Instrument Rentals Made Easy

Cellos

What is a cello?

The cello is a four-stringed member of the violin family, best known for its soaring yet somber voice and rich, wide register of bass and tenor tones. Cellos can be bowed or plucked (pizzicato) to suit a variety of styles and scores.

When was the cello invented?

The cello (or violoncello, as it was first known) emerged from the violin family in 16th- and 17th-century Northern Italy. Originally designed to support bass lines and emulate the expressive qualities of the human voice, the cello’s deeply resonant, emotive tone made it a favorite for solo work and ensemble settings alike. Today, the cello remains a cornerstone of classical music while continuing to gain ground in contemporary genres, including film scores, gaming soundtracks, and streaming series.

How do you tune a cello?

Standard cello tuning is C2, G2, D3, A3 (low to high). The easiest way to tune your cello is to clip a chromatic tuner to the bridge and, beginning with the A string and working your way down, slowly turn each tuning peg until you reach the correct pitch. Once all four strings are close, use the fine tuners at the tailpiece to dial in precise adjustments, since changing one string’s tension can slightly affect the others. No dedicated tuner? Many mobile tuning apps deliver reliable results using your phone’s microphone.

How much does a good cello cost?

Cello prices at Sweetwater vary based on build quality, materials, and player level. Student cellos in the $1,000–$3,000 range provide a strong foundation for beginners taking their first steps in orchestral music. Intermediate cellos in the $3,000–$6,000 range feature higher-grade tonewoods and construction for a richer sound as students advance. Professional cellos, prized for their artisan craftsmanship and hand-selected tonewoods, can exceed $10,000. Whatever your level, Sweetwater’s curated cello selection is backed by our 40-point Band and Orchestra Inspection and world-class customer support.

What size cello do I need?

Choosing the right cello size is foundational to comfort and technique. Find tips for sizing your next cello by height, age, or arm length in our string instrument sizing guide, complete with charts and diagrams to start players of all ages on the right path.

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Photo of Knilling 153S Sebastian Student Cello Outfit - 3/4 Size

Knilling 153S Sebastian Student Cello Outfit - 3/4 Size

3/4-size Cello Outfit with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Ribs, Ebony Fittings, Maple Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Brazilwood Bow, and Deluxe Case
$1,849.00
Or $39.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Photo of Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outift - 4/4 Size, Sweetwater Setup

Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outift - 4/4 Size, Sweetwater Setup

4/4-size Cello with Spruce Top, Laminated Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard and Fittings, Despiau Bridge, Wittner Ultra Tailpiece, Bag, Bow, and Strings
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Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 1/2 Size

1/2-size Cello Outfit with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fingerboard and Pegs, Despiau Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Fine Tuners, Soft Case, Bow, and Rosin
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Or $82.00/month§ with
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Photo of Eastman VC305 Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello - 4/4 Size

Eastman VC305 Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello - 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard, Ebony Pegs, and Tailpiece with Fine Tuners
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Photo of Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outfit - 3/4 Size, Sweetwater Setup

Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outfit - 3/4 Size, Sweetwater Setup

3/4-size Cello with Spruce Top, Laminated Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard and Fittings, Despiau Bridge, Wittner Ultra Tailpiece, Bag, Bow, and Strings
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Photo of Yamaha Silent Cello SVC-50 Electric Cello - Black

Yamaha Silent Cello SVC-50 Electric Cello - Black

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Photo of Yamaha SVC300F Pro Silent Series Cello - Antique Brown

Yamaha SVC300F Pro Silent Series Cello - Antique Brown

Electric Cello with Spruce/Maple Body, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Piezo Pickup, and SRT Powered System - Antique Brown
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Photo of Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 3/4 Size

Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 3/4 Size

3/4-size Cello Outfit with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fingerboard/Pegs/Chinrest, Despiau Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Fine Tuners, Case, Bow, and Rosin
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Photo of Yamaha SVC300C Pro Silent Series Cello - Antique Brown

Yamaha SVC300C Pro Silent Series Cello - Antique Brown

Electric Cello with Spruce/Maple Body, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Piezo Pickup, and SRT Powered System - Antique Brown
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Photo of Eastman VC305 Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello - 3/4 Size

Eastman VC305 Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello - 3/4 Size

3/4-size Cello with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard, Ebony Pegs, and Tailpiece with Fine Tuners
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Or $82.00/month§ with
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Photo of Eastman VC702 Wilhelm Klier Professional Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size, Guarneri Pattern
$376.48 Bundle Savings

Eastman VC702 Wilhelm Klier Professional Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size, Guarneri Pattern

4/4-size Cello with German Spruce Top, German Maple Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard and Pegs; Textured ABS Cello Case, 4/4-size Pernambuco Cello Bow, GPR #7 Dark/Medium-soft Cello Rosin, and 2"-wide Endpin Anchor
$7,999.00
Or $223.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello Outfit with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fingerboard/Pegs/Chinrest, Despiau Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Fine Tuners, Case, Bow, and Rosin
$2,940.00
Or $82.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 1/4 Size

