Buying a cello is much like buying a car -- it's a big purchase, something you don't want to
rush into, and there are many small details that make the difference between a working
instrument and a total disaster!  Here are some hints:

  • Used doesn't mean bad, and new doesn't mean good!  What makes a good cello is the quality of the
    materials used, the quality of construction, and if it's been keep in good shape.  Some of these
    things are not immediately visible to the untrained eye, that's why it's important to either buy from a
    reputable music store or luthier, or to get any instrument you're thinking about buying checked out
    by your teacher or a reputable luthier.

  • Great places to look for a cello include: reputable local
    businesses (ask other musicians for their suggestions),
    other students, newspaper classifieds and your local
    Craigslist. You can look into a select number
    of online catalogues, but stick with those that specialize
    in orchestra strings instruments (violins, violas, cellos).

  • No matter where the source, make sure you have a
     chance to play on the instrument for some amount of
     time before you commit to buying it.  If it's from an
     online source, make sure they have a fool-proof return
     policy in case you find any problems with the cello.

  • You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good
     instrument! While it's true that the sky is practically
     the limit when it comes to buying a professional -
     level cello, you can find good student cellos for well
     under $2000, and in many instances far less than
     that, as long as you're careful and do your research.
    
  • The more time and patience you take to research,
     the better chance you have of finding a great deal.
     If you set out to buy an instrument "this weekend"
     then you may not be completely happy with the results.



The above principles apply to buying a bow as well.



   
Buying a Cello or Cello Bow
Colorado Cello- Lessons, Performances, and more!
My Rant against $200 Cellos

Avoid buying an instrument from auction
websites such as _____ or  big box stores
such as ________ (you fill in the name)
AT ALL COSTS!!!

The people and businesses who sell these
instruments are preying on the
well-intentioned ignorance of their buyers.
 Common tag lines such as "solid-wood
construction," "highly-flamed maple" and
"this is the instrument your teacher wants
you to get" are used to lure in people who
don't know any better.  

These instruments are so terrible that no
amount of work from a luthier, however
skilled, will make them truly workable,
and they most certainly aren't worth the
money you'd spend or the enormous
hassle trying to improve them.  

Put bluntly, you WILL NOT get a
functional cello when you spend $129,
$259, $299, $369 or a similar amount.  
It simply isn't worth the time or trouble.