A cello is a stringed instrument belonging to the violin family and is also known as a violincello. It has four strings and comes with an endpin that offers support to the weight of the cello and is rested on the floor.
The right combination of cello strings is extremely important for a cello player (cellist), since the sound produced by the instrument solely depends upon these strings. There are many varieties of cello strings available in the market, having varied durability, quality, price, etc.
Finding the right cello strings may require a lot of experimentation.Well, we can be your job easier. Listed below are the 8 Best Cello Strings of 2020 and their reviews. So now, you don’t have to go looking for the right brand, because we have reviewed the top brands for you! We have also worked on a Buyer’s Guide for you so that you don’t miss out on any important features that must be present in your cello strings at any cost! Here we go!
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold 4/4 Cello String Set
Pirastro is one of the best brands for cello strings, and you will definitely read this name more than once in this article. This medium gauge string set by Pirastro produces an elegant sound that is clear and full.
These strings offer the user with a wide range of overtones along with amazing projection. These also completely eliminate any kind of metallic sharpness. They are responsive and can react quickly. These cello strings allow the cello to reach its full sound spectrum, all because of the string’s reduced playing-in time.
The D string produces a very light and charming sound, while allowing the user to seamlessly move into the G string. The G string produces a grand sound with radiance. The C string gives a focused sound, that is resonant and vibrant.
String A and D have high tensile steel core and have a chrome steel wire winding. String G and C have a steel rope core with a tungsten winding. These cello strings work with electric cellos or electrically amplified ones too.
Features
- Medium gauge.
- 4/4 cello strings.
- Gives an elegant sound.
- Many overtones are offered.
- No metallic sharpness.
- Responsive.
- Quick reaction within no time.
- Reduced playing-in time.
- String A and D: tensile steel core; chrome steel wire winding.
- String G and C: steel rope core; tungsten winding.
- Suitable with electric cellos and electrically amplified cellos.
- String D: light and charming sound.
- String G: grand sound with radiance.
- String C: focused sound, resonant and vibrant.
Pros
- Durable.
- Warm tone.
- Amazing response.
Cons
- Weak strings received by a few customers.
Overall Ratings– 3.9/5 stars.
Larsen 4/4 Cello String Set Medium Gauge
Larsen strings are very popular among cellists because of the brilliant tones they produce. They have a steel core and give a very warm and big sound.
These strings by Larsen are made in Denmark and provide the user with the best projection along with a focused and sharp tone. Larsen strings are available in soft, medium and strong gauges, but the one mentioned above is a medium gauged string. You can easily go for the soft and strong gauged ones too. Larsen strings have always been the first choice for many cellists, especially professionals, since it is a very trusted brand.
These strings are full- bodied and are of great value if we compare it to other cello strings, that offer the same features, but at a higher price. This set of strings includes strings A, D, that are made of alloy steel, and strings G and C, that are made of tungsten steel.
Features
- Trusted brand.
- Recommended and used by professionals.
- Give brilliant tones.
- Warm and big sound.
- Made in Denmark.
- Accurate projection.
- Sharp and focused tone.
- Medium gauge.
- Full bodied.
- Strings A and D made of steel alloy.
- Strings G and C made of tungsten steel.
Pros
- Amazing strings at an affordable price.
- Great quality.
- Very clear tones.
Cons
- No major cons reported yet!
Overall Ratings- 4.7/5 stars.
D’Addario H510 Helicore Cello String Set
These cello strings by D’Addario are stranded steel core strings that are very versatile and are suitable with a number of playing styles and instruments. They have an amazing playabilitiy and are durable strings as well.
These cello strings produce a warm and clear tone and have a small string diameter that results in a quick bow response. They also offer pitch stability, thanks to its high quality materials. These strings are designed for a 4/4 sized cello that has a playing length equal to 27-1/2 inches. They feature medium tension and is liked and recommended by many players.
These cello strings are packed in special sealed pouches unparalleled protection against corrosion causing elements. These are designed and manufactured in the USA and are known to be consistent and durable strings.
Features
- Stranded steel core strings.
- Versatile.
- Goes with multiple playing styles and instruments.
- Amazing playability.
- Durable.
- Consistent strings.
- Warm and clear tone.
- Small string diameter.
- Quick bow response.
- 4/4 cello strings.
- Playing length 27-1/2 inches.
- Medium tension.
- Highly recommended.
- Specially packed in sealed pouches.