Eastman VC100 Samuel Eastman Student Cello Outfit - 1/4 Size

1/4-size Cello Outfit with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fingerboard/Pegs/Chinrest, Despiau Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Fine Tuners, Soft Case, Bow, and Rosin
$2,940.00
Or $82.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outfit - 1/2 Size, Sweetwater Setup

Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outfit - 1/2 Size, Sweetwater Setup

1/2-size Cello with Spruce Top, Laminated Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard and Fittings, Despiau Bridge, Wittner Ultra Tailpiece, Bag, Bow, and Strings
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Photo of Eastman VC702 Wilhelm Klier Professional Cello - 4/4 Size, Guarneri Pattern

Eastman VC702 Wilhelm Klier Professional Cello - 4/4 Size, Guarneri Pattern

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Or $175.00/month§ with
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Photo of Howard Core C34 Core Conservatory Cello - Orange-red Varnish, 4/4 Size

Howard Core C34 Core Conservatory Cello - Orange-red Varnish, 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello with Spruce Top, Maple Back, Maple Ribs, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Ebony Pegs, and Despiau Bridge - Orange-red Varnish
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Or $60.00/month§ with
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Photo of Howard Core C31 Core Conservatory Cello - Medium Orange-brown Varnish, 4/4 Size

Howard Core C31 Core Conservatory Cello - Medium Orange-brown Varnish, 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello with Spruce Top, Maple Back, Maple Ribs, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Ebony Pegs, and Despiau Bridge - Medium Orange-brown Varnish
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Photo of Revelle REV75 Hybrid Cello - 4/4 Size

Revelle REV75 Hybrid Cello - 4/4 Size

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Eastman VC701 Rudoulf Doetsch Professional Cello - 4/4 Size

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Scherl & Roth SR55E2H 1/2 Size Galliard Student Cello Outfit

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Eastman VC401 Ivan Dunov Intermediate Cello - 4/4 Size

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Yamaha SVC300C Pro Silent Series Cello - Pearl White

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Photo of Eastman VC405 Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello - 4/4

Eastman VC405 Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello - 4/4

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Photo of GEWA Ostenbach VC4 Intermediate Cello - 4/4 size

GEWA Ostenbach VC4 Intermediate Cello - 4/4 size

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Photo of Eastman Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size
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Eastman Andreas Eastman Intermediate Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

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Photo of Knilling 153S Sebastian Student Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

Knilling 153S Sebastian Student Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

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$1,849.00
Or $39.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Photo of William Lewis & Son 411 Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

William Lewis & Son 411 Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello Outfit with Spruce Top, Maple Back and Ribs, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Ebony Pegs, Aubert Bridge, Bow, Rosin, and Bag
$1,999.00
Or $334.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
Certified Open Box available for $1,799.10
Photo of Yamaha SVC300F Pro Silent Series Cello - Pearl White

Yamaha SVC300F Pro Silent Series Cello - Pearl White

Electric Cello with Spruce/Maple Body, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Piezo Pickup, and SRT Powered System - Pearl White
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Photo of Revelle REV72 Student Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size
$500.00 Off!

Revelle REV72 Student Cello Outfit - 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello Outfit with Laminate Spruce Top, Laminate Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fittings, Wittner Ultra Tailpiece, Bow, Rosin, and Carrying Bag
$1,199.99
Or $34.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Certified Open Box available for $1,019.99
Photo of Knilling 154S 4/4 Size Sebastian Student Cello Outfit with Solid Top

Knilling 154S 4/4 Size Sebastian Student Cello Outfit with Solid Top

4/4-size Cello with Solid Spruce Top, Solid Maple Back/Sides, Ebony Fingerboard/Tuning Pegs, Maple Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Case, Bow, and Rosin
$1,899.00
Or $40.00/month§ with
48 month financing*
Photo of NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Cello - Amberburst

NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Cello - Amberburst

4-string Electric Cello with Maple Body and Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Polar Pickup System Electronics, and Hard Foam Case - Amberburst
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Or $51.00/month§ with
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Photo of NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Cello - Transparent Red

NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Cello - Transparent Red

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Photo of Revelle REV72 Student Cello Outfit - 1/2 Size
$500.00 Off!

