The cello is, by definition, a string instrument, so it can’t function without its set of strings. Of course, when buying a cello, it will be delivered with a set of strings already installed, so all you have to do is to tune the existing strings.
Still, this doesn’t mean that if a cello comes with strings, the strings are the best ones or the right ones. You have the right to change the strings of your cello according to your needs and preferences. But, choosing the right kind of strings can be quite tricky, due to the fact that there are a few types, several gauges, and a good number of brands out there.
What are the Best Cello Strings to Buy?
2) Larsen 4/4 Cello String Set Medium Gauge
- Medium Gauge
- All Ball End
- Reputable Brand
- 4/4 Cello String
1) D’Addario Helicore Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
- High Quality
- Great Price Tag
- Medium Tension
- Stranded Steel Core
3) D’Addario Prelude Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
- Affordable
- Medium Tension
- Warm Sounds
- Great for Beginners
Let us start with the types of strings. Thus, there is the gut core, steel core, and the synthetic core. The gut core, as the name suggests, are strings made out of gut lining coming from sheep.
For very many centuries, they were the only strings available for cellos; this is why they are the kind of strings usually used by professional cello players, preferred for the warm sounds they provide. Made out of metal strings, the steel core strings are the most accessible type of strings, when it comes to price. Thus, they are preferred by beginners, also because they are the most durable of them all at the same time.
The synthetic core strings appeared in the 70s, out of the desire to offer the same sounds as the ones produced by the gut core. Because they are made out of synthetic fibers, Kevlar or a type of nylon, they are more accurate, as they don’t suffer due to humidity and temperature changes, and offer the same amazing sounds as the gut core.
Believe it or not, experienced cello players like to mix the strings on their instrument, having several types of strings on the same cello. Of course, this will come as you accumulate experience and you develop sensitivity to the different sounds produced by the various types of strings.
Based on your level of experience, preferences, and needs, you should direct your attention toward the cello strings that will suit all of them in the best way. If you don’t know where to start, it is worth taking a look at the cello strings selected in the list below.
18 Best Cello String Reviews and the Best Cello String Brands
1) D’Addario Helicore Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
A great price tag for a high-quality steel core cello string set. As a beginner or cello player that is looking to improve his or her playing skills, these strings may turn out to be more than suitable. The strings are made in the USA, so you can be sure that they will go through rigorous quality control check-ups before reaching your instrument.
The stranded steel core of the strings will provide a clear sound and an excellent response and control. It will be very easy to learn how to play the cello with the help of these strings. Believe it or not, these strings are used by beginners and experienced players alike, everybody enjoying the sound and amazing response of these cello strings.
2) Larsen 4/4 Cello String Set Medium Gauge
With a medium gauge and ball ends features in all strings, this set provided by Larsen contains strings made out of various materials so that your instrument will be able to produce complex sounds. If you are not happy with the way your cello sounds at the moment, there are high chances that this set will improve this, by making your cello sound clearer, richer, and warmer than before.
So, if this is what you’re looking to obtain from your instrument, this set of strings may help you get there. As a brand, Larsen is appreciated by many cello pros out there, so that’s a good reference point if you have a hard time making up your mind.
3) D’Addario Prelude Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
D’Addario is one of the best brands out there when it comes to cello strings. This particular set was specially made to suit the needs of a cello student, so if you find yourself in this group, then don’t hesitate to choose these strings.
They are a bit more expensive than other sets in the same range, but you can be sure that you’re going to get great quality for your money, due to the fact that these strings are manufactured in the USA. Because they produce warm sounds and are resistant in time, there are high chances that your teacher will recommend you to get this set of cello strings.
4) D’Addario Kaplan Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
This is probably not the best choice for a cello beginner, but those that managed to acquire a bit of experience when it comes to playing this instrument will appreciate these cello strings.
Offering a medium tension, these strings will have a pleasant depth when you’ll play the instrument. You will also appreciate the clarity of the produced sounds and balance of each song played with the cello.
It is true that their price tag is a bit more elevated than others, but these strings are worth the investment due to their extensive resistance and the amazing and rich sounds they will help you obtain.
5) Larsen Magnacore 4/4 Cello C String – Tungsten Wolfram – Medium
If you are looking to highly resistant cello strings, then these ones made out of tungsten will be the right choice. Tungsten is one of the most resistant types of metal ever found on Earth, having the highest melting temperature out there.
