Damm you made does instruments sound worthy. Let’s face it, most of us,including myself,can not afford to buy a high quality cello. 269 is probably the budget line. Ty for this video.
If possible, I would recommend renting a decent cello from a luthier for the first period of learning. That way, you can see whether you like this new hobby or not in an easier and cheaper way, for the first months. Then at the point where you make the choice to really go for it and you want to upgrade to one with an even better sound, you can buy your definitive cello (often with a discount, if you buy from the same luthier).
This might be good for countries with access to rentals, but in my country there are no known rental violins/ cellos so you really have to buy at least a student level instrument as part of your trial or beginner period.
I just got my Cecilio yesterday, so glad I made the right choice! I think it will be good to use for a while to see if cello is something I want to pursue further. Even to my untrained ear, I thought the A string sounded a bit off, so I'll have to replace that (and the bow). I'm only on day 2 but I'm enjoying it so far - thanks for your super informative videos!
Here in Germany, some Luthiers buy Chinese ones. Then they make changes in the cellos, they completely remake them to a proper and good quality sound. In the end, the result is the best you can imagine. At the same time, they build cellos too. I have tested some of those Chinese ones that were "updated" and the quality was very very good. However, for that type of work you need the best Luthier with many years of experience and who knows what's he doing. On the other hand, my true advice: go somewhere where you can test the instrument and check all details and take your teacher or a cellist with you. Don't go blind buy your first instrument. Be careful and avoid Amazon.
Avoid Amazon? Why? I just heard two perfectly good cellos for short money they both fundamentally sound the same to my ears. And no I’m not a cello player but I’ve been in Professional Musician for 50 years. If you don’t like your Amazon purchase, you send it back. What could be easier? Now I’m looking at a rental page from a reputable vendor here on the East Coast in New England and you can rent a Nebel German cello with a good denza carbon fibro bow fiberglass case spirit cor Larson tongsten strings a Witner tailpiece and the winter fine tuning pegs for three months. The cost? $225 plus $40 insurance. Now I don’t know enough about shells to know whether that’s a tip top wonderful cello but it’s the best one in the store happens to offer you can rent in Eastman VC 80 for $117 plus $28 in insurance for three months. And it seems to me that for the rank beginner who knows nothing about cellos, that I would either went $175 cello for three months or just go ahead and buy one for $256. And yes it’s nice to be able to check out instruments in the stores, but maybe you’ve noticed that there’s not too many people out in public these days? I think Amazon is the best thing that’s ever happened to this country.
I’d love to see you review the Fiddlershop cellos paired against other cellos and maybe do a comparison between beginner cellos (the Tower Strings Entertainer vs. Cecelio), etc.
Thank you so much for this video! I have been dying to learn the cello but have been struggling with which one to get! This video was very educational and helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make this
Thank you for the evaluation of the Cecelio. I purchased the Cecelio 500 a year ago. I am an adult beginner..it sounded horrible and I discovered why. It did not have a sound post. So I had to have one installed. You are correct. The original strings were very poor. I upgraded to a set recommended on Amazon. i am still trying to find a good sounding cello. I am still practicing. Thank you
I wanted the Eastar EVC-1 for the better looks but purchased the Cecilio for overwhelming good reviews. It's on its way now as a Christmas present. I already purchased tools in case I have to rework the bridge. Something tells me it will be fine.
61 years old, and just decided to try out the Cello. Good ear, moderate talent, minimum musical education. I was already eyeing the Cecillio, so thank you. Also from observing your video, I agree with the differences you pointed out. I thought the dull one had a grinding sound, and Cecillio was a noticably clearer sound.
Thank you for this video!! I've wanted to play a cello for long time but just don't have the $3000-$5000 to start. I'm not going to play in an orchestra but still want something that doesn't sound like poop either. Feeling optimistic that I may be able to reach this dream now. 😊
Greetings, great videos!. I am new to the cello. Only one week and have not played at all yet, Trying to hold the cello conformably for 15 minutes every day, and another 15 with the bow in hand, total of 30 minutes; wile watching your basic cello videos. So far I end up with a back pain, I tried to be relax and sit in a comfortable position but i am assuming is normal the first few days.. Will go trough every single video and see how it goes a year from now. Thank you for posting! Starting open string next week and will be in open strings for as long as i feel the discomfort, once gone i will start some scales with your videos. Also got Suzuki book 1.
