Best Acoustic Cellos 2026
Top-rated acoustic cellos 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
5.0/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Cello
Contemporary Classical
Orchestra
Classical
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Expressive bowing techniques
- • Essential orchestral voice
✗ CONS
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
- • Advanced technique required
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta CelloCelloFrom the master workshop of Edgar Russ in CremonaSolid spruce...
⭐
5.0/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 443992
$9,009
#2
⭐
4.8/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Rainer W. Leonhardt No. 60/1 Master Cello 4/4
Contemporary Classical
Classical
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Versatile across musical periods
- • Rich, warm lower register
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Advanced technique required
Rainer W. Leonhardt No. 60/1 Master Cello 4/4Master CelloSize: 4/4Made from high-quality matured tonewoodsSolid spruce...
⭐
4.8/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 416561
$8,690
#3
⭐
4.7/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Cello Stradivari
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
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.2 Cello 4/4
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
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. **
Orchestra
Solo Performance
Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Versatile across musical periods
- • Essential orchestral voice
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Advanced technique required
Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. **4/4 CelloSize: 4/4Model StradivariMade by master violin maker Thomas...
⭐
4.8/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 565253
$9,339
#6
⭐
4.9/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Guarneri
Solo Performance
Chamber Music
Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Essential orchestral voice
✓ PROS
- • Essential orchestral voice
- • Wide dynamic range capability
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Sensitive to climate changes
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Guarneri4/4 CelloMade in GermanyHandmade in the style of the famous "Messeas...
⭐
4.9/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 566546
$9,889
#7
⭐
4.7/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello S1 4/4
Solo Performance
Orchestra
Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Essential orchestral voice
✓ PROS
- • Wide dynamic range capability
- • Expressive bowing techniques
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Sensitive to climate changes
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello S1 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Model StradivariSolid spruce topFlamed solid maple backMaple...
⭐
4.7/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 516374
$6,259
#8
⭐
4.9/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Lothar Semmlinger No. 134A Antiqued Cello 7/8
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
#9
⭐
4.9/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.1 Cello 4/4
Classical
Contemporary Classical
Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Essential orchestral voice
- • Expressive bowing techniques
✗ CONS
- • Sensitive to climate changes
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
Stefan Semmlinger Orchestra No.1 Cello 4/4CelloSemmlinger Stradivari family modelTonewood seasoned for at least 10...
⭐
4.9/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595033
$15,290
#10
⭐
4.6/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Lothar Semmlinger No. 135A Antiqued Cello 4/4
Chamber Music
Solo Performance
Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Expressive bowing techniques
✓ PROS
- • Rich, warm lower register
- • Expressive bowing techniques
✗ CONS
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
- • Expensive quality instruments
Lothar Semmlinger No. 135A Antiqued Cello 4/4CelloMaster instrumentStradivari styleFinest solid spruce topVery good...
⭐
4.6/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 389835
$7,139
#11
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Lothar Semmlinger No. 135 Cello 4/4
Orchestra
Contemporary Classical
Classical
Key Feature:
• Essential orchestral voice
✓ PROS
- • Rich, warm lower register
- • Expressive bowing techniques
✗ CONS
- • Expensive quality instruments
- • Advanced technique required
Lothar Semmlinger No. 135 Cello 4/4CelloSize: 4/4Master instrumentStradivari styleFinest solid spruce topExcellent...
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 389832
$7,029
#12
⭐
4.8/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Cello Testore
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
#13
⭐
4.9/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Karl Höfner H4/3A-C Cello 4/4
by
Karl Höfner
Orchestra
Solo Performance
Classical
Key Feature:
• Wide dynamic range capability
✓ PROS
- • Wide dynamic range capability
- • Essential orchestral voice
✗ CONS
- • Expensive quality instruments
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
Karl Höfner H4/3E-C Cello 4/4Cello 4/4Handmade orchestral celloHandmade top made of alpine spruceNicely flamed...
⭐
4.9/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 356149
$4,928
#14
⭐
4.9/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Hidersine Uno Cello Set 4/4
by
Hidersine
Classical
Solo Performance
Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Versatile across musical periods
- • Rich, warm lower register
✗ CONS
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
Hidersine Uno Cello Set 4/4Cello SetSize: 4/4Laminated spruce topLaminated graphic flamed back and sidesEbony tuning...
⭐
4.9/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 415776
$736
#15
⭐
4.4/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Scala Vilagio L.V. Montagnana Cello 4/4
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
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.
