Does it matter which brand of cello string I use? Yes! Choosing good cello strings can improve the sound of your instrument. You may want to experiment with different brands to decide the sound you like best on your cello because the same brand of string can produce varied results on different cello. There are three main categories of cello strings: Steel Core, Synthetic Core and Gut Core. Want to learn more about the differences between these types of strings? Click here. For directions on how to change strings, visit our Changing Strings page.
The following sampling of cello strings features some of the most popular brands (additional brands are available). Strings may be purchased in sets containing all 4 strings or purchased as individual strings, and most of the strings listed below are for full-size cellos. String makers often offer different "gauges" meaning thickness (e.g. light/thin, medium, heavy/thick etc.). If you're unsure which gauge to use, medium is often a good choice. If you're a beginner and your cello did not come with fine tuners on every string, you may want to consider adding fine tuners to your cello tailpiece to assist in tuning. If you need strings for small instruments (not a full-size 4/4 cello) click here: Strings for 3/4 - 1/8 cellos.
What are cello strings made out of? Cello strings are made out of three main materials: Steel, Synthetic and Gut. Although cello strings once were made solely of gut (from sheep intestines), all-gut strings are rarely used today (they're expensive and rapidly go out-of-tune). Differences between various types of strings are briefly described below.
Steel Core Steel-core cello strings (sometimes called rope core when multiple strands of steel are twisted like rope ) are often described as having a bright, loud and direct sound. Steel-core strings are wound with various metals such as silver, titanium or steel, and these strings often remain better in tune than other strings (the steel core isn’t as impacted by humidity and temperature as gut-core or synthetic-core strings). Steel core strings are a popular core material for cello strings. For this reason, some popular brands such as Evah Pirazzi's set of cello strings use a synthetic core for their bottom C and G strings (synthetic rope, wound with tungsten), then switch to a steel core, wound with chrome for the upper D and A cello strings. Many cellists like to mix and match the types of strings they use, and some use synthetic strings for the bottom C and G string, and steel-core strings for the upper D and A string. View Steel strings.
Synthetic Core These strings are designed to replicate the rich sound of gut strings, and feature a warm, bright tone without requiring the frequent tuning of gut-core strings. Synthetic-core cello strings use a core made out of a durable synthetic product such as Perlon, Kevlar or other composites, and are wrapped with metals such as aluminum or silver. Brands such as Thomastik’s Dominant strings were the first synthetic string made, and still enjoy wide popularity. View Synthetic strings.
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