Thanks so much for your message and congrats on starting your cello journey! It's really an enriching process learning how to pull a beautiful sound. Happy practicing!
I´m happy, that my teacher went with me to the music shop, to help me to choose my first cello. Alone, I would be totally lost :D and buying it via internet must be a hard work for everyone.
Thanks for this comparison video, it's great. Lots of students visit my store with a sad "I can't afford it" face. Luckily, there's a rental option lots of students started to consider.
Billy, are you playing the Cecilio with the strings that came in the kit? If not, what strings are on the cello? Sounds amazing for the price. I just ordered one!
Did the Cecilio come packaged in something besides a gig bag ? We know the transportation folks don't know this thing from every other thing they handle and don't give a hill of beens. Also if the sound post crashes in transport is that something a novice can re-seat ? I wouldn't want to be the one to ask a Luthier to fix a $300 Cello.
Hi Rand, Both cellos came in cardboard packages with special cardboard pieces inside made to help cradle the instrument and keep it securely in place during transit. So both cellos were in their canvas cases surrounded by cardboard padding when they arrived. Setting the sound post is definitely a job for an expert. Besides needing a special tool, you also want to make sure that you place it in the ideal location. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about taking a $300 cello to a luthier for a small repair if it needs one. Unless he or she is a total snob the point is that someone is starting their musical journey, which is a great thing. They'll also understand that a $300 cello may lead to a more expensive instrument down the road if learning the cello turns into a real lifelong passion. Thanks for your comment!
You know, I think the mark-ups on the cheap cellos are even higher than on the more expensive ones. These two cellos cost about 90usd to buy in China. I just got one at 600rmb. That is 82usd. And honestly, it's great. sounds fine. Plays fine. Comes with all you need to get started.
I'm looking into buying the Cecilio $500 dollar from Amazon , but I'm thinking of taking it to the music shop were they know how to set up cellos and violins so they can put better strings and make sure the bridge and everything is in the right place and also so they can set up the tape on the fret board what do you think Maestro . And thank you for your videos .
Thanks so much for your comment! If I decided to buy the $500 Cecilio from Amazon (or any student cello online for that matter), that is exactly what I would do as well. You want the cello to be set up for success and a good luthier at a good violin shop will be able to advise you how to do so easily.
Yup, the inlays are the biggest no-no for me. Good idea if you can remove them but let's be honest, every cello is different so it's better to trust your teacher to place them or to place them on your own instrument with the help of a tuner. Or you can go full Ling-Ling and learn cello with no tapes o inlays at all :D
I agree! The best part of taping your cello is the day you remove it all and you have a clean, beautifully monochromatic fingerboard again. Thanks for your comment!
I purchased the Cecilio Cello, when the cello arrived it was defected. I returned it to Amazon and asked for a replacement. I was told the instrument did not qualify for an exchange and Amazon would refund me the money when the cello was returned. I waited for more than 30 days for the refund and never got it. Contact Amazon and the process was looking like I would not get the refund. I contact the credit card bank and let them know about the issue and it was until then when Amazon send me an email indicating that Amazon will refund me the moneys.
You can't really compare cellos like this unless they have been set up properly, the sound post adjusted, the bridge adjusted for height and that the strings are decent. The Eastar sounded thin and tinny no doubt because it had very cheap strings. It might sound a whole lot better with a new string set. But on this hearing the Cecilio sounded surprisingly ok for a cheap instrument.
Did the cello bridges come fitted? I’ve bought a few violins online and they never came with a fitted bridge. Getting one fitted where I’m at costs a lot and I don’t wanna go thru that again 😅
Hi! The cellos came with bridges that were shaped but not set in place, so you would have to set the bridge yourself or have someone else do it for you.
Thanks for making this great content. what would you suggest if I want to upgrade all the strings? my son has been playing since grade 5, (about 3 years now). He still has the stock string. Thank you in advance!
I’m just joining you and shopping for my first cello. I’ve been a harp and guitar player since 11 but have never played a cello. I am accustomed to high end instruments but don’t want to spend $5k on my first cello. Do you have any knowledge of eBay cellos?
