Cello Buying Guide

[@markchang2617]

My favorite was cello #2 from the start. It sounded more pleasant to me. The first one sounded harsh.

[@caidlod7143]

Bro I didn’t like the 12,000 dollar one! Unbelievable! I preferred the 2# and 3#

[@donaufderbruck6179]

Funny, I really did not like how the 1st one sounded and it turned out it was the most expensive one among the three. It was a tie between the 1000$ and the 1600$ for me in terms of sound.

[@danjohnson8738]

I am a 75 year old amateur cellist and have had my cello for thirty years or more. It is a very good looking cello with fine figured wood and a very bright , pleasing sound. When saw it it had no label in lt . My teacher and several others with knowledge agree that it is a German cello likely made a around 1900. I was playing a program with my mother who was a very fine pianist, when an older lady came up to me and said that she had inherited a cello from her uncle. The cello had been played in the. West Point orchestra in the 1940s. The next day I saw and bought the cello for the full asking price of $300. It did need to have some glue work and setup with new strings . It was not playable the day I purchased it , but it is my forever cello . The lesson of this story is that a cellist should be playing as many cellos as possible and not ruling out a private sale if the right cello happens to come along.

[@thecelloonline]

That is absolutely a good point. People have nice instruments that for one reason or a another are not being used anymore. Like you said, try as many as possible and have other with knowledge help you decide before purchasing.

[@MsCellobass]

Wow! What a find!

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Love the sound of the third cello.

[@MichaelDBauer]

My ears liked number 3 best though I liked 1 as well. 2 was a no go from the start.

[@vincentL.7]

Idk 2 was the best to my ears, followed by 1 and 3

[@PhxVanguard]

wow... this was an eye opener. i have been watching a lot of cello comparison and review videos and this was very helpful. i played viola years ago as a kid, but i always wanted to play cello and have always just had this recurring urge. my words to describe the three cellos were 1. crisp, clear, powerful. 2. dull, quiet, clunky. 3. rich, buttery, nice. when you brought up the prices, that was the "AHA!" moment. I have really been trying to see if my largely untrained ear could tell the difference and of course... my ear picked #1 for it's clarity and projection. Needless to say, starting out in my 30's for just a hobby around the house, i am not going to buy #1, but my ear liked #3 as a good runner up, although #1 was clearly, far and away the winner for my ear. maybe one day i will want to invest in a #1, but for now a #3 will suit me adequately. thank you!!

[@lynettejones3514]

Number 1 was my favourite. Resonance was much better with this one.

[@tinyman520]

3 is very well balanced, all round most pleasing. 1 sounds deeper and the high notes really sing. 2 was really flat and didn’t have anything going for it. Do you want to sell number 3?

[@damien2198]

What s your opinion on Electric ones ? they seem to sound really nice for the price especially with impulse response applied (like the 3 Sigma French Cello) and are easier to move around.My rental is definitely a #2 one

[@naitomea14]

I'm the outsider that thinks nr 2 is the best xD Nr 1 is so sterile to me. Yes, it sounds exactly how you think a cello should sound, but there is almost no character to it - it does sound almost shallow. Nr2 does have the character. I loved the second piece you played on it. The C string sound like a thunder, this mixed with the D and A string, sound so nice ❤ Nr 3 is like a mix of Nr1 and 2. It does have a more sterile sound, but it does have more character in it. I play cello only since April, so yeah, complete beginner 😅

[@jvaubry]

My first cello was a Romanian cello that cost $5000. After five years on this instrument, i paid my cello teacher(u of mi doctoral cello student) to go to brobst violin shop in Washington DC to audition eight instruments priced between $25k and $40k. Of these eight instruments, she determined only two had promise, a French cello from 1935, and a Collin-mezin cello from 1890. The Collin-Metin was her favorite, but the 1935 cello had a big voice also but dropped off in the higher registers. Upon hearing her comments, the violin shop removed the top, found a worm hole crack in the top under the fingerboard. After repairing the crack, re-attaching the top, cutting a new bridge, and stringing it up with Larsen strings, the instrument has a full sound in all registers, and no wolf notes. I purchased that instrument in 2008 for $25k, it is my only instrument, a French cello made and signed on the back by Joseph Victor Aubry, and his son, Joseph Victor Aubry fils 3rd, made in 1935 in LeHavre France. I purchased this instrument sight unseen, on the basis of the ears of my cello teacher Dr Eileen Brownell.

