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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get More at Sweetwater
5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
$2,940.00
5 out of 5 stars 1 review
$2,416.99
5 out of 5 stars 3 reviews
$1,829.00
5 out of 5 stars 1 review
$5,118.95
5 out of 5 stars 3 reviews
$2,499.00With 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.
See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!
California residents, for more information about our terms, please see our Financial Incentive Terms. You can request that we Do Not Sell Your Personal Info. Please visit our Privacy Notice to learn how we use your information.
Your email, has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!
