Cecilio CCO 600 Review and Guide: Should You Invest In This Cello?

Are you ready to buy your first cello or upgrade from your current model? You may want to read through a Cecilio CCO-600 review and guide to learn if the model is worth your time.

It’s not the best model for everyone, but it could meet your needs while saving you money. Be sure to learn as much as you can about the cello to help you determine if you should buy it.

Bottom Line Up Front

The Cecilio CCO-600 is a decent cello for casual players or people who need to play the cello in addition to another instrument. However, it’s not for beginners or professional cellists.

What Is the Cecilio CCO-600?

The Cecilio CCO-600 is the most advanced cello model from the company. It has more or better features than the models with lower numbers, so it could be a good option to consider.

If you want a relatively affordable cello but don’t want to compromise on features, this may be the model for you. Now, it probably won’t be the cello you use forever.

But it can still be a good model for beginners or players with a bit of experience who are ready for an upgrade. Consider this cello model in more detail.

How It Works

If you’ve tried other cellos, you’ll find that the CCO-600 works pretty similarly. You can use a bow to bow the strings to get a sound, or you can use your fingers to pluck the strings.

One thing to note with this model, though, is that it comes with a hard case. That can give you a bit more protection than a soft case when you need to store or transport the instrument.

As you take it out of the case, you can set it up like any other cello. Then, you’ll be able to learn anything from a basic exercise to the famous Bach suites.

Features

Cecilio CCO-600

Before you buy a cello, you need to know if it has features to support your learning and playing. As with many cellos, this model features a spruce top along with maple sides and a maple back.

However, Cecilio lets the wood age for at least seven years before making the CCO-600. That gives the wood time to settle, so you can get a clear, warm tone from the instrument.

This instrument uses ebony for the fingerboard and other fittings, which is pretty standard. Meanwhile, the body has an oil finish to help keep the cello looking good.

You can only get this model in the 4/4 size, so it’s best for adults and teenagers. There’s also a warranty that protects you in case of manufacturer issues.

Included Accessories

Even though it’s a more advanced model, the Cecilio CCO-600 still comes with some extra gear. You’ll get a Brazilwood bow that features genuine Mongolian horsehair.

The cello also comes with some rosin to make the bow glide more easily along the strings. You will need to set up the bridge because it comes separate from the instrument to avoid damage in transit.

This model includes an extra set of strings and a cello stand, so you have what you need to practice. And you even get both a hard case and a soft case.

Pros

  • Good sound
  • Nice materials
  • Easy to play
  • Comes with accessories
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Not for kids
  • Relatively expensive

How It Compares to Other Cellos

If you’re looking at the CCO-600, you should consider some other Cecilio cellos, like the CCO-100. Compared to the rest of the lineup, the Cecilio CCO-600 is the most advanced and most expensive.

The company claims it’s suitable for intermediate and professional cellists. While you may enjoy the extra features when you have playing experience, I don’t think it’s for professionals.

Compared to similar models from other brands, it’s relatively cheap and doesn’t have as many handmade features. Still, if you want an affordable option and don’t need the best on the market, the CCO-600 could be for you.

Where to Buy the Cecilio CCO-600

Cecilio CCO-600

The easiest place to find and purchase the Cecilio CCO-600 is Amazon. It’s usually in stock, or you can keep checking back if they run out of the instrument.

Amazon also makes it easy because of fast shipping and the option to return it if you don’t like the cello. However, you may find a used one available from eBay or any other online marketplace.

Unless you have to get a used one, I’d recommend buying the CCO-600 new. It’s already much cheaper than comparable cellos, and you can don’t have to worry about how a prior owner handled the instrument.

If you have to buy a used CCO-600, test it out first. Make sure the seller isn’t lying about the cello’s condition so that you can keep from wasting your money on a cello that will break right after you buy it.

What to Consider Before Buying

In most cases, you won’t find a Cecilio cello in your local music store. That means you need to buy it online, which can be a risk when buying anything, especially instruments.