[@ndechols]

Could you list the maker/model for #3? Would love to hear one in person but can't figure out what it is

[@rrsatx]

Im afraid to ask if theres anything respectable for $600> for a new adult student 4/4 😮

[@MsCellobass]

I just acquired a cello that is meant for people who have some physical challenges- small fingers, or being of short stature or whatever. I loved the sound of this cello and I bought it ( $8000) ouch! It’s called the scala Corta ( short scale) it has a full sized body, shorter neck and lowered fingerboard. The nut of the cello is also narrowed. I bought it thinking that since I have scoliosis it would’ve great. I kid you not this cello really projects and has a good tone but after some months of playing it I began to regret getting it for the simple reason that the bottom of the peg box sat on my shoulder or went up against my shoulder. I am short 5’0” and I had to take the end pin almost all the way out because of the pegbox problem. Since I am an intermediate, I will keep it for some time but I will longer seek out a 7/8 or short scale EVER AGAIN. I have a full size Luis and Clark cello (carbon fiber) and I have no problem playing it and I have had other full sized cellos. So my scoliosis and my short stature has no bearing - besides I don’t have short fingers. Great sounding cello but it seems that you have to be a midget 😂 to play that!

[@noahj4125]

Anyone else think cello one had an awful low end though? The C2s in the prelude felt so weak

[@michaelblaney4461]

After viewing this again , I'm sure the 12k one is solid top, back and sides . Was the difference that maybe the 1k one was all laminated top , back and sides and the the $1599 cello maybe a hybrid solid top ,laminated back and sides . I'm a electric bassist and I'm looking into cello some at $1500 a knilling ( solid top ,laminated back and sides). For me a 3-6k a student instrument is somewhat ridiculous considering for 3k for a electric bass is more then sufficient. I'm sure the law of diminishing returns also applies to viol instruments .

[@billybudd45]

I bet The Andreas Eastman VC305 would be a good choice . I thought cello 1 sounded best . Louder clearer better sustain .

[@JakeSweeper]

It was hard to pick out the differences between 1 and 3, but 2? Well, it had a deeper low-end, but sounded rediculously muffled, as if the sound box was filled with a pillow, compared to the other two.

[@troubleddove]

Ok so can you tell me what brand or where to look for cello number 3? I absolutely adored it in both listenings, and im a young adult whos just hoping to start out. I dont plan on ever playing in a large area so its probably my best option for at least a good while. I dont really have anyone to give me more suggestions but of all the videos ive watched that instrument was lovely. If not do you have any solid suggestions for ones extremely similiar to number 3?

[@troubleddove]

Or even if you had the specific name of the 3rd model so I could try to find it second hand:)

[@healthyheathen]

I came to the comments hoping for the same. 😮‍💨

[@billhubbell3414]

I really liked #1. Thought it sounded brighter and fuller and cleaner. #2 was just bad. #3 runner up but no comparison to #1.

[@StarComet7]

Sounded super good on the high end, kinda mid on the lows

[@GaryMeadowsMusic]

No 1 was my favorite

[@ianahbrewton3669]

What is a reasonable amount for your first cello(budget is not restrictive)? I’m coming from a bass clarinet and plan on buying a cello to learn!

[@thecelloonline]

Are you in the U.S.? Or Elsewhere?

[@ianahbrewton3669]

@@thecelloonline hi! I’m located in the US!

[@thecelloonline]

A few months ago I had a student spend around $5000 for a very good instrument. You have to shop around. You can get quality instruments for less around $1200-$1500. Once you go below that you are looking at rental re-sales or things that shops consider b grade. You want an instrument that is really going to respond to all the things you are learning. The $5000 range is for those really committing long term. An instrument like that will last a student through college and beyond. If you are a professional or pre-professional you would probably want to get something a little nicer but always remember that you don't always get what you pay for. When this $5000 cello was purchased it was chosen over a $6500 cello that did not sound as good. Remember to try them out in the same space so the comparison is neutral. Have someone you trust play it for you in front of you and listen to you play it. These are really key. Let me know how else I can help.

[@spinozareader]

I live 2.75 hrs from St. Louis. I'm thinking about a road trip to buy a cello from there. Any shops you'd recommend? I spoke with the folks at Top Notch over the phone and found them very patient and helpful. Thanks so much!

[@MsCellobass]

Great video cello no 2 sounded muffled no 3 sounded meh ok😁 Cello 1. Is the winner

[@kyraschlining4562]

Cello #1 by a long shot.

[@xaldinnix9410]

I like 1, 2, and 3 all for different reasons. To hear you explain the deferent sounds, it seems like you have synesthesia. I personally have always wanted to learn the cello, but my end goal is to be able to play the cello part in R.E.M's The Sweetness Follows, and Flames by V.A.S.T. Could you recommend a set up that could get me there? The closest person that can teach cello is a 60 mile drive through heavy traffic, and that's just not doable for me.

[@jenna2431]

I feel the pain. I live in the Great Valley of Maryland which isn't great if you're a classical musician. I took up cello again after a 47year break in that oh-so-fun summer 2020. There's just NADA out here. The nearest community orchestra is 50 miles one way. You'd need something with a pick-up for what you want to play. The Forte Carbon Fiber with 3-D printed parts (Fiddlershop) would have a good projection AND be bullet-proof if it'll be a gigging cello. That's my .02.

