8 Best Electric Cellos 2024 in the US

The electric cello was invented over 85 years ago and is now seen as a unique, modern and fashionable version of the cello. The electric cello is a cello that relies on amplification from electrical products such as preamps and amplifiers, whilst a normal or acoustic cello relies on its own vibration to make sound and project that sound. The electric cello can be used for many genres including classical and many other modern genres such as rock, pop, jazz and so on. The electric cello is the perfect instrument for a cellist or aspiring cellist that wants a different aesthetic and wants a unique and modern instrument.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting an electric cello. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of electric cello,

• See useful tips about the electric cello,

• Select the right brand of electric cello,

• Find accessories you may need for your electric cello.

Types of Electric Cello:

• Fretted Electric Cellos:

  • These are electric cellos that have frets on the neck to allow for easier placement of the fingers and thereby allow for easier playing.

• Headphone Practice Electric Cellos:

  • These are electric cellos that can be played and practiced with headphones plugged so that only the cellist can hear it.

  • This is a useful product for parents who wish for quiet when their child is practicing cello.

• Performance Electric Cellos:

  • Performance cellos are any cellos that can be used for performance or recording purposes.

  • The higher the level of quality needed for the performance or recording, means the higher quality of sound needed and professionals suggest that you should consider purchasing an electric cello with a metal body if you wish to only create sound when plugged in and wood bodies if you wish to play audibly when not plugged in.

• Acoustic-Electric Cellos:

  • Acoustic-electric cellos are good for any acoustic genre that an electric cello is needed for.

  • It is suggested however that if you are performing with a full band and need amplifying, that you purchase a full body cello as acoustic-electric cellos have feedback problems in those kinds of settings

Items that Can be Used with Your Electric Cello:

• Electric Cello Case:

  • This is a specially designed case to store your electric cello in and transport it and any accessories safely.

• Electric Cello Bag:

  • This is a specially designed bag to store your electric cello in and transport it that is not as heavy as an electric cello case but it is softer and can’t prevent damage from rough handling.

• Electric Cello Bow:

  • An electric cello bow is used to play melodies on the electric cello by dragging it across the strings whilst pressing down on certain notes.

• Pedals:

  • Pedals are machines that one can plug into an amplifier that the electric cello is plugged into to add certain effects such as reverb, distortion and many others.

• Rosin:

  • Rosin comes is blocks and can be rubbed on the strings of the electric cello or on the bow to increase grip and by doing so increasing vibration and providing a better tone.

• Electric Cello Stand:

  • This is a specially designed stand for you to place your electric cello on when you are not playing or when you don't need to place it in a case.

• Electric Cello Strings:

  • After a lot of playing, strings tend to break and it is therefore wise to purchase and keep spare strings handy for any emergencies.

• Electric Cello Tailpieces:

  • Different tailpieces can be purchased for different decorative properties.

• Electric Cello Tuning Pegs:

  • Electric cello tuning pegs can be purchased for a different aesthetic or in case one peg breaks.

• Electric Cello Bridge:

  • Different electric cello bridges can be bought for different tones and sounds.

• Cello Polish:

  • This is a special polish for the wood of the cello that strengthens the wood as well as keep is clean and shiny for performances.

• Polishing Cloth:

  • This is a cloth that you use to keep your cello clean and pristine with no smudges or dust on it.

• Cello Tuner:

  • This is a small device that you clip to your cello and use to help you tune your strings to the appropriate pitch

• Electric Cello Mute:

  • The purpose of a cello mute is to dampen the sound of the cello and can be attached to the bridge of the cello.

• Instrument Cables:

  • This is a cable that you use to connect your cello to your amplifier and get more volume.

• Amplifier:

  • This is a type of speaker that you plug instruments into amplifying their volume and in some cases change the treble and bass elements of the instrument.

Tips for Consumers:

• Tonewoods & Materials:

  • It is important to test out different materials to see which sound you like the best.

  • Maple:

• • Spruce:

• • Acrylic:

• • Carbon Fibre:

• • Kevlar:

• • Glass:

• Type of Pickup:

  • Magnetic Pickups:

    • Magnetic pickups require the electric cello to have strings that contain iron or steel in order to pick up the vibration.

    • Few electric cellos use this type of pickup.

• • Piezoelectric Pickups:

    • Piezoelectric pickups are more commonly used in electric cellos and come in the shapes of ceramic disks, cylinders or a plastic film.

    • Electric cellos can have up to 4 pickups, one under each string.

• • Electrodynamic Pickups:

    • Electrodynamic pickups can only be plugged into a high impedance amplifier setting or into a powered preamp, or else it reacts to the microphones own signals or has a low output.

Different Brands of Electric Cello:

• Cecilio:

  • Cecilio is a manufacturer of a wide array of instruments including the electric cello. Cecilio aims to inspire musical talent through quality and talent. They are currently located in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

• NS Design:

  • NS Design was founded in 1990 by famed instrument designer Ned Steinberger. NS Design instruments are designed with a different sound than their acoustic counterparts in mind. NS Design headquarters are currently located in Nobleboro, Maine.

• Stagg:

  • Developed in 1995 in Belgium produces a wide array of instruments from guitars to tubas to drums. They aim to provide people with inspiration for a lifelong journey of music. They currently have headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

• Ammoon:

  • Ammoon is a musical instrument company that produces a wide array of instruments for all ages. They also provide accessories for musical instruments such as amplifiers, preamps and pickups. They are currently located in China.