It also has the highest tensile strength, which means that it can withstand a lot of wear and tear without showing any signs of weakness. In case you had an unfortunate experience with cello strings that broke easily, these ones will definitely not disappoint you.
The only thing you should remember is that they may need a bit of “warming up”, meaning that you’ll have to play them for a while until they show you their real potential.
6) Thomastik Versum Cello String Set
With a core made out of steel spirals, these cello strings will not just provide an exceptional sound but will also be sturdy enough so you can practice for a very long time. In the lower register, the sounds you will obtain are rich and full, while those in the upper register are warm and sweet, without being too bold and bother the audience.
In spite of the fact that they may cost a bit more, these strings will give you the chance to see just how versatile a cello can be. This is great if you want to improve your cello playing skills and get more familiar with the instrument.
7) Full Set High Quality Cello Strings Size 4/4 & 3/4 Cello Strings, A D G & C
This is a great steel core strings set, ideal for anyone looking to learn cello playing skills or improving the existent ones. Due to the round nickel wound and ball end, these strings will be able to produce warm sounds, so they are the best choice if you are looking for this kind of results.
Very resistant and affordable, they are a great option for a beginner, as they will be able to withstand a learning process with bravery. The best part about this set is that you will get strings with different sounds and sharpness, so you can work on developing your own personal cello playing style.
8) Warchal Brilliant Cello String Set – Synthetic Core – Medium Gauge
Featuring a synthetic core, these cello strings have a medium gauge that will provide full and rich sounds. They are softer than metallic strings when it comes to tension; this is why these strings will work amazingly well on cellos that are more fragile or if you’re looking for a softer playing mode.
If you want to give these strings a chance, it worth knowing that you should give them a settling time of 3 to 4 days in order for them to reach their full potential. So, if they don’t seem to sound just as expected right from the start, do have this aspect in mind and be a bit patient.
9) Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Cello String Set – Medium Gauge
There are high chances you’ll end up loving this set of cello strings because it offers a variety of strings, each with its specific sound, so you will enjoy a versatile instrument in the end.
All featuring a ball end, the strings are said to be the most innovating in their sector, according to the manufacturer. With a synthetic core, the strings are made to be played with ease while offering a quick response, beautiful sounds, and a broad dynamic range.
Some users said that the sound of their cello became louder with these strings, so if you’re looking for a bit of volume, these strings will give you that.
10) Jargar Cello SET CLASSIC Coated Steel Strings, Medium
Having decades of experience in the domain of making cell strings, this brand managed to win over a high number of cello players. This time, the manufacturer comes with a set of cello strings that is affordable and resistant, the ideal combination for beginners.
If you choose these strings, be ready to enjoy a robust and powerful sound, suitable for playing a wide range of musical styles. The set is recommended for beginners that want to get a hang of steel core cello strings, as this set provides great quality for its price tag.
11) Vizcaya Full Set Quality Cello Strings (A-D-G-C) for 4/4 & 3/4 Size Beginner,Student Cello Replacement
If you want to have all the strings a cello needs with one single purchase, this solution is just right for you. You can take this set to have a backup plan in case you need to replace any of your instrument’s strings or if you want to equip your cello with strings of the same kind.
Featuring a steel core, these strings are more than great for beginners, as they are sturdy and resistant, so you can practice on them for a very long time. They are easy to play and will give your cello a beautiful, sweet sound, so most certainly you’ll look forward to a new cello playing session.
12) Larsen Magnacore Cello 4/4 A String – Medium
If you decide to choose these cello strings, you will come to realize that you got real quality for your money. These are very resistant cello strings with a metallic core; although the sounds they will produce will not that have metallic sounds that can be found in some cases.
Still, if you want your strings to last longer, be careful not to tighten them too much. If the tuning is just right, the strings will provide rich and loud notes, especially in the upper register. Most certainly you will enjoy how your cello will sound with these strings. And considering the more than accessible price for this set, it is a purchase worth considering.
13) Pirastro Obligato 4/4 Cello String Set
You may have to pay a few extra bucks than usual to get this cello string set, but it may very well worth the effort. The manufacturer brags with an innovative core for these strings, which is a combination between gut strings and synthetic core strings.
