Best Acoustic Cellos for Contemporary Classical 2026
Perfect acoustic cellos for contemporary-classical - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.7/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Lothar Semmlinger No. 133A Antiqued Cello 7/8
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
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Bernd Hiller & Sohn Master Cello Montagnana 4/4
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
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Scala Vilagio Bohemia Performance Cello 7/8
Orchestra
Contemporary Classical
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Expressive bowing techniques
✓ PROS
- • Versatile across musical periods
- • Essential orchestral voice
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Advanced technique required
Scala Vilagio Bohemia Performance Cello 7/8CelloSize: 7/8Scale: 66.5 cmSelected first-class solid spruce topDistinctive...
⭐
4.9/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 586738
$3,619
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Lothar Semmlinger No. 135A Antiqued Cello 7/8
Chamber Music
Contemporary Classical
Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Essential orchestral voice
✓ PROS
- • Essential orchestral voice
- • Wide dynamic range capability
✗ CONS
- • Sensitive to climate changes
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
Lothar Semmlinger No. 135A Antiqued Cello 7/8Cello in Antique FinishSize: 7/8Scale: 66 cmMaster instrumentStradivari...
⭐
4.9/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 586816
$7,689
#5
⭐
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
#6
⭐
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
#7
⭐
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
#8
⭐
4.6/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. Sup.
Classical
Orchestra
Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Essential orchestral voice
- • Versatile across musical periods
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
Anton Stöhr & Sohn Faszination Cello Strad. Sup.CelloSize: 4/4Stradivari Superior modelMade by master violin maker...
⭐
4.6/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 565258
$13,750
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Walter Mahr Baroque Cello Stradivari 4/4
by
Walter Mahr
Solo Performance
Classical
Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Expressive bowing techniques
✓ PROS
- • Rich, warm lower register
- • Wide dynamic range capability
✗ CONS
- • Sensitive to climate changes
- • Expensive quality instruments
Walter Mahr Baroque Cello Stradivari 4/4Baroque CelloStradivari modelSolidevenly grained spruce topBack and sides made...
⭐
4.8/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595705
$10,780
#10
⭐
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
#11
⭐
4.7/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Hidersine Nobile Cello Set 4/4
by
Hidersine
Classical
Orchestra
Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across musical periods
✓ PROS
- • Expressive bowing techniques
- • Wide dynamic range capability
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Advanced technique required
Hidersine Nobile Cello Set 4/4Cello Set 4/4Solid cello with solid handcrafted spruce topSolid and flamed maple back and...
⭐
4.7/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610867
$2,189
#12
⭐
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
#13
⭐
4.7/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Eastman R. Doetsch Cello VC7015G+ 4/4
by
Eastman
Contemporary Classical
Classical
Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Wide dynamic range capability
✓ PROS
- • Versatile across musical periods
- • Wide dynamic range capability
✗ CONS
- • Heavy and awkward to transport
- • Requires proper setup and maintenance
Eastman R. Doetsch Cello VC7015G+ 4/45-String 4/4 Cello with PickupGuarneri model with a pickup system embedded in the...
⭐
4.7/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 614925
$4,389
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Marco Dotti Gore - Booth Cello
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
#15
⭐
4.9/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Cello Set A/B
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
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.
