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Best Electric Cellos Under $5,000 2025

Affordable electric cellos under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Contemporary For Rock For Pop For Jazz Fusion For Recording Studio For Amplified Performance
BRANDS: NS Design Harley Benton
NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted Low F - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted Low F

by NS Design
Rock Amplified Performance Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted Cello5-String Electric CelloFrettedWith low F-stringDual mode active outputWith Polar...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407882
$3,729
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted High E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted High E

by NS Design
Recording Studio Amplified Performance Rock
Key Feature:
• No feedback issues when amplified
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Requires amplification system

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB-F Fretted High E5-String Electric CelloFrettedWith high-E stringDual mode active outputWith polar...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 604219
$3,729
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-CO-BK Low F Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

NS Design NXT5a-CO-BK Low F Cello

by NS Design
Recording Studio Contemporary Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Different bowing feel

NS Design NXT5a-CO-BK Low F Cello5-String Electric CelloWith low F-stringDual mode active outputPolar pickup...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 309440
$3,014
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design WAV5c Cello Black Gloss High E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

NS Design WAV5c Cello Black Gloss High E

by NS Design
Amplified Performance Contemporary Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design WAV5c-CO-BK-E Black Cello5-String Electric CelloCoform fingerboardTuning: low C-G-D-A-EPickup: self-powered...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 554002
$2,079
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB Low F Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB Low F Cello

by NS Design
Rock Pop Amplified Performance
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Limited acoustic projection

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB Low F Cello5-String Electric CelloWith low F-stringDual mode active outputPolar pickup...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 315584
$3,014
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha SVC 210 Silent Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Yamaha SVC 210 Silent Cello

by Yamaha
Amplified Performance Pop Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Effects processing capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Different bowing feel
  • • Requires amplification system

Yamaha SVC 210 Silent CelloSilent Cello with PickupNewly developed resonating chamber for an authentic and natural...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 114513
$3,795
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello GB

by Gewa
Pop Jazz Fusion Amplified Performance
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra
  • • Limited acoustic projection

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello GBElectric CelloBasic dimensions were taken over from the classical celloVisible wood...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 567527
$2,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello BK

by Gewa
Jazz Fusion Pop Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Lightweight compared to acoustic
✓ PROS
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Limited acoustic projection

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello BKElectric CelloBasic dimensions were taken over from the classical celloVisible wood...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 567524
$2,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha SVC 50 Silent Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Yamaha SVC 50 Silent Cello

by Yamaha
Contemporary Recording Studio Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Different bowing feel

Yamaha SVC 50 Silent CelloSilent CelloWell suited to almost silent practice or for playing on stageCompact...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 172227
$2,629
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello RB

by Gewa
Contemporary Rock Amplified Performance
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

Gewa Novita 3.0 Electric Cello RBElectric CelloBasic dimensions were taken over from the classical celloVisible wood...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 567526
$2,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-CO-BK High E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

NS Design NXT5a-CO-BK High E

by NS Design
Contemporary Rock Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Silent practice with headphones
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Requires amplification system

NS Design NXT5a-CO-BK High E5-String Electric CelloWith high E stringDual mode active outputWith Polar pickup...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 267072
$3,014
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB High E Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB High E Cello

by NS Design
Jazz Fusion Contemporary Pop
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • Lightweight compared to acoustic
  • • Silent practice with headphones
✗ CONS
  • • Requires amplification system
  • • Different bowing feel

NS Design NXT5a-CO-SB High E CelloCello5-String electric cello with high E stringTuning: C-G-D-A-high EDual mode active...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 267073
$3,014
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT4a-CO-SB Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

NS Design NXT4a-CO-SB Cello

by NS Design
Recording Studio Rock Contemporary
Key Feature:
• Effects processing capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Effects processing capabilities
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance

NS Design NXT4a-CO-SB Cello4-String Electric CelloWith Polar Pickup SystemBody: MapleMaple neckRichlite composite...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 403212
$2,639
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT4a-CO-SB-F Fretted Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

NS Design NXT4a-CO-SB-F Fretted Cello

by NS Design
Jazz Fusion Recording Studio Pop
Key Feature:
• No feedback issues when amplified
✓ PROS
  • • Effects processing capabilities
  • • No feedback issues when amplified
✗ CONS
  • • Lacks acoustic resonance
  • • Requires amplification system

NS Design NXT4a-CO-SB-F Fretted Cello4-String Electric CelloFrettedDual mode active outputWith Polar Pickup SystemBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 407881
$3,410
Buy at Thomann View Details
NS Design NXT4a-CO-BK-F Fretted Cello - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

NS Design NXT4a-CO-BK-F Fretted Cello

by NS Design
Pop Recording Studio Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Modern versatility across genres
✓ PROS
  • • Silent practice with headphones
  • • Modern versatility across genres
✗ CONS
  • • Limited acoustic projection
  • • Not suitable for classical orchestra

NS Design NXT4a-CO-BK-F Fretted CelloFretted 4-String Electric CelloDual Mode Active OutputWith polar pickup...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 407880
$3,454
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Electric 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 electric 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.

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