Understanding Cello Prices

Whether you’re just starting out or are seeking a higher-quality cello to take your playing to a new level, it’s essential that you have the right tools to make an informed decision when selecting your next instrument. Dolce Violins is fully engaged with students and teachers in the community and we’re committed to making this process as pleasant and fulfilling as possible.

Generally, the cost of a cello can range from as low as $1,000 to well beyond $20,000. The big question is what information do you need to know in order to find the best cello for your budget and level of musicianship? 

There are three main questions that cello makers and cello shops use to determine cello prices: 

• Who made the cello?
• Where was the cello made?
• What is the cello’s condition and quality? 

We’ll explore these questions for five different price points: cheap beginner cellos, good beginner cellos, intermediate cellos, advanced cellos and antique cellos. When you understand the components of a cello’s price, it’s much easier to determine the right instrument for your level of musicianship!

 Cheap Beginner Cellos: $400 – $1,000

Who made the cello? Cellos in this price range are manufactured by the thousands by machine with little attention to quality.

Where was the cello made? Usually in factories based in China.

What is the cello’s condition and quality? These cellos are constructed from green wood, which has not been properly aged and, in cases where a synthetic, sprayed-on lacquer has been applied, the potential for trouble is quite high. Often, these instruments are known to literally come apart at the seams and develop cracks as the wood dries out. The neck could even fall off! Because they are mass-produced, these cellos often have thin, shrill tones and, if lacking a proper setup, they are often much harder for a beginner to play.

ALERT: Be sure to NEVER buy a cello on eBay or Amazon and always consult with your teacher first. We’ve seen some dreadful instruments come our way from these sources and the process has been painful for those unsuspecting students (and their parents).

As discouraging as this may sound, there is some good news! If your budget can only accommodate a cello in this price range, many cello shops offer a rent-to-own program, enabling a beginning student on a budget to obtain a cello that is properly set up and maintained for optimal playability and protection from any unanticipated issues. 

NOTE: If a student is a petite child, you could consider a fractional cello, which also costs less than a full-size cello. To determine the right cello size, you need to consider the player’s arm length in comparison to the neck of the cello. If you’re not sure whether you need a full-size or fractional cello, make an appointment with Dolce Violins for a free sizing assessment, available in person or over Zoom.  

Keep in mind that fractional cellos are usually not intended to be long-term instruments; instead, they are usually traded in as a child grows. 

 Good Beginner Cellos: $1,350 – $2,800

Who made the cello? Cellos in this price point are hand-made by modern craftsmen.

Where was the cello made? Most of these instruments come from reputable workshops in China.

What is the cello’s condition and quality? These cellos are made with tonewoods that have been aged for a minimum of 10 years. They are hand-carved with solid spruce tops, lightly flamed maple backs, sides and neck, and a hand-applied spirit varnish. These instruments have a more pleasing tone than cellos costing less than $1,000. For a great beginner cello, we recommend the Rosalia Cello from J and J Stringed Instruments.

 Intermediate Student Cellos: $3,500 – $6,500

Who made the cello? These cellos are hand-made by modern, respected craftsmen.

Where was the cello made? Most of the cellos in this price range are made by the best workshops in China and Romania. These workshops emulate the cello-making traditions of Mirecourt, France and Markneukirchen, Germany.

What is the cello’s condition and quality? These instruments are made using higher-quality tonewoods that have been aged up to ten years or more. At the higher end of this price range, you can expect a top made of European spruce with a highly flamed maple back, neck and sides. These cellos typically produce rounder tones with greater nuance and color.

For a great intermediate student cello, we recommend the Eastman 501 Cello and the Eastman Ivan Dunov Cello.