- Protected against corrosion.
- Responsive and flexible core.
- Made n the USA.
Pros
- Provides medium tension which is great for a cellist.
- Strings feel great under the bow.
- Loud, warm and responsive.
Cons
- Not professional quality.
Overall Ratings– 4.4/5 stars.
Pirastro Passione Cello A String Medium
Yes, another Pirastro product! And this time, it is the Passione Cello Strings. Like all other Pirastro products, these strings are highly recommended and are loved by its users too.
These strings offer a combination of complexity and stability. It offers the user with smooth transitions to the upper registers. They have an amazing response and offer high projection and power. These strings have a medium gauge , but other strings by Pirastro are available in soft and strong gauges as well.
These strings are also warmer than those that are metal cored. They offer a high register, that is loved by all its customers. Strings G and C are gut, A and D are steel strings.
Features
- Trusted brand name.
- Highly recommended.
- Combination of complexity and stability.
- Smooth transitions.
- Excellent response.
- High projection and power.
- Medium gauge.
- Also available with soft and strong gauge.
- Warmer than metal core strings.
- High register.
- String G and C: gut.
- String A and D: steel.
Pros
- Warm sounds are produced.
- High register.
- Mellow and lovely.
Cons
- Not as durable.
Overall Ratings- 4.7/5 stars.
Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 4/4 Cello C String
These cello strings are made in Austria and are mostly known for their lower two strings. These are metal strings having a multi-stranded core.
They are extremely responsive and offer high projection, specially in the lower end of the cello. It offers stability and power to your cello and are also pretty durable strings. It is a medium gauge string, but is available in light and heavy gauge as well. They have a steel spiral core, that offers more flexibility than rope core strings.
These strings have higher elasticity, which results in a high vibrating period. It produces a homogeneous and round sound and use the latest technical knowledge by Thomastik.
Features
- Metal strings.
- Multi-stranded core.
- Made in Austria.
- Offers the best lower strings.
- Highly responsive.
- High projection.
- Gives stability and power.
- Long lasting.
- Medium gauge.
- Available in light and heavy gauge as well.
- Steel spiral core.
- High flexibility.
- High elasticity.
- High vibrating period.
- Homogeneous sound.
- Uses latest technical knowledge.
Pros
- Extremely durable.
- Amazing sound produced.
- Trusted brand name.
Cons
- No cons recorded yet!
Overall Ratings- 5.0/5 stars.
Jargar Violoncello I – cello A “Superior” medium
These cello strings by Jargar feature a flexible steel core that is unlike other cello strings. Thin threads of metals like copper, aluminum and other alloys are used to wind up these strings.
It is made for a 4/4 cello and is medium gauge. As its name suggests, it is a superior level cello string set, that has an increased power and volume. The warmth of the tones produced have also been enhanced, and a result, superior level sound is produced by these strings. It comes with a string diameter of 0.78 mm. which results in excellent bow response.
These strings are suitable for solo performances as well as for orchestral playings. The forte string is thick and the dolce string is a bit thinner.
Features
- Flexible steel core.
- Wounded by thin threads of copper or aluminum, or other alloys.
- 4/4 cello.
- Medium gauge.
- Increased power and volume.
- Enriched warmth of tones.
- String diameter 0.78 mm.
- Highly responsive.
- Forte strings: thick.
- Dolce string: thin.
- Suitable for solo performances or orchestra playings.
Pros
- Warm tones produced.
- Convenient to use.
- Value for money.
Cons
- Easily popping put strings, according to a user.
Overall Ratings– 3.8/5 stars.
D’Addario J1010 Prelude Cello String Set
These cello strings by D’Addario are extremely easy to use and are the best strings for students. They are affordable, as well as durable, and provide the user with a warm tone.
These strings have a solid steel core which makes them a long lasting product. They come in unique sealed pouches, like all other D’Addario products, and are protected against corrosion causing elements. They are temperature proof and are not affected by humidity levels. Overall, they are quite resistant against wear and tear.
These strings are made for a 4/4 cello and offer medium tension that fulfills the needs of many players. It uses computer-controlled winding technology so that you are provided with the most durable and consistent strings for your cello. these cello strings are designed and manufactured in the USA.
Features
- Made in the USA.
- Easy to use.
- Best for beginners.
- Affordable.
- Durable.
- Consistent.
- Warm tones.
- Solid steel core.
- Comes in sealed pouches.
- Corrosion-proof.
