Cello had more of a slight beautiful high sound. Therefore they were both amazing💮🌸

[@cmorr72]

Good show. To hear the tone, range, vibration from each type. Thank you for sharing and demonstrating the difference of sounds.

[@f1rebreather123]

Perosnal prefernce, i love the deep warm sound of the electric cello. Both sounded great

[@shellytaylor851]

Oh and I house sat for 2 weeks, taking only my e-cello. Lol I was nodding at my husband impatiently as I was tuning my acoustic cello because I missed it so much! I bought my Leeche right after you bought your NS. BECAUSE you did, I was curious. So fun!

[@TracyParks-r7v]

Electric cello has six strings, plus fret dots on the finger board. How handy. Wondering if the electric cello was being amplified using the pick up. I preferred the rich sound of the traditional cello. Just love your music, you are a genius!❤️

[@pieterhavenaar466]

Clearly they both sound quite differrent, but the most important to me is that your accoustic instrument is musicly far more responsive and expressive, less bland.

[@shulehr]

simpy put, it's just brighter

[@anotherbibliophilereads]

I was trying not to watch while listening. The electric cellos sounds deeper, but I’m not an expert. It would be interesting to play behind a curtain with more than cello and the electric for a blind hearing test.

[@leestoichkova]

I live for that little smile she has when she's playing

[@marykarensolomon7103]

Oh, I had hoped for the entire first suite! I thought the acoustic cello was livelier, spikier, with more overtones, while the electric cello was very pretty, very smooth, but not as expressive.

[@peggykelliher5698]

The non-electric is deeper, richer, fuller. The resonance is complete. The sound builds in the belly of the cello!! Fabulous tone.

[@JohnAdams-we9gs]

Your acoustic sounds brighter or clean. The electric sounds good but it's kind of muddy. Maybe run some delay and distortion on it for an 80's guitar sound. Jk

[@wayneyoung8647]

@wendylaw thank you. This was interesting. I found the acoustic cello’s more pleasant and open. The electric cello sounded closed and it had too much sustain on the notes which did not give them the definition needed for much of this piece; maybe the preamp was too hot. The electric cello needed to be given a few FXs. The NS Design cello had no sound from the room like was picked up when recording the acoustic cello. Which model is this NS cello? Thank you again.

[@jamesthornton2306]

To me the electric cello sounds so much better for a deeper richer tone that you really fell resonate through your body/speakers. The Acoustic to me sounded higher pitched and eerie. Could be since the electric needs a amp and mic placement or maybe the electric was plugged straight into a recording device. Great video

[@MystearicaClaws]

Bach suite No. 5 prelude is my personal favorite 🤣🤣🤣 all of them are good but there is so many layers to No. 5. It resonates with me lol

[@johndearmond9582]

Love your channel FYI ! Sooo is the electric using a mounted pick up ? And is the acoustic using a microphone or a pick up ? That said my ear prefers the acoustic sound it’s warmer, and it’s simply has more soul, the sound seems to emanate in a more 3D manner. And the electric also seems more compressed and and less micro dynamics of the decay the resonance of the instrument. Whereas the electrics resonance is thin.

[@edwardharvey5839]

love the Acoustic

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Geared tuners are a big improvement over the friction pegs plus they point over your shoulder in playing position which is super cool. From doing more research, Electric Cellos actually are a fraction of the price of Acoustic Cellos due to how much easier they are to mass produce.

[@stephenmichalski2643]

I preferred the acoustic.....while at times the electric did indeed sound cool.....there just seemed something pristine or natural with the acoustic.....I thought it allowed more space as it were in the sound and notes......the electric seemed to fill up the air....... encompassing all.......thanks for doing this.......pretty much reinforces my leanings to get a cello instead of a violin.....though in fairness I should give the latter another listen.......but my god I'm torn somewhat .....must decide before winter.....wanna practice by the firelight. Thanks for sharing💖🌈💖 🎼💖🌈💖......cello goddess 🤣🤣🤣😉😉😄😄😄 why isn't there a cello emoji? Birdbrains.

[@dessa_vr]

I’m impressed by the NS but a real cello is still a real cello. I guess it will depend from the music you want to create. Bach didn’t had an eCello so…the real is the deal. But the NS is a different bread. The flexibility it does offer is unparalleled and for sure less expensive the a true performing cello. I think it all depends what you are aiming for. For this piece and the style used I still, definitely, prefer a real cello. Throughout headphones I can’t feel the vibrations that a cello creates, but since I’m a cellist, I know it well. And that is what get in your soul.

[@joshspindelman8302]

North Adams-Jerome Elementary 5th grade music class thinks: Electric was higher in volume and had a deeper tone. :)

[@Thorsmydog]

I for one like the electric cello more, but this is only because imo it blends the notes cleaner and has a much more bold sound, really hits the deeper notes as well as it carry’s them much smoother again in MY opinion. The acoustic is without a doubt the better of the two when it comes to natural sound, you have so much more control over each aspect of every note, but anyone with a an appreciation for the orchestra can notice these small tone changes but to the untrained ear they go unnoticed. I hope this gives a decent insight.