Thus, these strings should have the unmistakable overtones and warmth of the gut strings while offering the quick response and increased stability of the synthetic core. Also, it is said that it doesn’t take much to break in these strings, so you will quickly manage to make them work as you please. Concerning their durability, they will resist for a very long time, some say even longer than usual.
14) Pirastro Passione Cello String Set Medium
Are you looking for a cello string set that contains both gut core and metallic core strings? Then you must know that this set is just what you’re looking for. Having the C and D featuring a gut core while G and A are steel core strings, the entire set is capable of proving warm sounds more than suitable for those that are not playing the cello in concert halls.
While concert halls require a loud sound, those that play cello music in smaller, more intimate areas require warmer, mellow tones. While it is true that the set contains two steel cores, they are made to be as warm as the gut cores, so they can complement each other beautifully.
15) Pirastro Chromcor 4/4 Cello String Set – Medium Gauge
This is another great and affordable set of strings with a steel core. Steel cores are the most resistant cello strings out there, so if you are still in the process of learning, then these strings will be capable of taking your playing skills that are continuously forming.
Thus, if you feel like experimenting, the risk of breaking these strings is rather small. This is why very many cello teachers are recommending this set of strings to their students. They know that a curious student can inflict a lot of pressure on the strings while learning and experiment, so you need a set of strings you can rely on.
16) Thomastik-Infeld S31 Spirocore Cello Strings Set 4/4 Size
Wide a lot of experience in the domain, Thomastik-Infeld decides to provide affordable cello strings that are capable to resist a high number of cello training sessions. With a great level of responsiveness, these cello strings will offer longer musical vibrations, due to the way they are made.
While this may be a great feature, it also makes the strings suitable for playing certain types of music. Thus, having this in mind, pizzicato and arco are two styles that work best when the cello is equipped with these particular strings.
These strings can really transform a cello, making it sound more sophisticated even if your instrument is not a spectacular one because you didn’t reach the point in which investing in an expensive cello makes sense just yet.
17) Thomastik-Infeld 147 Dominant Cello Strings Set 4/4 Size
Would you like to see what it’s like to play on gut strings, but you want to avoid the damages these strings suffer when exposed to humidity. Then check these cello strings out.
With a synthetic core, these cello strings can offer the sound produced by gut strings but without their downsides. They are seen as “standard” cello strings by many, so if you want to get familiar with the classic sounds of a cello, these strings will help out.
They feature rich overtones and a clear intonation, so playing your cello will become a very pleasant activity. The strings are very resistant as well, so a set will end up going through many rehearsal sessions to come.
18) Prim 4/4 Cello String Set – Medium Gauge
Another great steel core cello string set with a more than an accessible price tag. The steel core features a chromesteel winding which keeps the costs low and offers high endurance so you can enjoy the strings for extended periods.
With a medium gauge, these cello strings are ideal for those that are still in the learning process. But, even so, this doesn’t mean that more experienced players can’t use them as well. On the contrary, if you want to use steel core strings of a superior quality, this is a set you definitely need to consider.
Choosing the Best Cello String from the Best Cello String Brands
As you can see, it’s not an easy task finding the right cello string set for your instrument. There are quite a few things you need to consider before making your final choice. For example, if you are just looking to start the learning process or you are still a beginner, you’re probably interested in getting affordable and resistant cello strings.
2) Larsen 4/4 Cello String Set Medium Gauge
- Medium Gauge
- All Ball End
- Reputable Brand
- 4/4 Cello String
1) D’Addario Helicore Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
- High Quality
- Great Price Tag
- Medium Tension
- Stranded Steel Core
3) D’Addario Prelude Cello String Set, 4/4 Scale, Medium Tension
- Affordable
- Medium Tension
- Warm Sounds
- Great for Beginners
In case you acquired a few skills already and would like to experiment, like try the warm sounds produced by gut strings but you want to avoid the high price and fragility of these strings, then you can find good alternatives with a synthetic core.
What you need to remember is that you don’t have to rush into making a decision. Do some research and decide which cello string set is more suitable in your case. Hopefully, the list we put together will give you a helping hand, especially since it is made to help inexperienced cello players.