Best Cellos on Amazon Guide: 10 of My All-Time Favorite Cellos

Do you love watching or listening to Yo-Yo Ma? If you want to be just like him, you need to have a good instrument, so you may want to consider our “best cellos on Amazon guide.”

Whether you’re a beginner or ready for music school, you need the right model. Read on to learn more about buying a cello on Amazon.

Best Cellos on Amazon

Whether you want to start learning the cello or need to upgrade your instrument, you may not think to shop on Amazon. It carries everything, but can the instruments it carries be that good?

Fortunately, you can find some of the best cellos when shopping on Amazon. I made sure to choose models from reputable brands and other brands with good reviews.

And I looked for cellos in different sizes and at multiple levels and price points. No matter your needs, consider some of the following cellos on Amazon.

Yamaha AVC5

Yamaha AVC5

The Yamaha AVC5 is an excellent beginner to intermediate model cello. It features a solid spruce top with a maple back and maple sides, which is a standard combination for cello bodies.

There are rosewood fittings, such as the fingerboard and tailpiece. All of these materials help you get an excellent tone, and the oil varnish makes the cello look just as good.

You can choose from sizes as small as 1/4 and as large as 4/4, and all models follow professional music education standards. That makes this model a fantastic choice for students.

Pros

  • Great sound
  • Nice materials
  • Handmade components
  • Multiple sizes
  • Follows professional standards

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Cremona SC-130

Cremona SC-130

If you want something a bit more affordable, try the Cremona SC-130. This cello has a spruce top along with a maple back and sides to help the instrument resonate.

Ebony fittings are comfortable and help you play the instrument smoothly. The oiled neck makes it easy for you to move your fingers up and down between positions.

Cremona follows national music education standards, which means this model can handle whatever a beginner throws at it. Plus, you can choose from a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 model to get one that’s the right size.

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Great sound
  • Comfortable
  • Different sizes
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not for more advanced players

Cremona SC-165

Cremona SC-165

Another student model cello you may want to try is the Cremona SC-165. It’s very similar to the SC-130, but there are a few differences that make help you choose one over the other.

Maple makes up the back and sides, while spruce is the main material on top. But there are also rosewood and ebony fittings that help you play the cello.

You can choose from different sizes to make sure the cello is comfortable and that you can reach everything. Regardless of the size, the model follows national music education standards.

Pros

  • Great for beginners
  • Multiple sizes
  • Nice materials
  • Good construction
  • Easy to play

Cons

  • Expensive for what you get

D’Luca Meister

D'Luca Meister

The D’Luca Meister is another affordable option that you may want to try. Its back and sides use maple, while the top uses spruce along with ebony fittings.

You’ll also get a rosewood bow with Mongolian horsehair, so you have what you need to start playing. This is an excellent choice for adults, but with 4/4 as the only size, it’s a bit big for kids.

However, adult beginners and people relearning the cello may find this is perfect. The nylon strings can also be easier for beginners than some other strings.

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Good materials
  • Comes with a bow
  • Nice construction
  • Suitable for beginners

Cons

  • Only one size

D Z Strad 101

cello

The D Z Strad 101 is another excellent cello for beginning students. It’s easy to play with a spruce top and a maple back and sides, so you can get a good sound early on.

This model offers a round tone, so you can play solo or with others. Plus, you’ll get a bow, strings, rosin, and a case where you can store everything when you aren’t playing.

Sizes include 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and even 1/8 for the little kids. No matter which size you get, you can get the same sound and playing experience.

Pros

  • Great for beginners
  • Easy to play
  • Good materials
  • Multiple sizes
  • Warm tone

Cons

  • A bit expensive

D Z Strad 250

D Z Strad 250

If you’re ready for a bit of an upgrade, you should try the D Z Strad 250. The listing claims it has an ebony top and back, but it looks more like spruce and maple, like other cellos.

It does have ebony fittings and an ebony fingerboard, so you can play the cello smoothly. This model is handmade, so you can get a unique sound from each particular instrument, even of the same model.