[@ktverdun]

Interesting comparison. I suspect the speaker for the electric cello was closer to the microphone than the acoustic cello was. The electric cello's volume might have been a little bit too high for where it was in relation to the microphone. The tone seemed both louder and more muffled, if that makes any sense and seemed to continue to ring for a while even after you move to the next note. The acoustic seemed to be brighter overall. There was more light and shade between the notes and felt much more expressive.

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

It's not even close, although I dig the 6 strings. Signed, tenor saxophone player (similar range to cello).

[@gordonkersten1327]

I would love to hear you put that high E to use on the sixth suite!

[@captainldd]

Both very cool

[@iainemacdonald4663]

Sooooo much more depth to acoustic cello sound. Stresses, emotionally, etc are just all more muted on the electric.

[@WendyLaw]

True

[@gaylecheung3087]

You really love this piece

[@shellytaylor851]

Lol your NS sounds way better than my Leeche. My amp isn’t top of the line either. I prefer my cheap student cello’s sound to my e-cello. But I like my e-cello for headphones and early mornings. I think your traditional cello would sound better if it was mic-ed up different. Idk. ?

[@mattbrown2190]

Can you play the gigue from the first cello suite?

[@ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣΔΡΕΤΑΚΗΣ-ω9β]

I do not have musical education ....the electric is nice and maybe if you treat the sound through the electric guitar equipment can be very interesting But the wooden one is clear POWER !!!

[@takenyabolton3652]

I watched half of it with my hand over the screen so that I could hear the difference but not see it. I checked when I heard a difference to see which one it was. When I listened to it blindly, the electric one was usually a little deeper bur not consistently so. When I watched and listened to the switch, the electric one was consistently deeper. The only real difference is that the electric one is a bit deeper.

[@joshfung2131]

I think the electricity has more of a muffled warmer sound. The acoustic has more of a richer, silvery tone. Can't compare to a well-made strad.

[@abdulshabazz8597]

Electric for its portability, EQ, and multiple stringed instrument emulation; the acoustic for in Live concert.

[@AJ-hd2mr]

The electric cello sounds warmer and fuller but the notes blend too much. The acoustic cello sounds a bit harsher but with soul and originality.

[@lilaclaicc]

Electric cello seems easier for string crossings as the angle for the bow across each string is smaller.

[@H-DA]

I actually prefer the electric one in sound. The acoustic one sounds "flat" to me, I guess it's because the recording doesn't get it as good as the electric one.

[@WendyLaw]

Awww they are both good and different

[@Abby-gu5gd]

The electric sounds smoother, while acoustic sounds more authentic, and a bit scratchier, but in a good way. I prefer acoustic, but mainly because that's what I'm really familiar with

[@tioliak]

What a wonderful electric cello sound! What amp and eq settings do you use?

[@thorgrimharryson2329]

The electric one is sacrilegious JK and is muffled, but the acoustic one is bright warm clean strong, and all the above.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The Electric Cello sound on clean falls in between an Acoustic Cello and a Baritone Saxophone

[@danielwatts845]

I would have to say that the electric cello has a more softer feel in the ear than the acoustic cello. The acoustic cello has more air a bright texture to my ear. Personally I like the electric cello best.

[@shotmonkey7219]

Are you using any kind of impulse response on the electric?

[@adrianaeeloirjonas4431]

Electric is so dark but very sweet

[@alvarojosefernandezlago]

Electric: incredible , distorted sound, like having 3 resonance boxes glued together. Must be difficult to extract good sounds from that.

[@aveyrosenorwood8345]

The electric cello has a deeper sound and the other one sounds brassy for some reason, am I right?

[@joshspindelman8302]

North Adams Jerome Public Schools 4th grade says the Electric sounds deeper.

[@joseolagu4091]

The electric has more powerful low tones ( amplifier equalizer, and much more filtered high tones) . Electric shouldn't be similar to acoustic. Cheers

[@angelify1136]

Hi Wendy, Just bought myself an NXTa and was looking at the stand option trying to decide between the end pin stand or the frame strap as I don’t feel connected to the cello using the tripod.. I was leaning toward the strap but than I noticed you seemed to be using your knees to squeeze and stabilize the cello sitting down. I’m not sure if it would be comfortable to have long practice session.. Any advice? Thanks!!

