Cecilio CCO 300 Review and Guide

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Do you want to play the cello? Before you spend thousands on a model, consider our Cecilio CCO-300 review and guide to learn if a cheaper option may suit your needs.

The cello isn’t perfect, but you don’t want to write it off completely. You may just find it works for now, and you can upgrade later.

Bottom Line Up Front

I’d recommend the Cecilio CCO-300 to beginners and casual players. However, advanced musicians may find the features limit their playing.

What Is the Cecilio CCO-300?

The Cecilio CCO-300 is a solid wood cello that’s useful for different types of players. It comes at a much lower price than many beginner cellos, so it may be a good choice for a new player.

However, that price point also makes it useful for players of all levels on a budget. You can use it as a backup cello for when you need to send your main one to a luthier for maintenance.

This model is very similar to other Cecilio cellos, though there are some differences. Consider how this specific model works and if it’s the right choice for you.

How It Works

You can play the CCO-300 in the same way you would play any cello. It features four strings, and you can use your left hand to press the strings down to adjust the pitch.

At the same time, you’ll need to use a bow or your fingers to make the strings vibrate. That way, you’ll get the cello to produce a sound.

Unfortunately, the cello doesn’t have as many handmade or quality features as cellos from other brands. You may find it hard to get the sound you want, especially as you gain experience playing the cello.

Features

Cecilio CCO-300

Like many cellos, this model uses spruce to make up the top of the body. The back and sides of the body use maple to provide plenty of resonance as you play.

This cello has a maple fingerboard like the lower-numbered Cecilio models. However, it features boxwood pegs and a boxwood tailpiece, and boxwood isn’t a super common material for those pieces of the cello.

You can choose from different sizes ranging from 1/4 up to 4/4. The different sizes aren’t always easy to find, so you may need to do some digging if the 4/4 is too big for you or your child.

What Comes With It

You can only play the cello so well if you just have the instrument. Fortunately, Cecilio includes a few accessories with the CCO-300, so you have everything you need to start playing.

This model comes with a Brazilwood bow, some rosin, and an extra set of strings in case the strings break. You’ll also get a bridge that you can install, which isn’t too hard to do.

It even includes a cello stand, so you have somewhere safe to rest the instrument if you need to take a practice break. And you get both a soft and a hard case, which you can use for storage or transportation.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Come with accessories
  • Good materials
  • Nice sound
  • Easy to play

Cons

  • Not for serious players
  • A bit basic

How It Compares to Other Cecilio Cellos

Cecilio CCO-300

Another important part of a good Cecilio CCO-300 review is comparing it to the company’s other cellos. The 300 sits in the middle of the lineup, so it’s not the most basic or most advanced model.

It uses the same woods for the body as many cellos, so you can get a good tone. However, it doesn’t have ebony fittings like the CCO-500 or CCO-600 do.

If you have a boxwood allergy, you might react to this instrument. Luckily, there are other cellos with similar features that don’t have boxwood as a material.

Even if you don’t have a boxwood allergy, the materials aren’t the best. I’d recommend saving a bit of extra money for the CCO-500 if you need a suitable beginner cello if you can wait it out and save extra cash.

Where to Buy the Cecilio CCO-300

Amazon is the easiest place to buy the Cecilio CCO-300 since the site carries most Cecilio cellos. You may be able to find the model at a store like Walmart, and that could be a good place to buy it.

However, I’d recommend avoiding used Cecilio cellos, including the 300. Cecilio cellos are already a pretty good price, but they don’t last very long.

I’ve heard of Cecilio instruments only lasting a few months before they stop working properly. Sure, you have a warranty, but the warranty doesn’t cover everything, and it may not apply if you buy a used one.

It’s better to buy a new Cecilio cello, even if that means getting a lower model number. Then, you can take advantage of the warranty, and you can get more use out of the cello.

Special Considerations Before Buying

Before you buy the Cecilio CCO-300, you should consider a few important factors. These things may not affect your decision, but you need to know as much as you can about the instrument.

That way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision whether or not you choose to get the Cecilio CCO-300. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience playing the cello, buying the best cello for you is a big decision.

Here are a few things you should know before you buy the Cecilio cello.