Revelle REV72 Student Cello Outfit - 1/2 Size

1/2-size Cello Outfit with Laminate Spruce Top, Laminate Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fittings, Wittner Ultra Tailpiece, Bow, Rosin, and Carrying Bag
$1,199.99
Or $34.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
Photo of NS Design NXTa 5-string Electric Cello - Satin Black

NS Design NXTa 5-string Electric Cello - Satin Black

5-string Electric Cello with Maple Body, Maple Neck, Richlite Fingerboard, NS Polar Pickup System, and Active/Passive Electronics - Satin Black
$2,749.00
Or $77.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
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Photo of NS Design CR5 Electric Cello - Amber

NS Design CR5 Electric Cello - Amber

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$5,239.00
Or $146.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
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Photo of NS Design NXTa 4-string Electric Cello - Sunburst

NS Design NXTa 4-string Electric Cello - Sunburst

4-string Electric Cello with Maple Body, Maple Neck, Richlite Fingerboard, NS Polar Pickup System, and Active/Passive Electronics - Sunburst
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Or $70.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
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Photo of NS Design NXTa 5-string Electric Cello - Sunburst

NS Design NXTa 5-string Electric Cello - Sunburst

5-string Electric Cello with Maple Body, Maple Neck, Richlite Fingerboard, NS Polar Pickup System, and Active/Passive Electronics - Sunburst
$2,749.00
Or $77.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(3)
In Stock
Photo of NS Design CR 4-string Electric Cello - Amber

NS Design CR 4-string Electric Cello - Amber

Electric 4-string Cello with with Maple Body and Neck, Graded Ebony Fingerboard, Active Electronics, Piezo System, and Gig Bag - Amber
$4,829.00
Or $135.00/month§ with
36 month financing*
(1)
In Stock
Photo of Scherl & Roth SR65E4H 4/4 Size Sarabande Intermediate Cello Outfit
Save $385.90

Scherl & Roth SR65E4H 4/4 Size Sarabande Intermediate Cello Outfit Certified Open Box

4/4-size Cello, with Solid Spruce Top, Flame Maple Back/Sides, Ebony Fingerboard/Tuning Pegs, Maple Bridge, Composite Tailpiece, Case, Bow, and Rosin
$3,473.10
Or $579.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
In Stock
Photo of Forte3D Carbon Fiber Cello - 4/4 Size

Forte3D Carbon Fiber Cello - 4/4 Size

4/4-size Cello with Carbon Fiber Top, Carbon Fiber Back and Ribs, Ebony Fingerboard, Wittner Finetune Pegs, and Josef Teller Bridge
$2,950.00
Or $492.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
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Photo of Yamaha Silent Series SVC-50 Electric Cello - Pearl White

Yamaha Silent Series SVC-50 Electric Cello - Pearl White

Solidbody Electric Cello with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Piezo Pickup with Active Preamp, Panpi Bridge, and Reverb - Pearl White
$2,709.99
Or $452.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
In Stock
Photo of Yamaha Silent Series SVC-110SK Electric Cello - Pearl White

Yamaha Silent Series SVC-110SK Electric Cello - Pearl White

Electric Cello with Spruce/Maple Body, Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Piezo Pickup, Preamp, and Reverb - Pearl White
$3,755.99
Or $626.00 suggested monthly payment§ with 6 month‡ special financing
In Stock
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Choosing Your Cello: Expert Shopping Tips You Can Trust


From concert halls to cinematic soundtracks, the cello remains one of music’s most enduring and versatile instruments. This cornerstone of the modern string section adds depth and beauty to everything from classical orchestral works to symphonic pop and metal. As part of your ensemble, the cello anchors bass lines and enriches melodies with its resonant low register, rich bowed tone, and vibrant pizzicato.


Are you shopping for the cello and accessories to elevate your auditions and recitals? Whether you’re taking your first steps in music or making the leap from another stringed instrument, Sweetwater has the selection and expertise to help you find the right fit. Read on for tips on choosing the right cello, from size and brand to skill level, and see how easy it is to buy or rent with confidence at Sweetwater.


Shop Cellos by Brand


If you’re a parent buying your child’s first cello or a professional cellist upgrading your instrument, Sweetwater has options to match your needs. Our curated selection includes trusted brands such as Eastman, Howard Core, NS Design, Yamaha, and Knilling, so you can shop with confidence.


Find Your Next Cello at Sweetwater


Ready to get started with your next cello? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you’re an adult shopping for a first-time cello student, explore our comprehensive parents’ guide to orchestral stringed instruments or learn how to rent a cello through Sweetwater. If you’re looking for personalized advice on a step-up instrument, our knowledgeable Sales Engineers are here to help you choose the right cello and accessories for your goals and budget.


Prefer to shop online? Use Sweetwater’s site filters to narrow your search by brand, price, size, and more. Select your preferred specs and start exploring today.

What are the most popular brands for Cellos on Sweetwater.com?


What are the most popular Cellos on Sweetwater.com?


  1. Eastman SWVC100 Student Cello Outift - 4/4 Size, Sweetwater Setup

    2 reviews

    $2,940.00

  2. Yamaha Silent Cello SVC-50 Electric Cello - Black

    1 review

    $2,416.99

  3. NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Cello - Amberburst

    3 reviews

    $1,829.00

  4. NS Design CR 4-string Electric Cello - Amber

    1 review

    $4,829.00

  5. Howard Core A35 Core Academy Cello - 4/4 Size

    2 reviews

    $1,932.00

Why shop Cellos at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Cellos, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Cellos, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.