Before you invest your money into the CCO-600, you should consider a few factors. You may find the factors don’t affect your decision, but they could make you rethink your purchase.

Here are some vital factors that may help you decide if Cecilio cellos are right for you.

The Reputation

First, you should know that Cecilio doesn’t have the best reputation for making great instruments. A lot of music teachers and performers find that Cecilio instruments don’t last very long.

Even if the cello doesn’t break soon after you buy it, it probably won’t last for decades or centuries like some cellos. You may also not be able to get the best possible sound out of a Cecilio CCO-600.

Now, a bad reputation doesn’t mean that every Cecilio cello will be of poor quality. If you have to try any Cecilio model, I’d say the CCO-600 is the most promising due to more high-quality materials and a better case.

The Warranty

A lot of good musical instrument brands offer a warranty or guarantee after you buy from them. Cecilio offers a one-year warranty on all of the instruments, including the CCO-600.

Sadly, this warranty only covers issues that come from the manufacturing. That means if the instrument breaks because of something you or someone else does to the instrument, the warranty won’t cover you.

However, the manufacturer warranty can still be useful. If the cello does break because of the production, you can repair or replace it so that you can continue to play.

Your Experience

Cecilio CCO-600

Even though Cecilio recommends the CCO-600 to intermediate and professional players, I have a different opinion. If you’re at the professional level, you should look at cellos from Yamaha, Strobel, and other pro brands.

Intermediate players may find the CCO-600 is useful for a bit, but they may soon outgrow it. Still, you should have a bit of experience before you give this model a try.

If you’re new to the cello, Cecilio offers much cheaper options with similar features. Those cellos are better for people looking to experiment with the instrument without spending thousands of dollars.

Size Availability

If you don’t consider anything else before buying a cello, at least consider the size. The last thing you want is to buy a cello that’s too big or too small for you.

When the cello is too big, you’ll need to stretch your arms and fingers farther than necessary to play the notes. And if the cello is too small, you may have to squeeze your fingers too close together, which can also cause problems.

The CCO-600 only comes in the 4/4 size, which is best for adults and teenagers. If you need something smaller, you may want to look at other cello models.

Overall Value

Of course, you should also take a look at your finances. The Cecilio CCO-600 can be much more affordable than other models, but you need to compare the cost to the value.

For example, you may only get one year of use out of the cello. But you could get five years out of a cello that costs two or three times as much, so you’d be paying more per use for the cheaper cello.

If you want to use a cheap cello, be sure to consider how long it may last. Then, you can take good care of it to get as many uses out of it as possible.

Other Requirements

You may also find that a cello teacher or orchestra director has specific instrument requirements. Now, you don’t have to worry about buying a colorful cello that will stand out too much in an orchestra.

However, if you’re looking to take private lessons or study the cello in college, you may need a better model. Some professors might require your cello to have certain specs or be from a particular brand.

In those cases, the Cecilio CCO-600 may not meet your teacher’s requirements. You can use it as a backup, but you should probably go with what your teacher recommends.

Compare These Cellos

If you’re looking to buy the Cecilio CCO-600, you should compare it to similar models from other companies. Since Cecilio says the CCO-600 is for intermediate players and professionals, I compared it to models in those categories.

I tried to avoid other “cheap” brands because there wouldn’t be many differences. And I can’t in good faith recommend brands like Eastar.

Here are a few cellos I would recommend you consider and compare to the Cecilio CCO-600. That way, you can buy the best cello to meet your needs.

Cremona SC-500

Cremona SC-500

If you’re looking for an intermediate cello, the Cremona SC-500 is a good option. The cello uses maple, spruce, and ebony for the body and fittings, so you can sound good and feel comfortable as you play.

You can get a good tone from this model as you advance in your cello studies. Cremona follows national music education standards, so you know you’ll get a good instrument to use in or out of school.

This model comes with good strings as well as a bow and a soft case to cover the instrument during storage. Like the Cecilio, this cello only comes in the 4/4 size, so it’s best for adults.