As you start to grow out of your beginner model physically or musically, this is an excellent upgrade. Then, you can continue to play and enjoy music for years to come.

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Great sound
  • Multiple sizes
  • Handmade
  • Suitable upgrade

Cons

  • Not for beginners

D Z Strad 600

D Z Strad 600

When you’re ready to take the cello seriously or study it in college, you should consider the D Z Strad 600. Like the other model, this one is handmade so can offer more nuance than a beginner model.

It has a two-piece flamed maple back and a spruce top to help you get a good sound. You’ll also receive a bow, strings, rosin, and a case, so you have everything you need to play.

This model sounds warm, and you can get an even sound throughout the register. Plus, it’s available in sizes between 1/4 and 4/4.

Pros

  • Great sound
  • Easy to play
  • Multiple sizes
  • Comes with accessories
  • Fantastic materials

Cons

  • Quite expensive

D Z Strad 90

D Z Strad 90

The D Z Strad 900 is an excellent model to try when you’re at the professional level. It has a spruce top, while maple makes up the back, sides, and scroll at the top of the instrument.

You also get ebony pegs, a carbon fiber endpin, and a composite tailpiece. The model offers a fantastic sound, and the fact that it’s homemade means each one is slightly different.

Since this is for professionals and advanced amateurs, it only comes in the 4/4 size. But you wouldn’t want to spend a ton of money on a cello you might outgrow anyway.

Pros

  • Great for advanced players
  • Nice sound
  • Excellent materials
  • Handmade
  • Good construction

Cons

  • Very expensive

Yamaha SVC50SK

Yamaha SVC50SK

If you want to play in a rock band or with other electric instruments, you may want to get the Yamaha SVC50SK. This electric cello is easy to play and can stand out among loud instruments.

Instead of a hollow wood body, it has a fingerboard over a very slim body with just what you need to position the cello. You can play it with an amp or even with headphones if you need to practice in silence.

This cello even works with a CD player if you want to play with accompaniment. Unfortunately, it is a bit expensive, and it’s not suitable for orchestral playing.

Pros

  • Slim design
  • Easy to play
  • Can play with headphones
  • Works with an amp
  • Sounds great

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Yamaha SVC-210SK

Yamaha SVC-210SK

Another electric cello you may like is the Yamaha SVC-210SK. It has a lot of the same features as the other electric model, but it can look and feel a bit more like a regular cello.

You can collapse the upper and lower bouts to make storage and transportation easier. When you’re ready to play, you can hook it up to an amp or headphones.

This model comes with headphones, batteries, and a gig bag, so you can start playing. Then, you just need to replace the batteries when they stop working.

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Feels similar to a real cello
  • Comes with accessories
  • Easy to store
  • Different presets

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive

What to Consider when Buying a Cello on Amazon

If you want to buy the best cello, you can do that on Amazon. However, you have a lot of things to think about to make sure that you get the right instrument for you.

And some factors can affect how and when you’ll receive the cello. Be sure to do some research before placing an order to make sure that you select a model that meets your needs and that it can work when you receive it.

Here are some things you should think about before you buy even the best cello on Amazon.

The Brand

Amazon can be an excellent place to buy a cello, but it’s full of cheap models. Those models do have a place for beginners who can’t afford to spend a ton of money.

But in general, you should do your best to avoid the really cheap ones. Stick to brands with a good reputation or good reviews on the platform.

Then, you can increase your chances of getting a cello that will be durable and easy to play. It may seem more expensive now, but you could save money in the long run.

The Size

Cellos come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of young children, teens, and adults. Because of that, you need to determine the best size for you before you select a cello.

Then, you can make sure the cello you want comes in a size that will be comfortable. The last thing you want is to have to stretch your fingers too far or push them together just to play.

Consider measuring your arm length and height to get an idea of the right cello size. That way, you’ll be able to narrow your search to no more than a couple of different sizes.

The Model

cello

You should also think about the specific model you want to buy. Consider if you want an acoustic or electric cello or if you want something handmade.

