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Are you looking to learn how to play the cello? Without the best instrument you could do a lot more harm than good, so be sure to read a Cecilio CCO-600 review and guide.
Cecilio cellos don’t have the best reputation, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them a try. As long as you know what to look for, you may find an affordable cello that works for you.
Bottom Line Up Front
Cecilio makes a line of cheap cellos, and the CCO-600 is the top of that line. It’s not as great as some models, but it’s worth considering for beginners and amateur cellists.
Overview of the Cecilio CCO-600
The Cecilio CCO-600 is the most advanced cello you will find from the brand. It uses fantastic tonewoods and a great design that you can use to learn to play the cello.
While it’s not the most expensive model, it does have some features you won’t find on other cellos in its price range. That can make it worth considering if you don’t have a huge budget for an instrument.
Cecilio recommends the model for intermediate and professional musicians. I can’t say I agree because there are many other brands that are better for advanced players, but the Cecilio CCO-600 isn’t bad.
How It Works
Of course, the Cecilio CCO-600 works similarly to many other cellos. You can use it to play classical music, but it can also work if you want to play jazz or even pop music.
The cello is somewhat easy to play, which is nice if you’re first learning the instrument. It has a better sound than you may expect from a budget musical instrument brand.
Plus the design helps the cello feel smooth as you bow the strings and move your hand up and down the fingerboard. If you’re looking for a first or second cello, this may be the model for you.
Features
This cello features hand-carved solid spruce on the top, while flamed maple makes up the back and sides. Both woods aged for at least seven years to help give you a better tone.
The instrument has inlaid purfling and inlaid fine tuners to help you get the most accurate pitch. Meanwhile, the fingerboard and other fittings use ebony, which looks and feels great.
It does come with a bridge, but you’ll need to assemble it after you receive the cello. That way, the bridge doesn’t break during transit and ruin the instrument before you can even play.
Extra Gear
You can play a cello with just the instrument, but you can only do so much. Luckily, the CCO-600 comes with plenty of accessories, including a Brazilwood bow with Mongolian horsehair.
It also includes an extra set of strings, some rosin, and a hard ABS case. You’ll even receive a cello stand that you can use to take a short practice break without putting the instrument in the case.
All of those accessories can make it easy for you to start playing. Then, you won’t need to spend more money or wait longer before you can get the gear you need.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Great sound
- Nice materials
- Comes with accessories
- Versatile
Cons
- Not for serious players
- A bit cheap compared to similar models
How It Compares to Other Cecilio Cellos
Another important factor to think about when choosing the CCO-600 is the other Cecilio cello models. Out of the lineup, the CCO-600 is the most advanced and has the most features.
If you’re looking for a cello that you can use for a bit longer as you learn and improve, this is the model for you. The other Cecilio cellos use cheaper materials and might not sound as good.
Because of the materials, the lower-numbered models may break without a ton of force. You’d need to be particularly careful to keep those cellos in playing condition, but the 600 is a bit more durable.
Where to Buy the Cecilio CCO-600
The easiest place to buy the Cecilio CCO-600 is Amazon. You can find a lot of musical instrument brands on the site, and you can take advantage of Prime shipping and other benefits.
I did find that Walmart also carries the model, at least online. However, Amazon more frequently has the model in stock, so you’ll have a better chance of being able to order it when you want.
No matter where you buy it, make sure to get a new Cecilio CCO-600. For some brands, I’d recommend searching for a used model to save money.
However, the CCO-600 is already pretty cheap for a cello. And while it may be better than other Cecilio cellos, it’s still not as great as cellos from more popular brands.
If you buy a used 600, you may find it doesn’t last very long before something breaks. Plus, when you buy the cello new, you will get the chance to return it or use the warranty.
What to Consider Before Your Purchase
Before you add the Cecilio CCO-600 to your cart, you should know a few things. In some cases, these factors may not affect your decision on which cello to get.
However, if they do affect your decision, that could have a massive impact on your playing experience. It’s better to know these things ahead of time than to learn them later and end up with buyer’s remorse.
Here are some things you should know before you buy a cello from Cecilio.
Cecilio vs Other Brands
First, you should know how Cecilio compares to other musical instrument makers. You can find other discount brands, such as Eastar or even Medini, the child brand of Cecilio.
The CCO-600 is on par with those brands and some other affordable options. However, it’s not going to be of as good of quality as Yamaha, Stentor, or a Stradivarius.
Be sure to keep that in mind when setting your expectations for the cello. Cecilio instruments aren’t necessarily bad, but you can’t compare them to brands that cost multiple times more.