[@emmanuelverdin8653]

Hey, I've found a listing for a Krutz 100 series cello for around $900. It appears to be in good condition and doesn't have structural damage. I'm on the line since I don't know much about Krutz, do you think you can offer me some advice? I'm a college student and would like to join a local symphony.

[@thecelloonline]

I have seen Krutz they are ok, last a while, we have some in our classroom purchased before I got there and I have been there 8 years. Without hearing it and seeing it its hard to say I wouldn't want to give you a firm opinion without playing it and seeing it. Do you have another cellist or a teacher that can play it for you and give another opinion? In the local symphony you mentioned do you already know anyone in there that could help you make a decision? I would start there.

[@sarahbrzezniak373]

Clay, is there a national cello registry and does the number stamped or printed on the label like the number 10000 indicate that it could have been built in the 1940’s?

[@thecelloonline]

I don’t believe there is a registry. The number could be a serial number or model number from that maker. Contact me through the website and let me see a picture of the label.

[@thecelloonline]

Or if you have a google drive or icloud drive link of the label post that in a reply here maybe someone in our community has seen that label from that maker before.

[@tavi22love]

Number 3 was just enough for me

[@austinburns4213]

Excellent video. First, I am not a cello player. I really liked #3 for balance on the low end - it seemed the best controlled of the three, but unfortunately, it got kind fuzzy and muted as you went up the scale; quieter than the others. #1 seemed a little too bright and nasally at times on both the lowest notes and highest notes. That may be desirable? or a function of the microphones and computer speakers I am listening through. Clearly loads of volume projection and perhaps that will mellow out over the years. #2 - I thought it sounded like cardboard, frankly. Again, listening though computer speakers. Years ago I started to learn cello as an adult, but soon gave up due to arthritis. At the time, I was surprised at the range of instrument prices, and perplexed why they make a 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 25K instruments and so on... What is the real difference between a 3K and 4K? It didn't seem like a linear scale for what you got for your money. I think this video points out you have to hear them to understand, and each instrument is its own beast, irrespective of price. Perhaps on average, 1-2K makes a difference, but there may be a significant overlap instrument to instrument. The one you like is the one you like, and your budget limitations are yours alone. If you won the lottery, you may still choose a 3K instrument.

[@katcomshaw-arnold6979]

Not a cello player, and even I picked 1, 3, then 2. So if I were beginning, I would rent, or the price of free would sound great.

[@mxz6607]

I like the #1 when I first heard it, #2 sounds a bit dull like something is blocking it, #3 was too bright too loud and squeaky in a sense.

[@drmarx999]

So, what were the three celli? I liked #1 as being the most balanced from top to bottom, and the nicest tone. #2 had nothing going for it, and I thought that #3 was brassy. I prefer my Jay Haide over all of them! Nice video!

[@thecelloonline]

The first one is my personal Cello that I usually use in the videos. It was made by a maker in Atlanta Boguslaw Kieta. The second is by Knilling, their Bucharest Model and the third is a Hans Kroger Model sold by South West Strings. I inquired and they no longer carry this model.

[@firechill9999]

@@thecelloonline I also liked the first most. How did you find this cello?

[@andreaholcek4094]

Wonderful information. Thank you thank you !

[@thecelloonline]

@@andreaholcek4094 Glad I could help

[@salemamahajan349]

Hello can you know brands as I am adult cello person and I want to upgrade between 2500 to 3500 can you let me know what is good in that range ,looking at a piccolo romainian cello 7/8 at a reputable music store and how is Wultee? Jaid Haid ? And eatmsn ? Thsnk you

[@Rosahonung]

think nr 2 sound the best honestly, its clean and balanced

[@chad8380]

Hm, Where do electric cellos fall into this equation?

[@CC-Pi]

I thought cello 3 sounded better at first until you played the higher notes, then cello 1 revealed it's self as much better balanced sound across all frequencies.

[@verticalhamburger9517]

First one sounded clunky and dry. Second one sounded a bit hollow; the first one had too much midrange, this one had too little. Third one had more bite than the second, and although it wasn't that impressive, I think I liked that one the most

[@McBumbleFlump]

lol and here I am going "wow number 2 has such a clean sound. 3 has a beautiful growling bass sound along with the brightness. And 1 just sounds bad"

[@Locrum]

From least to most expensive I would have guessed 1, 3, then 2.

[@scottstarkey2286]

I thought #3 had the least favorable sound. 2 was great as was 1.