Hi Brittany! I can't say that I have any knowledge about eBay cellos, but depending upon you're budget, I would look into the brand Jay Haide; I've always had great luck with their instruments. Their lowest level starts under $3K I believe. Hope that helps!
Very helpful review. One thought: the Eastar, in this video, looks ugly. The wood color is not very pleasing. However, again in this video, the Cecilio looks very plastic in the light you use here. Regardless, thank you for this!
@@adultcello - I'm an adult learning coming up on the end of my first year and the end of Suzuki book one. I recently started Essential Elements book 2. I have been renting an Eastman VC100 which is meeting my needs. At some point I'm going to want to buy a cello of my own. Something I can grow with, love the sound of and play in the church orchestra when I am ready. The shop I'm renting from recommended I wait until about halfway through Suzuki book 3 before I purchase a cello. She said by that point I'll have a much better feel for my own needs and playing style. I've heard good things about Chinese shop cellos that are properly set up. The woman I spoke to at the shop thought that a Romanian cello might make sense.
@@DravenKSW There are definitely both Chinese and Romanian cellos that are a great value with a great sound! As you mentioned, I think having the right setup makes a huge difference in that price range. Personally, I would take a loot at the Jay Haide instrument series, I've been very impressed with those cellos (there are multiple levels and price points). They are connected to Ifshin violins in the Bay Area, here's a link with some pricing and more info: www.ifshinviolins.com/Resources/Detail/Article/48/Jay-Haide-Instruments
great video. Im an adult cello learner myself at the age of 36! would you be able to do a review/comparison video on silent cellos? like the Yamaha ones? thanks!
Thanks so much for your comment! To be honest, I don't consider myself to be extremely knowledgeable on the topic of non-acoustic cellos. I've performed on a few for different types of gigs over the years, but that's it. They did seem like a lot of fun to play! Are you considering a silent cello?
@@adultcello I am! my acoustic is amazing but a pain to travel with. With the world going crazy with all the quarantine rules I have to travel with a more compact and silent version.
Damm you made does instruments sound worthy. Let’s face it, most of us,including myself,can not afford to buy a high quality cello. 269 is probably the budget line. Ty for this video.
My pleasure! Let me know if you have any questions, my email is billy@adultcello.com
I understand that a good quality cello can't be cheap, but the barrier to entry for cellos are so prohibitively expensive and that's sad.
It is better to rent a cello in the beginning than buy a crappy one
If possible, I would recommend renting a decent cello from a luthier for the first period of learning. That way, you can see whether you like this new hobby or not in an easier and cheaper way, for the first months. Then at the point where you make the choice to really go for it and you want to upgrade to one with an even better sound, you can buy your definitive cello (often with a discount, if you buy from the same luthier).
This might be good for countries with access to rentals, but in my country there are no known rental violins/ cellos so you really have to buy at least a student level instrument as part of your trial or beginner period.
Cecilio sounded surprisingly nice, that being said the Eastar reminds me more of a cello that has been well played like a school cello haha.
Little
I just got my Cecilio yesterday, so glad I made the right choice! I think it will be good to use for a while to see if cello is something I want to pursue further. Even to my untrained ear, I thought the A string sounded a bit off, so I'll have to replace that (and the bow). I'm only on day 2 but I'm enjoying it so far - thanks for your super informative videos!
the bigger the instrument, the harder to sound bad.
Here in Germany, some Luthiers buy Chinese ones. Then they make changes in the cellos, they completely remake them to a proper and good quality sound. In the end, the result is the best you can imagine. At the same time, they build cellos too. I have tested some of those Chinese ones that were "updated" and the quality was very very good. However, for that type of work you need the best Luthier with many years of experience and who knows what's he doing.
On the other hand, my true advice: go somewhere where you can test the instrument and check all details and take your teacher or a cellist with you. Don't go blind buy your first instrument.
Be careful and avoid Amazon.