- Temperature safe.
- Is not affected by humidity.
- Highly resistant to wear and tear.
- 4/4 cello.
- Playing length: 27-1/2 inches.
- Medium tension.
- Computer controlled winding technology.
- Resilient to the core.
- Focused tone.
- High projection.
- Easy to bow.
- Firm feel.
- Stable pitch.
Pros
- Perfect resonance.
- Amazing for beginners.
- Very durable.
Cons
- Weak strings were received by few users.
Overall Ratings- 4.1/5 stars.
Q QINGGE Cello Strings Full Set
These cello strings by Q QINGGE have a solid steel core and are high quality as well. They provide the user with a warm tone and are extremely long lasting.
These are a set of 4/4 and 3/4 cello strings. The 4/4 strings give a pure sound and a deep bass, along with a fast pronunciation. The 3/4 strings are flexible and are soft to feel, which makes it easy for players of all levels to play. These are suitable for beginners, for teachers, and are good for practice as well.
These strings are constructed with superior quality materials, which make them long lasting. Advanced technology is also used in its construction. The manufacturer offers after sales services for 6 months after purchase.
Features
- Solid steel core.
- High quality.
- Durable.
- Set of 4/4 and 3/4 cello strings.
- 4/4 cello strings: pure sound, deep bass, fast pronunciation.
- 3/4 cello strings: flexible, soft, enhances playability.
- Suitable for players of all levels.
- High quality materials used.
- Advanced technology.
- After sales services provided for 6 months after purchase.
Pros
- Excellent customer service.
- Value for price.
- High quality.
Cons
- Leaves residue on fingers.
Overall Ratings- 4.3/5 stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What strings does a cello have?
A cello is similar to a violin and so are its strings. It has 4 strings of notes C, G, D, A. These four strings have an increasing order of thickness.
How long do cello strings last?
Cello strings from different brands last for different periods of time. But, it is suggested that one should change cello strings at least once a year, or within a time gap of 6 months. Though you will definitely notice when your cello strings need to be changed, since they will not give a decent sound.
How do you clean cello strings?
You can simply use a damp cloth to dust off your cello, if you are a regular cleaner or have a performance. But in case of rosin build up, you need to use violin polish for the cleaning process since a damp cotton cloth won’t work in this case.
Is cello hard to learn?
Like every other instrument, a cello is not impossible to learn. It just requires focus and regular practice for leading towards perfection. But to become an absolute expert in playing the cello, it would require time and dedication. So, do not expect to become a master in a few months.
Why did my cello string break?
Cello strings may break when they are worn out and are used for a long period of time. Other reasons for breaking of cello strings might be extreme enthusiastic playing or high tension. Even if they don’t break, you should replace them after certain period of use.
Buyer’s Guide
So, you have the list of the 8 Best Cello Strings of 2020 and your doubts might have been cleared by the above faqs (If not, please feel free to ask us in the comments). You must now be eager to read the Buyer’s Guide we promised to provide. So, here goes the features you simply cannot miss while buying cello strings-
Cello string type. There are a number of types available in the market, namely, gut core cello strings. synthetic core cello strings, steel core cello strings and combining string types. Out of these, as you might have notices, steel core cello strings are the most commonly used ones. Though all the types mentioned have their own set of pros, a steel core cello string is the most durable and also the stablest type of cello string there is.
Apart from the types, the cello string gauge is also an important feature to check. They are usually light, medium or heavy. While selecting the string gauge, just remember that the thicker the string, the more tone it produces. But, thicker strings do have a slower response. A thin string gives a fast bow response, but does not produce a tone as strong and loud as the ones produced by a thick string.
So, between a thick and a thin string gauge, the choice is yours! You can conveniently go for medium string gauge, since most cello strings have medium gauge.
Also, always go for trusted brands while buying a cello string. There may be many new brands available in the market, but always go for the known, reputed ones. This applies not just to cello strings, but every product you buy!
Summary
We know you love playing the cello and want the absolute best strings for your beloved instrument. And you can’t just go and buy the first strings you find. You need to do your research before picking up the right cello strings.
And we have done half of your work by providing you with the list of the 8 Best Cello Strings of 2020, plus a Buyer’s Guide that you can totally trust. The only work left for you now is to select your favorite cello string and place that order ASAP!
Thanks for reading this article! Please leave your comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our article on the 10 Best Pianos and Keyboards for Starters in 2020.
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