[For Beginners and Students!] Recommended Cello Strings and Essential Items

Recently, I’ve received more inquiries like, “I just started cello!” or “I’m interested in starting the cello!” It seems like the cello community is growing, which makes me, Igarashi, who is in charge of cello at Sound House, really happy...!

As a third-year cello player, I’m still a fledgling myself, but here I’ve compiled some standard items taught by my former instructor as well as popular and cost-effective items from my perspective as the cello specialist at Sound House. I hope this will be helpful for beginner cellists and students who have just started!

Everything You Need in One Set!

Recommended Cello Set for Beginners

PLAYTECH / PVC244 Cello 4/4

If you’re looking to start playing the cello affordably and immediately, the PLAYTECH PVC244 cello set is an excellent choice. It includes a cello, bow, rosin, soft case, tuner, and endpin stopper—all essentials for starting the cello, making it a great value!

Find Your Favorite Essentials!

Recommended Cello Strings

PLAYTECH / PSC100 Cello Strings Steel 4/4 Set

The PLAYTECH PSC100 steel cello strings offer exceptional cost effectiveness and are a great option for replacing cello strings.

Thomastik-Infeld / Alphayue Cello Strings Set 4/4 Medium

One of the most affordable options from the classic string maker, Thomastik-Infeld! With a softer tension, these strings are easy to press down and produce a versatile tone!

Thomastik-Infeld / Jargar Classic AD/Spirocore GC

The Key Item for Sound Quality!

Bow

PLAYTECH / PCB244 Cello Bow 4/4 Octagonal Brazilwood Nickel/Ebony

The PLAYTECH cello bow offers outstanding cost effectiveness! Made of Brazilwood, it strikes the right balance between flexibility and stiffness, making it suitable as a primary or secondary bow.

Rosin

D’Addario / VR200 Natural Rosin Light

D’Addario / VR300 Natural Rosin Dark

The popular American string manufacturer D’Addario offers the rosin VR200, which is covered with a plastic casing, making it very easy to handle. It comes in two varieties: the softer Light and the harder Dark. If you want to produce sound more easily, choose the Light; if you want to minimize noise, go for the Dark!

Support for Practice

Tuner

PLAYTECH / PTM-50BK Tuner Metronome with Microphone

This is a standard tuner metronome with clip-on microphone—simple, functional and easy to use!

Music Stand

PLAYTECH / MS05 Music Stand

This is a portable, foldable music stand that’s lightweight and convenient for transportation!

Mute

Artino / Practice Mute for Cello

Great for practicing at low volume, especially in environments where you can’t play loudly. Attaches easily to the bridge to reduce volume.

Endpin Anchor

D’Addario / EPA-BK Endpin Anchor Black

The endpin anchor solves common issues for cellists, such as ‘the endpin slips easily’ and ‘I don’t want to scratch the floor!’ It’s an essential item for creating a comfortable playing environment.

Don’t Forget Instrument Maintenance!

Cleaning Cloth

Morris / Cleaning Cloth

This fluffy, soft cloth safely cleans the instrument without damage.

Dampit Humidifier

Core / Humitron for Cello

String instruments are sensitive to dryness. The Dampit humidifier prevents cracking and is essential, especially during dry seasons.

Safe Storage at Home and for Travel

Hard Case for Cello

PLAYTECH / VCC44 Cello Hard Case

Perfect for long-distance transport by train or car, or for secure storage at home. Made with thick plastic and 11 locks, it’s sturdy and features wheels and a handle for easy portability.

That’s it for a packed list of recommended items! I hope this guide helps when choosing your items.
Here’s to an enjoyable cello journey for all of you who are just starting or, like me, are still new to this wonderful instrument!