[@garyguyton7373]

There's definitely a Huge difference between the two. As you said, preferring one over the other is purely subjective. With that said, the acoustic Wins!, hands down. The electric has a fuller tone, but that also means it can't deliver the clarity of the acoustic. Without the clarity, the nuances of any particular composition will be lost. There's a young lady who has an electric guitar rendition of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, 3rd. movement up on YT. Her name is Tina S. A virtuoso demonstration, beyond all doubt. But that performance lost all the subtitles and nuances of the original. I think the electric cello will be in the same boat, unless your technique can overcome what I'm hearing now. I'm really curious, Lady Wendy Law. You're new to the electric. Will there come a time you can make the difference go away? Or will they always be used to achieve different things?

[@michaelkopala3738]

I think once I can hear a difference. The 'real' Cello has much deeper sound more 'quality'. The electric cello sounds to my ears just a little harsh but you may not have had the time to really practice on it. I think it has great potential, though. Love your merch but as a guy can't quite wear them, though they will make nice presents for few ladies I know.

[@mekosmowski]

They're both cellos. I am becoming convinced the the electric cello would benefit more from instrument IR than violin if classical performance was the goal.

[@jennyc5100]

The electric one is cool, but it sounds like the song has a cold! 😊

[@MaQuGo119]

Isn't this more a test on the speakers that you're using on the electric?

[@samhouch]

what model NS design cello?

[@catkeys6911]

Oh, Jesus, I mean, there is NO comparison! You are, of course a consummate musician, and you must have a good reason to own that electric cello, but, as we say here in NY, forgettaboutit! The acoustic is so rich and so much more COMPLEX in tone- there is just so much MORE going into its sound. The other one is basically steel wire vibrating past magnets and coils (I know that's an oversimplification, maybe, but still, it can't compete with a good acoustic instrument). And can't you hear that boomy sound that the electric one seems to get at points where you're playing those notes at 2:44 - it really gets muddy there -?

[@istvanbalogh8254]

The difference is absolutely crazy. The acoustic cello is rich and mellow sounding, the fake cello is dark and has zero mellowness in its sound.. it may work as a electric bass for jazz, but not for the great Bach pieces!!

[@davidbell8606]

The electric sounds more muffled to me, as if some of the upper harmonics are missing. I prefer the traditional cello.

[@JessikahElise]

Both sound good but the acoustic one sounds better to me.

[@joshspindelman8302]

North Adams Jerome public school 3rd grade says "the electric one has lower tone.

[@scotthutson736]

Yeah, the electric doesn't even sound like a cello. The bright full sound of the real one far outpaces the synthetic sound of the electric.

[@pawelposp]

Acustic has more treble , electric has more smooth sound.

[@philbarone4603]

Oh yeah

[@bhawks7795]

Acoustic sounds so much more natural and musical! Electric is fine but to me it sounds like you are playing it in a barrel that makes the sound echo. I'm not a musician so can't quite describe it.

[@erikak8187]

I’m sorry Wendy that you have to deal with people being mean and saying rude things.

[@garyb2392]

I could tell them apart…inexplicably I liked the electric cello more…sounded richer to me.

[@stephenjohnson5589]

The sound on the wood one is much deeper and I like it better. The electric sounds like a computer.

[@Err_Pammda]

The electric one seams it’s being played underwater.

[@cleborozco9370]

Electc has the sound of an auditorium

[@charlesadamo5825]

Definitely a difference. The acoustic sounds somehow constricted when compared to the electronics.

[@stuff6893]

wow...what a difference (to my fat ears anyway) thank you for sharing!!!!!

[@AB-pe5nl]

The electric has no soul! It doesn't have that dankness, the stank, the grit. Still sounds good tho, probably great for practicing.

[@danascullygenesis]

Non sono paragonabili. Due dimensioni ugualmente intense

[@lindakosoff398]

Electric is so different from acoustic! Elec sounds rather muted and not as resonant. It comes across as not being able to keep up with the music being played note by note

[@bruceybizzle]

I felt the electric sounded quite muddy and the individual notes all muffled together. The acoustic sounds clear as day

[@wagnerargolo]

The acoustic is much better, in my opinion.

[@michaeldomanski2472]

Acoustic sounds crisp. Electric is ok

[@mi2cents265]

Electric cello is awesome for silent practice but it has not evolved enough to be compare to an acoustic instrument.

[@dennisschmidt848]

There is a hug difference. The electric cello sounds tiny and totally unlike a proper cello. I think the sound rather unpleasant.

[@magister34]

Акустика звучит как стерео электро как моно😅

[@bludika]

no comparison, acoustic cello sounds way better, electric sounds really souless and flat

[@WendyLaw]

Also depends who plays it right? 😁

[@matthewmcdermit8744]

The acoustic cello is alive. The electric cello sounds muffled. I much prefer the acoustic cello.

[@Batboy-oc5rz]

Acoustic sounds more natural

[@frederickfarias9515]

Overtones with the acoustic cello.

[@philbarone4603]

Should be done blind though, behind a curtain

[@gaylecheung3087]

lol