Can you maybe recommend a good cello from China? Or a supplier/online shop? Thank you :-)
Avoid Amazon? Why? I just heard two perfectly good cellos for short money they both fundamentally sound the same to my ears. And no I’m not a cello player but I’ve been in Professional Musician for 50 years. If you don’t like your Amazon purchase, you send it back. What could be easier? Now I’m looking at a rental page from a reputable vendor here on the East Coast in New England and you can rent a Nebel German cello with a good denza carbon fibro bow fiberglass case spirit cor Larson tongsten strings a Witner tailpiece and the winter fine tuning pegs for three months. The cost? $225 plus $40 insurance. Now I don’t know enough about shells to know whether that’s a tip top wonderful cello but it’s the best one in the store happens to offer you can rent in Eastman VC 80 for $117 plus $28 in insurance for three months. And it seems to me that for the rank beginner who knows nothing about cellos, that I would either went $175 cello for three months or just go ahead and buy one for $256. And yes it’s nice to be able to check out instruments in the stores, but maybe you’ve noticed that there’s not too many people out in public these days? I think Amazon is the best thing that’s ever happened to this country.
Got my cecilio about a week ago I'm pretty excited to learn!
The Swan absolutely made my day! One of my favorite songs of all time. Glad to know the Cecillio is good enough. Love your channel!
I’d love to see you review the Fiddlershop cellos paired against other cellos and maybe do a comparison between beginner cellos (the Tower Strings Entertainer vs. Cecelio), etc.
wow, you are really talented. I have seen many youtube videos and people cannot make these amazon cellos sound good
Thanks so much, and thanks for your comment!
Thank you so much for this video! I have been dying to learn the cello but have been struggling with which one to get! This video was very educational and helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make this
Sadly, the price has jumped up to $460.
Thank you for the evaluation of the Cecelio. I purchased the Cecelio 500 a year ago. I am an adult beginner..it sounded horrible and I discovered why. It did not have a sound post. So I had to have one installed. You are correct. The original strings were very poor. I upgraded to a set recommended on Amazon. i am still trying to find a good sounding cello. I am still practicing. Thank you
Thank you so much for this video. It really helped me decide on buying the cecilio cello.
My pleasure, I'm so glad it helped!
I wanted the Eastar EVC-1 for the better looks but purchased the Cecilio for overwhelming good reviews. It's on its way now as a Christmas present. I already purchased tools in case I have to rework the bridge. Something tells me it will be fine.
61 years old, and just decided to try out the Cello. Good ear, moderate talent, minimum musical education. I was already eyeing the Cecillio, so thank you. Also from observing your video, I agree with the differences you pointed out. I thought the dull one had a grinding sound, and Cecillio was a noticably clearer sound.
Thank you for this video!! I've wanted to play a cello for long time but just don't have the $3000-$5000 to start. I'm not going to play in an orchestra but still want something that doesn't sound like poop either. Feeling optimistic that I may be able to reach this dream now. 😊
Cecilio sounds a lot better,thanks for the video,blessings
Greetings, great videos!. I am new to the cello. Only one week and have not played at all yet, Trying to hold the cello conformably for 15 minutes every day, and another 15 with the bow in hand, total of 30 minutes; wile watching your basic cello videos. So far I end up with a back pain, I tried to be relax and sit in a comfortable position but i am assuming is normal the first few days.. Will go trough every single video and see how it goes a year from now. Thank you for posting! Starting open string next week and will be in open strings for as long as i feel the discomfort, once gone i will start some scales with your videos. Also got Suzuki book 1.
Thanks so much for your message and congrats on starting your cello journey! It's really an enriching process learning how to pull a beautiful sound. Happy practicing!
I´m happy, that my teacher went with me to the music shop, to help me to choose my first cello. Alone, I would be totally lost :D and buying it via internet must be a hard work for everyone.
They both sound very much alike to me. Thanks for doing this
Thanks for this comparison video, it's great. Lots of students visit my store with a sad "I can't afford it" face. Luckily, there's a rental option lots of students started to consider.
My pleasure! Thanks for your comment!
Billy, are you playing the Cecilio with the strings that came in the kit? If not, what strings are on the cello? Sounds amazing for the price. I just ordered one!
Did the Cecilio come packaged in something besides a gig bag ? We know the transportation folks don't know this thing from every other thing they handle and don't give a hill of beens. Also if the sound post crashes in transport is that something a novice can re-seat ? I wouldn't want to be the one to ask a Luthier to fix a $300 Cello.