The Quality

Cecilio CCO-300

First, you should know that Cecilio doesn’t have the best quality out of musical instrument brands. A lot of companies, like Cremona or D Z Strad, tend to be better than a comparable Cecilio cello.

For some players, a low-quality instrument may be okay. If you don’t plan to practice for hours a day and just want to play for fun, you don’t need the best instrument out there.

However, Cecilio cellos may not live up to your expectations if you want a good quality model. You might want to search for other brands that can meet your needs with better manufacturing or materials.

The Warranty

A nice feature of buying any Cecilio cello is that it will come with a warranty. However, the guarantee only lasts for one year, and it only applies to manufacturing defects and problems.

That means if you break the cello or if something happens due to normal wear and tear, the warranty won’t cover you. And if something happens because of manufacturing after a year, the policy also won’t take effect.

Be sure you’re extra careful when moving the cello around. Then, you’ll be able to take good care of it and, hopefully, not need to use the warranty even in that first year.

The Return Policy

Most local music stores don’t carry Cecilio cellos, so you’ll probably have to buy one online. Buying an instrument online is risky, so having the option to return a cello for a refund is crucial.

Luckily, if you buy from a good store like Amazon, you can return the Cecilio CCO-300. You’ll have a chance to test it out and see if it feels or sounds good to you.

If you don’t like it, you can return it and then buy or try another cello until you find one that works. Then, you may look forward to practicing when you have a model that suits you.

Your Playing

You should also think about your current cello playing level and experience. I’d primarily recommend Cecilio cellos for beginners because the whole line of instruments is relatively inexpensive.

Once you have some playing experience, you may find that Cecilio instruments don’t allow you to experiment with your sound. You can still try one, but it’s probably not going to be a good fit for an intermediate player.

Professionals may also find the Cecilio CCO-300 limiting. However, it may be a good option if you frequently have to travel with a cello and don’t want to risk damaging your main instrument.

Your Goals

CCO-300

Another vital part of the puzzle is your goals when it comes to playing the cello. If you just want to play for fun and on your own, you don’t need an expensive instrument.

You may also find the Cecilio is a good choice if your goal is to test out the cello. A lot of cities have music stores with rental programs, but not everyone has access to those programs.

Buying a cheaper cello, like the CCO-300, may be a good alternative. You can return the cello if you don’t like it, or if you quit after the return period, you won’t be out thousands of dollars.

Size Options

Of course, you shouldn’t buy a cello without making sure it will be the correct size. According to most cello size charts, a 4/4 cello is best for players who are at least five feet tall.

If you’re shorter or if your young child wants to play, you should look for smaller sizes. The Cecilio CCO-300 comes in sizes as small as 1/4 which is suitable for children as young as seven years old.

As you compare cellos, consider how easy it is to find the right size for whoever wants to play. That way, you can make yourself or your child more comfortable when learning the instrument.

Value for the Price

I’ve mentioned a few times that Cecilio cellos are quite a bit cheaper than the competition. This low price can make it easy to choose if you’re on a tight budget.

However, you should think about the value you’ll receive from the purchase. You may not need to pay a ton of money, but you might also not get to use the cello for more than a year or two before it stops working.

Sure, you can take it to a luthier for repairs, but that doesn’t always work. Some repairs may cost more than the value of the cello, so you’d be better off buying a new instrument.

Other Factors

You may want to consider other factors before deciding to buy the Cecilio CCO-300. For example, some cello lesson teachers may not accept students who play a cheap instrument, or they may suggest you get something better.

If you want to play in an orchestra, you may find the Cecilio doesn’t offer enough tonal flexibility. So you might find it hard to fit in with the rest of the cello section.

Think about your situation and where you plan to play the instrument. Then, you can take those factors into account as you choose whether or not to buy a Cecilio cello.

Other Cellos to Try

Maybe you’re ready to buy the Cecilio CCO-300, and you think it’s going to be the perfect fit. Before you buy it, consider at least a few similar models from other companies.

The Cecilio may still be the best instrument for you, but you might end up liking another model better. Either way, it’s good to know what’s out there to keep from limiting your choices.

Compare the following models to the Cecilio CCO-300 to make sure you buy the right cello for you.

