Best Acoustic Cellos 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Stradivari 4/4

by Bernd Hiller & Sohn

Solo Performance Classical Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Essential orchestral voice

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm lower register
• Essential orchestral voice

✗ CONS

• Heavy and awkward to transport
• Advanced technique required

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Stradivari 4/4Master CelloSize: 4/4Model after Antonio StradivariOld seasoned...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 568937

$16,390

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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

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⭐ 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

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Rainer W. Leonhardt No. 60/2 Master Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Rainer W. Leonhardt No. 60/2 Master Cello 4/4

by Rainer W. Leonhardt

Contemporary Classical Orchestra Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Expressive bowing techniques

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range capability
• Essential orchestral voice

✗ CONS

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

Rainer W. Leonhardt No. 60/2 Master Cello 4/4Master CelloSize: 4/4Made from high-quality matured tonewoodsSolid spruce...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 416562

$8,140

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Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 4/4

by Lothar Semmlinger

Solo Performance Chamber Music Contemporary Classical

Key Feature:

• Expressive bowing techniques

✓ PROS

• Expressive bowing techniques
• Versatile across musical periods

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to climate changes
• Expensive quality instruments

Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Stradivari styleFinest solid spruce topMaple backSides and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 389837

$4,389

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⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Marco Dotti Gore - Booth Cello

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona

Contemporary Classical Chamber Music Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Versatile across musical periods

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range capability
• Essential orchestral voice

✗ CONS

• Heavy and awkward to transport
• Sensitive to climate changes

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Marco Dotti Gore - Booth CelloCelloAntonio Stradivari "Gore - Booth 1710"...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584261

$32,890

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

⭐ 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

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Lothar Semmlinger No. 300 Solo Cello Oil 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 300 Solo Cello Oil 4/4

by Lothar Semmlinger

Orchestra Chamber Music Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential orchestral voice

✓ PROS

• Essential orchestral voice
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Heavy and awkward to transport

Lothar Semmlinger No. 300 Solo Cello Oil 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Made from tonewoods that have been aged for at least 30...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 477870

$10,439

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Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 7/8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 7/8

by Lothar Semmlinger

Solo Performance Contemporary Classical Classical

Key Feature:

• Versatile across musical periods

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm lower register
• Versatile across musical periods

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Sensitive to climate changes

Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 7/8Cello in Antique FinishSize: 7/8Scale: 66 cmStradivari styleSolid spruce...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 586812

$4,829

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Hidersine Vivente Cello Set 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Hidersine Vivente Cello Set 4/4

by Hidersine

Orchestra Solo Performance Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Essential orchestral voice

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm lower register
• Versatile across musical periods

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to climate changes
• Heavy and awkward to transport

Hidersine Vivente Cello Set 4/44/4 Cello SetSelected solid spruce topSolid graphic flamed maple back and sidesEbony...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 415813

$934

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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

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Scala Vilagio PSH03 Concert Cello Guarneri - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Scala Vilagio PSH03 Concert Cello Guarneri

by Scala Vilagio

Solo Performance Orchestra Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential orchestral voice

✓ PROS

• Essential orchestral voice
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

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

Scala Vilagio PSH03 Concert Cello GuarneriConcert Cello 4/4Guarneri modelMade in Germany by Peter Siegfried Heffler...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 478913

$6,589

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 7/8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 7/8

by Lothar Semmlinger

Classical Solo Performance Contemporary Classical

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range capability

✓ PROS

• Expressive bowing techniques
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Requires proper setup and maintenance
• Expensive quality instruments

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 7/8Cello in Antique FinishSize: 7/8Scale: 66 cmMaster instrumentStradivari...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 586813

$5,819

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Walter Mahr Cello Stradivari Ash Wood 4/4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Walter Mahr Cello Stradivari Ash Wood 4/4

by Walter Mahr

Chamber Music Contemporary Classical Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm lower register

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range capability
• Versatile across musical periods

✗ CONS

• Requires proper setup and maintenance
• Advanced technique required

Walter Mahr Cello Stradivari Ash Wood 4/44/4 CelloSolid spruce topAsh backsides and neckEbony fingerboardEbony pegs...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572692

$9,790

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

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/E

by Roth & Junius

Chamber Music Classical Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range capability

✓ PROS

• Versatile across musical periods
• Rich, warm lower register

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Sensitive to climate changes

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610164

$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

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Stradivari 4/4

Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. ***

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello Stradivari

Rainer W. Leonhardt No. 60/2 Master Cello 4/4

Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 4/4

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Marco Dotti Gore - Booth Cello

Scala Vilagio L.V. Montagnana Cello 4/4

Lothar Semmlinger No. 300 Solo Cello Oil 4/4

Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 7/8

Hidersine Vivente Cello Set 4/4

Luca Zerilli Cello Montagnana Napoli 4/4

Scala Vilagio PSH03 Concert Cello Guarneri

Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 7/8

Walter Mahr Cello Stradivari Ash Wood 4/4

Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/E

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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