Hi Rand, Both cellos came in cardboard packages with special cardboard pieces inside made to help cradle the instrument and keep it securely in place during transit. So both cellos were in their canvas cases surrounded by cardboard padding when they arrived. Setting the sound post is definitely a job for an expert. Besides needing a special tool, you also want to make sure that you place it in the ideal location. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about taking a $300 cello to a luthier for a small repair if it needs one. Unless he or she is a total snob the point is that someone is starting their musical journey, which is a great thing. They'll also understand that a $300 cello may lead to a more expensive instrument down the road if learning the cello turns into a real lifelong passion. Thanks for your comment!
I know it's very old fashioned but the cello sounds so nice I'd think more people would try to learn it just for fun.
You know, I think the mark-ups on the cheap cellos are even higher than on the more expensive ones. These two cellos cost about 90usd to buy in China. I just got one at 600rmb. That is 82usd. And honestly, it's great. sounds fine. Plays fine. Comes with all you need to get started.
I'm looking into buying the Cecilio $500 dollar from Amazon , but I'm thinking of taking it to the music shop were they know how to set up cellos and violins so they can put better strings and make sure the bridge and everything is in the right place and also so they can set up the tape on the fret board what do you think Maestro .
And thank you for your videos .
Thanks so much for your comment! If I decided to buy the $500 Cecilio from Amazon (or any student cello online for that matter), that is exactly what I would do as well. You want the cello to be set up for success and a good luthier at a good violin shop will be able to advise you how to do so easily.
@@adultcello thank you .
Was it worth spending the $500 or should I buy the cheaper version or maybe a different cello all together.
I actually kinda like the sound of the estar cello, but ik its not at all optimal
Excellent review. Thank you!
My pleasure!
Plywood and superglue. But I'm looking at the black Cecilio for a travel sit-in cello.
Yup, the inlays are the biggest no-no for me. Good idea if you can remove them but let's be honest, every cello is different so it's better to trust your teacher to place them or to place them on your own instrument with the help of a tuner. Or you can go full Ling-Ling and learn cello with no tapes o inlays at all :D
I agree! The best part of taping your cello is the day you remove it all and you have a clean, beautifully monochromatic fingerboard again. Thanks for your comment!
I purchased the Cecilio Cello, when the cello arrived it was defected. I returned it to Amazon and asked for a replacement. I was told the instrument did not qualify for an exchange and Amazon would refund me the money when the cello was returned. I waited for more than 30 days for the refund and never got it. Contact Amazon and the process was looking like I would not get the refund. I contact the credit card bank and let them know about the issue and it was until then when Amazon send me an email indicating that Amazon will refund me the moneys.
Would be better if you played the same exact notes back to back.
Anybody know what song he played at 1:06 i wanna play it by it’s on the tip of my tongue
The Swan.
Great video! Nice to find your channel! Keep coming up please!
Thanks so much, and thanks for your comment!
Cecilio wins for me personally.
This was great, thank you so much!!
My pleasure!
You can't really compare cellos like this unless they have been set up properly, the sound post adjusted, the bridge adjusted for height and that the strings are decent. The Eastar sounded thin and tinny no doubt because it had very cheap strings. It might sound a whole lot better with a new string set. But on this hearing the Cecilio sounded surprisingly ok for a cheap instrument.
Did the cello bridges come fitted? I’ve bought a few violins online and they never came with a fitted bridge. Getting one fitted where I’m at costs a lot and I don’t wanna go thru that again 😅
Hi! The cellos came with bridges that were shaped but not set in place, so you would have to set the bridge yourself or have someone else do it for you.
How does the Cecelio compare to the Glarry?
What string do they have?? Brand? Médium?
Both cellos have on the strings that came as part of their student outfits.
What is the title of the music? I think heard it in your videos. It's so nice.
Thanks for making this great content. what would you suggest if I want to upgrade all the strings? my son has been playing since grade 5, (about 3 years now). He still has the stock string. Thank you in advance!
Did you upgrade the strings when you bought it?
Hello, question about your return/exchange, did you return/exchange the cello via Amazon?
