Buying a string instrument can feel like a jungle: prices range from a couple hundred dollars to many thousands, and two cellos that look identical in photos can play completely differently. This guide walks through what to budget, what you should get for your money, how to pick the right size, and how to buy online without the guesswork.
How much should a first cello cost?
A good beginner cello outfit costs roughly $1,100 to $1,500 today. At Fiddlershop, our starter outfits begin at $1,199, and that price includes the cello, bow, case and a full workshop setup.
Yes, you can find brand-new cellos online for $200 to $500. We understand the appeal, but in our experience those instruments rarely save money in the end:
- They are harder to play. High strings, poorly fitted bridges and pegs that slip make every note a fight. Beginners often blame themselves and quit.
- They often need work before they are playable. A proper setup from a local luthier (bridge, soundpost, nut, pegs, quality strings) can easily add hundreds of dollars.
- They sound thin and buzzy. Hearing yourself improve is a big part of what keeps new players practicing.
- They hold little value. A well-made instrument from a reputable maker is far easier to trade in or resell later.
Our advice: spend enough to get an instrument that is built well and set up correctly, then put any remaining budget toward lessons. If the price of buying outright is the obstacle, consider renting or financing (both covered below) rather than dropping down to a bargain cello.
For a decent beginner cello, you will have to pay around a thousand dollars. This should include the case, bow, and rosin. On top of this, you might want to get extra strings, sheet music, and a music stand.
Browse our selection of beginner cellos here.
What should be included
Buy a cello outfit, not a bare instrument. A good outfit means you can start playing the day it arrives. For example, our Tower Strings Entertainer Cello Outfit comes with:
- A solid spruce and maple cello (not laminate) with an ebony fingerboard and pegs
- A padded soft case
- A carbon fiber bow
- Rosin, an endpin stop, a practice mute, a tuner and a polishing cloth
- Quality strings, a hand-carved bridge, and a full workshop setup
Of everything on that list, the item that matters most is setup. A professional setup (fitted bridge, soundpost, nut, pegs and strings) is what makes a cello comfortable and responsive. Ask any seller whether each instrument is set up and play-tested before it ships.
Beyond the outfit, most beginners also want a music stand, and a method book their teacher recommends.
Our beginner cello lineup
Every cello below is set up and play-tested in our Florida workshop and ships as a complete outfit. Prices are as of October 2026.
| Outfit | Price | Sizes | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower Strings Entertainer | $1,199 | 1/8 to 4/4 | Our best-value starter; most first-time players and growing kids |
| Fiddlerman Apprentice | $1,599 | 4 sizes | A step up in tonewoods and accessories, with a warmer sound |
| Fiddlerman Concert | $1,899 | 4 sizes | Committed beginners who want room to grow |
| Fiddlerman Artist | $2,299 | 4 sizes | Adult beginners or students likely to stay on this cello for years |
Not sure which to choose? Start with the Entertainer if budget matters most. If you can stretch, the Apprentice is the most noticeable jump in tone. Browse all beginner cellos.
What size cello do you need?
Most players 5 feet or taller (usually age 12 and up) play a full-size 4/4 cello. Smaller players use a fractional size, roughly by height:
| Size | Approx. height | Approx. age |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 5 ft and up | 12+ |
| 3/4 | 4 ft 6 in to 5 ft | 10 to 12 |
| 1/2 | 4 ft to 4 ft 6 in | 8 to 10 |
| 1/4 | 3 ft 6 in to 4 ft | 6 to 8 |
| 1/8 | 3 ft to 3 ft 6 in | 4 to 6 |
| 1/10 | About 3 ft | 3 to 4 |
Height is only a starting point. If you can try a cello, sit at the front edge of a chair with feet flat, rest the top of the cello against the center of your chest, and check that the C peg sits just behind your left ear and you can reach both ends of the fingerboard comfortably. Petite adults sometimes prefer a 7/8. Our sizing guide has more detail, or call us and we'll help you choose.
Should you rent or buy?
Buy if you're confident the player will stick with cello for at least a year or two; rent if you're still testing the waters or a child will outgrow sizes quickly.
- Buying usually costs less over time, and a well-made cello holds its value. With our Trade-In Program, cellos bought from us typically earn 50 to 70% of the original price in credit toward the next size or an upgrade.
- Renting keeps the upfront cost low and makes size changes easy. If you're in South Florida (Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm Beach), our rental program includes a set-up cello, bow, case, endpin anchor and rosin, plus basic damage protection. 70% of first-year rental payments (and 30% in later years) count toward buying that instrument.
- Financing is a middle path. You can spread the cost of a purchase over time.
For growing kids, trade-in credit makes buying fractional sizes much less daunting: fractional cellos can be traded toward a different size of equal or greater value.
Buying a cello online: what to look for
Buying online is safe when the seller sets up every instrument, lets you return it, and is there to answer questions afterward. Before you order from anyone, check:
- Setup before shipping. Is each cello adjusted by a luthier and play-tested? Ours go through a 10-point setup covering pegs, nut, fingerboard, bridge, soundpost and strings.
- A real return window. We offer 45-day returns for a full refund.
- An upgrade path. Ask about trade-in credit before you buy, not after.
- Reviews and real people. Look for independent reviews and a phone number someone actually answers.
If you're near Pompano Beach, Florida, you're also welcome to book a visit and compare cellos side by side in our showroom.
Quick checklist
- Budget about $1,200 or more for a set-up beginner outfit, or plan to rent
- Confirm the right size by height, ideally with a teacher
- Make sure the outfit includes a case, bow and rosin
- Choose a seller that sets up every instrument and offers returns
- Ask about trade-in or rental credit for future upgrades
Still have questions? Call us at 800-595-0592 or email support@fiddlershop.com. Our team plays these instruments every day and is happy to help you find the right first cello.
