Cecilio CCO-500 Ebony Fitted
The CCO-500 is the model I rent most often. Solid spruce top, hand-carved, with real ebony fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece. Comes with a hard case, bow, rosin, and bridge. It needs a luthier setup before it sings, but after a proper bridge fit and string upgrade, it plays beautifully for the price.
Check price on Amazon →I taught beginner cello for five years and tested every Cecilio model that came through my studio. Here are the five I would actually rent to a student.
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cecilio CCO-500 Ebony Fitted | Check price | ||
| Cecilio CCO-600 Ebony Fitted | Check price | ||
| Cecilio CCO-100 Student Cello | Check price | ||
| Cecilio CECO-2BK Electric Cello | Check price | ||
| Cecilio CCO-300 Student Cello | Check price |
The full reviews
Cecilio CCO-500 Ebony Fitted
The CCO-500 is the model I rent most often. Solid spruce top, hand-carved, with real ebony fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece. Comes with a hard case, bow, rosin, and bridge. It needs a luthier setup before it sings, but after a proper bridge fit and string upgrade, it plays beautifully for the price.
Cecilio CCO-600 Ebony Fitted
The step up from the 500. Better wood selection, antique varnish, and improved tonewood quality. I have a student playing on a CCO-600 who passed her conservatory audition with it. It punches above its price after a setup. Includes case, bow, rosin, and bridge.
Cecilio CCO-100 Student Cello
For pure first-year beginners, the CCO-100 is the most affordable Cecilio that still plays. Composite fittings and lower-grade wood than the 500, but it makes sound, holds tune, and lets a kid learn the basics. I rent these to families who are not yet sure their child will stick with cello.
Cecilio CECO-2BK Electric Cello
The electric Cecilio is a fun option for advancing students or musicians exploring genres beyond classical. Solid body, no resonance, plugs into headphones or an amp. I keep one in my studio for jazz students and rock players. Not a replacement for an acoustic cello, but a great complement.
Cecilio CCO-300 Student Cello
The CCO-300 sits between the 100 and 500. Hand-rubbed varnish, hand-carved solid wood, and a fuller sound than the entry level. This is the model I recommend for second-year students ready to upgrade from their first rental cello without jumping to the 500 price.
Frequently asked
Cecilio is one of the better budget brands for first cellos, especially when professionally set up by a luthier. Out of the box, they need bridge adjustment and string upgrades to play their best.
Adults and tall teens need 4/4. Average teens use 3/4. Younger students need 1/2 or 1/4 sizing. Always check with a teacher before ordering. wrong sizing is the biggest beginner mistake.