Cremona SC-130

Cremona SC-130

The Cremona SC-130 is a beginner model, and it uses solid hand-carved tonewoods, such as spruce and maple. It follows national music education standards, so it’s a fantastic choice for younger students.

This model also uses optimum string height and spacing to make the instrument easier to play. There’s also a composite tailpiece that is light, so this instrument isn’t too heavy.

You can get good intonation on the cello, which can help you sound better as a beginner. Plus, it comes with an endpin to help you find a comfortable position for the cello to sit.

This model comes in sizes as large as 4/4 and as small as 1/4, so you can get the best size for you. It’s an excellent choice for beginners on a budget but who don’t want to sacrifice quality.

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Good intonation and sound
  • Comfortable
  • Available in multiple sizes
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not for beginners

D Z Strad 101

Another excellent beginner model to consider is the D Z Strad 101. The cello is a handmade model, so it’s quite a bit more expensive than other student instruments.

It offers a round, warm tone, which can be hard to get on some cellos. Meanwhile, the instrument feels consistent under your hands, so you can play up and down the range with ease.

You can choose from sizes as small as 1/8, which is suitable for younger students. That makes it a great choice if you want your child to participate in Suzuki music training.

Along with the instrument, you’ll get a bow, rosin, and strings, and everything comes in a case. You’ll be able to protect the instrument and make it last a long time.

Pros

  • Perfect for beginners
  • Suitable for younger players
  • Durable
  • Warm sound
  • Multiple sizes available

Cons

  • A bit expensive

D Z Strad 250

D Z Strad 250

Cecilio claims the CCO-300 is good for players of all levels, so you should also compare it to the D Z Strad 250. This model is for players with a bit of experience but who aren’t ready for a pro cello.

It has a lot of the same features as the 101, including being handmade and having solid tonewoods. The fingerboard and fittings use ebony, which can help your fingers feel comfortable.

Now, this model isn’t the best option for beginners because it is pretty costly. However, it’s a nice upgrade from any beginner cello, and you can get a good sound out of it for years.

You can even choose from sizes as small as 1/8 or as large as 4/4. Then, you’ll be able to play comfortably for as long as the cello is in playing condition.

Pros

  • Easy to play
  • Various sizes
  • Durable
  • Good sound
  • Nice upgrade

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not for beginners

FAQs About the Cecilio CCO-300 Review and Guide

Question: Who Should Play the Cecilio CCO-300?

Answer: You should try the Cecilio CCO-300 if you’re a beginner and want something with more than the basics. It’s also a nice option for casual players who don’t need to perform with groups.
This model offers a bit more than the bare minimum, but it doesn’t cost very much. Be sure to give it a try if you want a nice, affordable cello.

Question: Who Shouldn’t Play the Cecilio CCO-300?

Answer: Serious players and anyone at an advanced level may find the Cecilio CCO-300 doesn’t meet their needs. It’s great for beginners, but the materials aren’t super professional.
You should look at other brands with different materials or more handmade components. Then, you can get an instrument that will support you as your playing improves.

Question: Can You Make the Cecilio CCO-300 any Better?

Answer: You can do a few small things to make the Cecilio CCO-300 a bit better. First, you may want to save up and buy a separate bow and use that instead to get a better tone.
A different set of strings, such as from D’Addario or Larsen, may also help. Another option, if new strings and a bow don’t help enough, is to use different rosin, which can have the slightest effect on your sound.

Question: Are Cheap Cellos Worth It?

Answer: Cheap cellos can be worth it if you know what you’re getting. You probably won’t be able to play professionally or play the instrument for multiple years.
However, it’s a good option for beginners looking to try the cello without committing more money. Then, you can return it or simply quit while only losing a few hundred dollars.

Final Note on the Cecilio CCO-300 Review and Guide

When shopping for a cello, you may want to consult a Cecilio CCO-300 review and guide. The CCO-300 is a mid-tier model from the company, so it can work for many players.

However, it’s cheap compared to other intermediate models. You may find it breaks sooner than another model would, so be sure to start saving for a better cello soon after you buy the Cecilio.

I’d only recommend the model to beginners who want to play for fun. That way, having the best instrument isn’t a huge deal.

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