How much should I spend on a beginner cello?

For a purchase, a decent beginner cello starts around $500-1,500 including bow and case. Below that price point, quality drops significantly. Renting ($30-60/month) is often the better option for beginners.

Can I buy a cello on Amazon?

It is not recommended. Very cheap cellos sold online are typically poorly made and set up, making them harder to play. A reputable local string shop will provide a better instrument with proper setup, even at a similar price point.

How do I know when to move my child to a larger cello?

Your teacher will monitor sizing and let you know when it is time to move up. Signs include the student stretching uncomfortably to reach positions, or the knees being too high when seated. Rental programs make size swaps easy.

Do I need any accessories besides the cello?

At a minimum, you need a cello, bow, rosin (for the bow hair), and a music stand. An endpin stopper or strap to prevent the cello from sliding on hard floors is also useful. Your teacher will let you know if anything else is needed.

How to Choose a Beginner Cello | Buying & Rental Guide

Choosing your first cello - or your child's first cello - is an important decision, but it does not need to be overwhelming. With some basic knowledge, you can find an instrument that sounds good, feels comfortable, and supports learning rather than hindering it. Here is what to know.

Renting vs. Buying

For most beginners, renting is the smart first move. Here is why:

For children: Kids grow, and cellos come in fractional sizes (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full). A child may need to move up a size every year or two. Renting allows you to swap sizes easily without the cost and hassle of selling and rebuying. Most rental programs cost $30-60 per month and include basic maintenance.

For adults: If you are not sure cello is a long-term commitment, renting lets you try it with minimal financial risk. Most rental programs let you apply a portion of your payments toward a future purchase if you decide to buy.

When buying makes sense: If you are an adult who is committed to playing long-term, or if a child has reached full size and will not need to upsize, purchasing can be more economical over time. But I recommend renting for at least the first 3-6 months to be sure.

How to Find the Right Size

Size is the most important factor in choosing a cello. An instrument that is too large is physically difficult to play and can cause discomfort or bad habits. An instrument that is too small will limit your sound and technique as you progress.

Here is a rough sizing guide:

Important: These are guidelines, not rules. Your teacher should help determine the correct size, ideally by having the student try the instrument in person.

What to Look For in a Beginner Cello

Whether renting or buying, here is what matters:

Proper setup. The bridge should be correctly positioned and shaped, the strings should be at a comfortable height (not too high off the fingerboard), and the pegs should turn smoothly. A well-set-up inexpensive cello will play better than a poorly set-up expensive one. This is why buying from a music shop that specializes in strings (rather than a general music store or Amazon) matters.

Decent strings. Factory-installed strings on very cheap cellos are often poor quality and make the instrument harder to play and less rewarding to listen to. A good rental program or reputable shop will equip the cello with reasonable strings.

A functioning bow. Beginner bows do not need to be fancy, but they should be straight, hold rosin well, and have hair that is not worn out. Many rental setups include a bow.

A case. You need a way to transport and protect the instrument. Most rentals include a case.

What to Avoid

Amazon and generic online cellos. Extremely cheap cellos ($100-200) sold online are almost always poorly made, poorly set up, and not worth the savings. They can actually make learning harder because they are physically difficult to play. The cost of having a luthier fix the setup often exceeds the cost of the cello itself.

Used cellos without inspection. If someone offers you a used cello, have a luthier or your teacher inspect it before committing. Cracks, warping, and soundpost issues are not always visible to the untrained eye and can be expensive to repair.

Buying too soon. There is no rush to own a cello. Start with a rental, get comfortable, and let your teacher help guide you toward a purchase when the time is right.

Where to Rent or Buy in the Chicago Area

Several shops in the Chicago area specialize in string instruments and offer quality rental programs. Your teacher can recommend specific shops based on your needs and budget. Key things to look for in a shop:

They specialize in orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello, bass)
They set up instruments properly before renting or selling them
Their rental program allows size exchanges
They offer maintenance (new strings, bow rehairs, adjustments)

The Bottom Line

Your first cello does not need to be expensive or fancy. It needs to be the right size, properly set up, and from a source that stands behind the instrument. Start with a rental from a reputable shop, let your teacher guide the sizing, and focus your energy on learning rather than shopping. The instrument is the vehicle - the teacher and the practice are what make the music.

How to Choose a Beginner Cello: A Practical Buying Guide