Best Acoustic Cellos 2025

Top-rated acoustic cellos 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Classical For Chamber Music For Orchestra For Solo Performance For Contemporary Classical

BRANDS: Gewa Scala Vilagio Lothar Semmlinger Hidersine Karl Höfner Roth & Junius

Lothar Semmlinger No. 132A Antiqued Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 132A Antiqued Cello 4/4

by Lothar Semmlinger

Classical Contemporary Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Expressive bowing techniques

✓ PROS

• Expressive bowing techniques
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Requires proper setup and maintenance
• Expensive quality instruments

Lothar Semmlinger No. 132A Antiqued Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Stradivarius styleTop: Solid spruceMaple backsides and neck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 389838

$3,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. *** - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. ***

by Anton Stöhr & Sohn

Chamber Music Orchestra Classical

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range capability

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range capability
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Heavy and awkward to transport

Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. ***CelloSize: 4/4Stradivari modelSound adjustment by master luthier...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 571051

$10,978

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello Montagnana

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona

Classical Orchestra Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm lower register

✓ PROS

• Expressive bowing techniques
• Versatile across musical periods

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Requires proper setup and maintenance

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello MontagnanaCelloFrom the master workshop of Edgar Russ in CremonaSolid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 443995

$19,690

Buy at Thomann View Details

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Testore - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Testore

by Scala Vilagio

Classical Contemporary Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile across musical periods

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range capability
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Heavy and awkward to transport
• Requires proper setup and maintenance

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Testore4/4 CelloMade in the style of cellos by Carlo Giuseppe Testore (1660 - 1737)...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 536888

$7,359

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 4/4

by Lothar Semmlinger

Contemporary Classical Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Essential orchestral voice

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Requires proper setup and maintenance

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Master instrumentStradivari styleFinest solid spruce top...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 389836

$5,269

Buy at Thomann View Details

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello An/Bw - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello An/Bw

by Roth & Junius

Classical Chamber Music Contemporary Classical

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm lower register

✓ PROS

• Essential orchestral voice
• Expressive bowing techniques

✗ CONS

• Heavy and awkward to transport
• Requires proper setup and maintenance

Roth & Junius Orchestra Cello Antiqued BwCelloSize: 4/4Solid spruce topSolidslightly flamed maple backPegs and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610158

$1,749

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Montagnana 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Montagnana 4/4

by Bernd Hiller & Sohn

Classical Contemporary Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range capability

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Essential orchestral voice

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to climate changes
• Requires proper setup and maintenance

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Montagnana 4/4Master CelloSize: 4/4Model after Domenico MontagnanaOld seasoned...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 568936

$16,390

Buy at Thomann View Details

Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.2 Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.2 Cello 4/4

by Stefan Semmlinger

Contemporary Classical Chamber Music Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Essential orchestral voice

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm lower register
• Versatile across musical periods

✗ CONS

• Requires proper setup and maintenance
• Heavy and awkward to transport

Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.2 Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Semmlinger Stradivari family modelMade in GermanyTonewood...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595035

$19,690

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello Stradivari

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona

Solo Performance Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm lower register

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Essential orchestral voice

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Requires proper setup and maintenance

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello StradivariCelloFrom the master workshop of Edgar Russ in CremonaSolid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 443994

$18,590

Buy at Thomann View Details

Scala Vilagio L.V. Montagnana Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Scala Vilagio L.V. Montagnana Cello 4/4

by Scala Vilagio

Orchestra Classical Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm lower register

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Requires proper setup and maintenance
• Expensive quality instruments

Scala Vilagio L.V. Montagnana Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Made by Laszlo Vajai in Germany / FranconiaMontagnana...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 530297

$4,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Luca Zerilli Cello Montagnana Napoli 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Luca Zerilli Cello Montagnana Napoli 4/4

by Luca Zerilli

Orchestra Classical Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Expressive bowing techniques

✓ PROS

• Essential orchestral voice
• Wide dynamic range capability

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Sensitive to climate changes

Luca Zerilli Cello Montagnana Napoli 4/44/4 CelloMade in Italy by master luthier Luca ZerilliA slightly smaller and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 577792

$26,290

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134 Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134 Cello 4/4

by Lothar Semmlinger

Solo Performance Orchestra Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile across musical periods

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Wide dynamic range capability

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to climate changes
• Expensive quality instruments

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134 Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Master instrumentStradivari styleFinest solid spruce top with clearly...

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 389831

$5,159

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lothar Semmlinger No. 200 Solo Antiqu. Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 200 Solo Antiqu. Cello 4/4

by Lothar Semmlinger

Chamber Music Classical Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range capability

✓ PROS

• Expressive bowing techniques
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to climate changes
• Heavy and awkward to transport

Lothar Semmlinger No. 200 Solo Antiqu. Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Made from tonewoods that have been aged for at least 20...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 477860

$8,778

Buy at Thomann View Details

Karl Höfner H4/2A-C Cello 7/8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Karl Höfner H4/2A-C Cello 7/8

by Karl Höfner

Chamber Music Orchestra Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Versatile across musical periods

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range capability
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Requires proper setup and maintenance
• Expensive quality instruments

Karl Höfner H4/2E-C Cello 7/8Solid CelloSize: 7/8Selected solid spruce topLightly flamed maple back and sidesAntique...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 547508

$3,916

Buy at Thomann View Details

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/B

by Roth & Junius

Solo Performance Chamber Music Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Versatile across musical periods

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Heavy and awkward to transport

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/B*Bundle offer comprising*, Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610163

$1,804

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Cellos

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced acoustic cellos typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best Acoustic Cellos 2025

Lothar Semmlinger No. 132A Antiqued Cello 4/4

Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. ***

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello Montagnana

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Testore

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 4/4

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello An/Bw

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Montagnana 4/4

Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.2 Cello 4/4

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello Stradivari

Scala Vilagio L.V. Montagnana Cello 4/4

Luca Zerilli Cello Montagnana Napoli 4/4

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134 Cello 4/4

Lothar Semmlinger No. 200 Solo Antiqu. Cello 4/4

Karl Höfner H4/2A-C Cello 7/8

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/B

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Cellos

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying acoustic cellos?

How much should I spend on acoustic cellos?

Are expensive acoustic cellos worth the investment?

What are the best brands for acoustic cellos?

Should I buy acoustic cellos online or in-store?

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