[@IsraelIsLikeWater]

I wonder if the strings were new on each cello… 🤔

[@DijonStockpile]

I like 2 but I also like scooped mids and coke zero

[@Yesthankyou8]

I liked N1 and 3

[@alimoghnieh1621]

Is it a complete waste of money to buy a $350 electric cello to learn on if one is not trying to become a professional cellist?

[@thecelloonline]

Link please if you have one. $350 is not very much. Its not about whether you are becoming a professional, its about whether or not the instrument is going to respond to what you are learning to do. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get a tool to do a job that it is just too cheap or not built to do.

[@alimoghnieh1621]

​@@thecelloonline for some reason KZbin is not allowing me to post that link here, but if you want to look it up, it's the Cecilio CECO-1DW Electric Silent Cello.

[@jamesliu327]

Cello 3 is better than cello 1 for me. So the price does not reflect the quality?

[@thecelloonline]

In this case for sure, price absolutely does not reflect quality. As you get into different tiers yes an upper tier instrument is going to cost more. But again, if all things are relative a $25,000 instrument could sound better than a $35,000 instrument.

[@thecelloonline]

Also, this kind of thing just happened recently with a student. $5,000 better than $7,000… hands down beyond a shadow of a doubt better.

[@tatianaes3354]

*THE $1600 cello has the best sound.* But the chap is right that it is not the only criteria. So-called “projection” can not be heard via KZbin in such a test, so we have to trust him that $12000 cello is heard from further away, so it is the only choice for bigger performance halls. This cello has to be compared to others within its own price range, not to the cheaper ones in the video.

[@thecelloonline]

Yes I wish there was a way to do that. My dream is to one day remake this video in a concert hall or recital hall.

[@tatianaes3354]

@@thecelloonline such an experiment is too expensive.

[@michaelblaney4461]

So $3000- 6000 for a high level student cello ? Moral of the story , be well off to start this instrument.

[@thecelloonline]

Yes, thats the estimate here in the St. Louis area where I am. And I made this video a year ago before inflation took off.

[@TheCatGoesRawrMusik]

I am gonna be playing as a hobby XP Liked Chello 3 best (less resonant but more balanced) did not like Chello 2 or 1 did however think that chello 2 sounded more balanced even if not resonat guesses were Chello 1 800 - 1200 (I am not kidding XD) Chello 2 1000 - 1500 Chello 3 1800 - 2500

[@trabouliste1037]

I guessed 5000 for #1, 500 for #2 and 1000 for #3. #2 ist totally flat and without any resonance.

[@MephydeliosMarskiger]

1 Ups are good, balance, sound and bass were also rich. Lows good at best, but yet balance with overall sound. 3mid ups, lows were even better than 1 2 i didn't like it, too sharp/edgy for my soul

[@billybudd45]

Cello 2 doesn't have the presence that 1 and 3 have

[@iscavengersam]

3

[@trabouliste1037]

A resonant concert hall may compensate for a less resonant body (as for example in this very nice interpretation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZOrZH2Pm7edhbMsi=rbJZkPEpr9vQeqDq), but it isn’t that body…

[@SVAFnemesis]

musicians, regardless of their experience and skill, tend to user impropoer words to describe sound quality. 'warm, mellow, bright, clear, muddy' these words has zero meaning. Sound engineers would've describe different sound quality based on their actual attributes such as resonance, timbre, attack, delay, etc.

[@thecelloonline]

You misspelled improper. I do like the comment, really. We should all strive to expand our vocabulary when it comes to the sound. Our vocabulary is very lacking. When you start drawing a line in the sand though and claiming that certain words are dogma when it comes to describing sound, you have missed the point I'm afraid. This is an organic process, sound and music go where words can not. We do our best to describe the sound with the words we have but ultimately words will always fail, no matter how good we get at it. And that is as it should be. Experiencing music should be different from experiencing the written/spoken word. If words could absolutely describe the sound and ultimately replace the need for the sound there would be no point in music. It is a subjective art form, not an absolute. There are no "right" words and "wrong" words.

[@scottlife1697]

Hilarious! Cello#1 sounds shrill and bright. Not to my liking. Cello #2 was my favourite by a long shot! Dark, Mellow resonates with my personal frequency. Cello #3 least favourite weak tone, boring and rough. Lol

[@Swamp_Donkey_]

bro wtf is going on with that last chord?

[@shinoalee9932]

My guess is the creator just isn't that good at playing the cello

[@cassieramirez2086]

My teacher is in high demand 😭 he was just like “see you next week. Get your own cello for classes from now on” can barely even get ahold of the guy. He’s not going anywhere with me, not even cello shopping 🥲

[@michaelblaney4461]

Time to reevaluate your teacher I guess, there are other teachers . You have picked a extraordinarily expensive instrument to learn.

[@Globeguy1]

What is considered customary when a teacher goes cello shopping with you? Do you compensate them somehow? Maybe a thank you gift?