I’m just joining you and shopping for my first cello. I’ve been a harp and guitar player since 11 but have never played a cello. I am accustomed to high end instruments but don’t want to spend $5k on my first cello. Do you have any knowledge of eBay cellos?
Hi Brittany! I can't say that I have any knowledge about eBay cellos, but depending upon you're budget, I would look into the brand Jay Haide; I've always had great luck with their instruments. Their lowest level starts under $3K I believe. Hope that helps!
what was the second song you played?
Very helpful review. One thought: the Eastar, in this video, looks ugly. The wood color is not very pleasing. However, again in this video, the Cecilio looks very plastic in the light you use here. Regardless, thank you for this!
Are they Chinese made? They sound pretty nice for the price.
Hi! Yes, they are both Chinese made.
Are you planning to review any cellos of higher quality?
Hi Jonathan! I am indeed! Are there any in particular that you're looking at?
@@adultcello - I'm an adult learning coming up on the end of my first year and the end of Suzuki book one. I recently started Essential Elements book 2. I have been renting an Eastman VC100 which is meeting my needs. At some point I'm going to want to buy a cello of my own. Something I can grow with, love the sound of and play in the church orchestra when I am ready. The shop I'm renting from recommended I wait until about halfway through Suzuki book 3 before I purchase a cello. She said by that point I'll have a much better feel for my own needs and playing style. I've heard good things about Chinese shop cellos that are properly set up. The woman I spoke to at the shop thought that a Romanian cello might make sense.
@@DravenKSW There are definitely both Chinese and Romanian cellos that are a great value with a great sound! As you mentioned, I think having the right setup makes a huge difference in that price range. Personally, I would take a loot at the Jay Haide instrument series, I've been very impressed with those cellos (there are multiple levels and price points). They are connected to Ifshin violins in the Bay Area, here's a link with some pricing and more info: www.ifshinviolins.com/Resources/Detail/Article/48/Jay-Haide-Instruments
@@adultcello - Thank you! This is very helpful information.
@@adultcello Are there any decent Chinese ones you are aware of and would recommend?
Well, they're WAY over $269 now!
great video. Im an adult cello learner myself at the age of 36! would you be able to do a review/comparison video on silent cellos? like the Yamaha ones? thanks!
Thanks so much for your comment! To be honest, I don't consider myself to be extremely knowledgeable on the topic of non-acoustic cellos. I've performed on a few for different types of gigs over the years, but that's it. They did seem like a lot of fun to play! Are you considering a silent cello?
@@adultcello I am! my acoustic is amazing but a pain to travel with. With the world going crazy with all the quarantine rules I have to travel with a more compact and silent version.
@@mallinmall1327 That makes sense! Traveling with a full-sized acoustic cello can be pretty awkward and stressful even at the best of times.
@@mallinmall1327 Yamaha Silent Cello SV 210 is great 👍💯
I am about to buy one and play it like a bass 😀
Looking for honest recommendation for $500> cello 4/4 for beginner student? Anyone with any recommendations
TIA
I had a Cecilio and it was awful. I’m not saying the Eastar is better, I’m not shocked it’s probably worse 😂 I have a Ren Wei Shi now and it’s lovely
Yeah it should If it’s 1000$ more
I’m a guitar player so I was just eyeballing the dots the whole video😂😂
I would mot get those… at ALL!!
Wow the difference in the sound is astronomical! 🤯 the Eastar cello sounds horrific.
Absolutely the Cecilio cello is way better sounding
The cecilio definitely sounded better imo but still felt hollow and cheap sounding
Even with cheap speakers, the difference is obvious. The Cecilio has a nicer sound, definitely.
Being married to another musician has to be exciting 💜
WHY NOT GO TO A TRUE VIOLIN SHOP! A lot of those shop ( some are even on line) offer rent to own!!
Amazons amazing Ngl
Love the video, but Cecilio is pronounced as "Che - SEE - lee - oh."
Cecilio sounds nicer to me
That’s cool and all but like… you look like George Lucas
Cecilio is way better
2 cellos 😂
This guy looks like George Lucas but if he was younger
one of George’s alt-universe selves has migrated to this world and has apparently found a new purpose