Also, think about your current playing level as a cellist. Then, you can select an instrument that will challenge you without being too hard for you to play.

The Price

Another factor that may affect your decision is how much a cello costs. First, you should determine how much you can afford to spend on a good instrument.

Then, you can compare that budget to cellos on and off of Amazon. You want to make sure the cello you buy is about the same price as similar models.

That way, you won’t have to overspend on a cello, but you won’t get something super cheap.

The Seller

Amazon allows anyone to sell just about anything, and that includes cellos. If you can, research the particular seller of the cello you want to buy.

Figure out if they’re a music store or a similar business that sells instruments. If so, the odds of you getting a good cello are much higher than if you purchase from an individual or some other business.

The Weather

When you’re ready to buy, you should take a look at the forecast for your area for the next few days. You can buy a cello at any time, but you may want to avoid doing so if it’s going to be extremely hot or cold.

The wood in a cello can crack if it goes from extreme hot to cold too fast. So you may want to wait until the weather is a bit more mild, especially since the cello may sit in a truck or warehouse without climate control.

I bought an instrument on Amazon during the heat of summer, but I did a few things to help it get to me safely. So consider how you can speed up delivery and other things if you have to buy when the weather isn’t great.

The Shipping

cello

One thing I did to get my instrument to me faster was that I paid to upgrade the shipping. I was already spending over $1,000, so the extra $12 or so was worth it.

The shipping only took a day, so the instrument was most likely in something with climate control for most of that. If you can afford it, I suggest upgrading to the fastest possible shipping time.

Then, you can get it sooner, and if there are delays, it won’t be as big of a deal. As I said, you’re already spending a lot of money, so adding a relatively small shipping fee is worth considering.

The Delivery Date

You should also think about the date when the cello is supposed to get to you. Try your best to be at home for most, if not all, of the day when the cello arrives.

If you can’t be home, have a friend or family member stay home for you. Then, you or a friend can bring the cello inside as soon as it arrives.

Not only will this keep it from being in extreme weather, but it can keep thieves from taking the instrument. That way, you can start playing the instrument when it gets to you.

FAQs About the Best Cellos on Amazon Guide

Question: Does Amazon Have Good Cellos?

Answer: Amazon has some excellent cellos, though the selection won’t be as big as a music store or string specialty store. As long as you know what to look for, you can narrow your search to the best models.
Then, you won’t waste your time or money on something that will just break in a few months. Instead, you can invest your money in an instrument that will last a while.

Question: Is Buying a Cello on Amazon Safe?

Answer: As long as you do a bit of research and stick to reliable brands and sellers, buying a cello on Amazon is safe. You don’t have to go to a music store or shop around town.
That can be safe and convenient because you can shop at any time and from your couch. Once the cello arrives, you can test it out to make sure you like it.

Question: Can You Return a Cello if You Don’t Like It?

Answer: Ideally, you would love the first cello you purchase on Amazon. But choosing an instrument is a very personal decision, so you may not love the first one you get.
Luckily, Amazon has a return window that you can use if you don’t like the cello you buy. Be sure to ship the cello back as soon as you realize it isn’t for you so that you can get your money back.

Question: Why Are Some Cellos So Expensive?

Answer: Some cellos are expensive for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is the manufacturing process, especially if the wood has to sit for years before the cello-making process starts.
The specific wood and where that wood comes from may also affect the price. Finally, the amount of handmaking in the process of creating the cello can also determine how much it will cost.

Question: Which Cello Size Is Best For Me?

Answer: To determine the best cello size for you, take some measurements. Measure the length of your arms and your overall height and compare those to a cello size chart.
While the measurements aren’t always exact, they can help you determine the size. Then, you can try a couple of sizes to see which is the most comfortable for you.

Final Note on the Best Cellos on Amazon Guide

When shopping for a cello, you should consider a “best cellos on Amazon guide” to narrow your search. Then, you don’t have to worry about visiting a music store.

Instead, you can try cellos to find what you like the best. To get started, include Yamaha and D Z Strad models on your list to try, and you can expand from there if you don’t love those cellos.

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