Still, you can use this cello if you’re a teenager and are tall enough for the full size. Plus, you can continue using this model into adulthood and as you advance.

Pros

  • Great for intermediate players
  • Easy to play
  • Fantastic tone
  • Comes with good strings
  • Has a soft case

Cons

  • Not for kids or smaller adults
  • A bit costly

D Z Strad 400

cello

The D Z Strad 400 is a handmade intermediate cello you should test out. It offers a smooth, warm tone throughout the register, so you can play a variety of styles on it.

Like many cellos, the top is solid spruce, while the back and sides use maple. D Z Strad sets it up with Larsen and Magnacore strings to help you get plenty of resonance.

You can even choose from sizes as small as 1/4 and as large as 4/4. No matter which size you select, you’ll get a bow, rosin, and a case to protect your investment.

This model takes inspiration from cellos from the 18th century. It’s a great choice if you want to be able to project your sound over a large orchestra.

Pros

  • Nice projection
  • Multiple sizes
  • Comes with good strings
  • Easy to play
  • Great sound

Cons

  • Not for casual players
  • Somewhat expensive

D Z Strad 600

D Z Strad 600

If you like the 400, you may love the D Z Strad 600 cello even more. It has a lot of the same basic features, such as maple making up the body.

This model is for professionals and other serious players, and the price tag reflects that. You can enjoy the antique-like appearance and sound, but you can get a cello that isn’t that old.

As you play, this model can offer a warm, even sound from the low notes to the high notes. It sounds very clear and focused, which is great for playing as a soloist.

If you need a 3/4 or 1/2 cello, this is a great model for you. Of course, it also comes in the 4/4 size, so you can choose the right version for you, and you’ll also get a bow, rosin, and a case.

Pros

  • Available in different sizes
  • Great for professionals
  • Excellent quality
  • Even tone
  • Easy to play

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Not for students

FAQs About the Cecilio CCO-600 Review and Guide

Question: Who Should Play the Cecilio CCO-600?

Answer: Anyone who wants to get some professional features on a budget should try the Cecilio CCO-600. It’s also useful for casual players who want a good instrument but can’t justify spending thousands of dollars.
You may also want to try it if your main instrument is violin and viola but you need or want to play the cello. The instrument offers just enough to get you started so that you don’t need to waste a ton of money.

Question: Who Shouldn’t Play the Cecilio CCO-600?

Answer: You shouldn’t play the Cecilio CCO-600 if you’re serious about the cello and it’s your main instrument. The cello may limit your ability to improve, so you should save up for a more expensive model.
Beginner cellists should also look for something else. That could be a lower model number from Cecilio, or it might be a beginner cello from Cremona or D Z Strad.

Question: How Can You Improve the Cecilio CCO-600?

Answer: If you want to make the most of the Cecilio CCO-600, I’d recommend trying a few things. First, get some strings from a brand like Larsen or D’Addario because the strings may last longer.
You should also consider getting rosin from a different brand as well as a different bow. That way, all of those things can work together to help you get a better sound.

Question: What Happens if You Break the Cello?

Answer: If you break your Cecilio cello, you have a few options. You can attempt to fix the problem yourself if it’s small, such as the bridge popped out of place.
Alternatively, you can take the cello to a luthier and have them assess the damage. If they can’t fix it or won’t because the damage is more expensive than the cello, you can get a new cello.

 

Final Note on the Cecilio CCO-600 Review and Guide

A Cecilio CCO-600 review and guide can help you determine if the model is for you. Buying a cello is a very subjective process, and what works for one player may not work for you.

I’d suggest trying the CCO-600 if you need an affordable instrument with a few extra features. That way, you can get some use out of the model, but you won’t waste a ton of money if you need to upgrade soon.

If you’re a beginner, though, I’d recommend you try the CCO-100 since it’s cheaper and has a similar design. On the other hand, if you have experience, compare the CCO-600 to cellos from D Z Strad or Cremona.

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