Cellos come in either an acoustic or electric type. Acoustic and electric cellos also have different kinds. When it comes to choosing between the two, which one should you opt to buy? An acoustic or an electric cello?
You can usually find acoustic and electric cellos in a physical cello shop or through online musical instrument stores. Do note that they differ in a lot of factors like size, height, and materials. In this article, we will cover the characteristics of these two cello types to determine the best fit for you.
Characteristics of both instrument
In terms of longevity in the field of music, acoustic cellos are one step ahead. They have been around for ages witnessing musical history. While electric cellos are the new kid on the block. They just entered the industry and might need more time to build credibility and appreciation.
Acoustic and electric cellos are both made from wood. But electric cellos are more sturdy. Electric cellos are made of a solid block of wood so the inevitable occurrences like dropping or sudden temperature changes would not easily tamper with the instrument. On the other hand, acoustic cellos depend on a wooden husk so it is more sensitive.
Electric cellos are winning the stage when it comes to sound quality. Electric cellos provide a strong and solid sound with no requirement of endless tuning. But for acoustic cellos, you need to properly tune your instrument to get that nurturing and subtle classic sound. Not to mention that there are sudden squeaks.
For electric cellos, a recording is not an issue. Simply plug the jack into the sound receiver and start playing. But for acoustic cellos, it can be tricky as you will need a soundproof room and a high-quality microphone. You can also plug it into the jack but you need to have a strong signal.
Price & Maintenance
The cost is an essential factor for the buying decision of musicians. Acoustic cellos are priced higher ranging between $2,000 to $10,000 while electric cellos are cheaper with a price range of $1,500 to $4,000. These prices exclude amplifiers and accessories so, in conclusion, electric cellos are still more affordable.
As mentioned, acoustic cellos are more sensitive so when it comes to maintenance sessions, expect that you will need to take care more of the acoustic cello than the electric ones.
Conclusion
Although acoustic cellos have been the first in the market, it is no doubt that electric cellos can match their qualities. Electric cellos are great for beginners as it is easier to learn and operate. It is also a lot more affordable compared to the costs of an acoustic cello.
But still, acoustic cellos are proven since they have been around for quite a long time now. These instruments left a history on classical music — which is something unbeatable. But if you, as a musician, do not care about the history or the background, an electric cello would be sufficient.