Instrument Size
Another vital consideration is the size of the cello you want to buy. Cellos come in 4/4 (full size) down to 1/10, which is much smaller than a typical cello.
Sadly, the Cecilio CCO-600 only comes in a full size, which is nice for adults or even teenagers. If your young child wants to learn the cello, you may want to look at other models with a broader size selection.
That way, your child won’t have to stretch their hands too much just to reach different notes. Any musician should feel comfortable, and selecting the correct cello size and model can have a massive effect on that.
Current Playing
You should also think about the current playing level of you or your child. If you’re looking to learn cello for the first time, the Cecilio models may all be good for you.
However, if you’re in music school or have a professional career, you should consider other brands. Cecilio cellos help fill the market for beginners and amateur players, but they can’t meet every player’s needs.
If you’re shopping for a cello, consider why you need a new instrument. Then, you can make sure whichever model you buy will help you advance your playing.
Future Plans
Especially if you’re looking to upgrade from your first cello, think about your musical goals. Maybe you want to become a professional cellist, and you need the best model you can afford.
On the other hand, if you want to play the cello for fun, the Cecilio CCO-600 may be perfect. If you don’t want to play for money, you probably can’t justify spending thousands of dollars.
The 600 offers some similar features to much more expensive options. However, it has other features that help cut costs so that you can upgrade without breaking the bank.
Ask a Teacher
If you currently take cello lessons or want to, ask your private teacher about Cecilio. Some teachers may say they don’t want any of their students playing that brand.
However, another teacher may be more lenient, especially if they know you don’t want to do it professionally. Either way, a teacher who knows you and your playing can help you find the best instrument.
In some cases, that may mean you get the Cecilio CCO-600. But it could also mean that you take time to try a few more cellos within your price range to find one that suits you the best.
Return and Warranty
Since you usually can’t find and try a Cecilio cello in a store, you’ll have to buy one online. That means you don’t get to test it before your purchase.
However, Amazon has an excellent return policy in case you realize you don’t like the CCO-600. You can get the model and try it at your home for a week or two, and you can return it if it’s not the right fit.
If you do like the Cecilio CCO-600, you can enjoy a one-year warranty on any manufacturing defects. Then, you’ll be able to replace the cello if the manufacturing process causes issues in that first year.
Price vs Value
You should also think about the price and the value of any cello you want to buy. The Cecilio CCO-600 may be a cheaper option than some, but consider if it will last longer.
For example, maybe you spend $500 on a cello that lasts for two years. However, an $800 cello stays in good condition for four years.
The $500 cello would cost you $250 per year, while the $800 cello would only cost $200 a year. You can’t predict how long the Cecilio cello will last, so consider what others have experienced, and take good care of your new cello.
Comparable Cellos to Try
An essential part of a Cecilio CCO-600 review and guide is to compare it to other cellos. I looked for some cellos at a similar level or price point to help you determine if the Cecilio is the best cello for you.
Buying a cello can be a very personal decision, and what works for you may not work for someone else. When choosing cellos to compare, I selected models that have similar features to give you the best comparison.
Here are a few cellos you may want to try along with the Cecilio.
D Z Strad 250
The D Z Strad 250 is a cello that beginners or intermediate students can play. It has the same aged tonewoods as you’d find on the Cecilio, including ebony, spruce, and maple.
This model is easy to play, so you can get a good sound out of it without struggling a ton. D Z Strad takes inspiration from older Italian cello designs to help emulate the sound of antique instruments.
You will receive a bow, rosin, case, and even an endpin stopper with the cello. Plus, it comes in sizes as large as 4/4 and as small as 1/8, so there’s a size for almost any player.
Unfortunately, it’s quite expensive, so it’s not the best option for casual players. You may want to wait and buy it as an upgrade if you grow out of your Cecilio cello.
Pros
- Comes with accessories
- Available in multiple sizes
- Mimics the design of older cellos
- Easy to produce a good sound
- Aged tonewoods
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not for beginners
Cremona SC-130
If you need an affordable cello, you may want to try out the Cremona SC-130. This cello is similar in price to a few different Cecilio models, and it has a lot of the same features.
The top is spruce, while the sides and back use maple to help get a rich sound. Cremona follows national music education standards to create an excellent cello to play alone or in an orchestra.
It comes with a balanced bow to make playing easy and enjoyable. The strings are at the correct height and have good spacing to keep you from accidentally playing wrong notes.
You can choose from sizes ranging between 1/2 and 4/4, so it’s great for adults and older kids.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with a bow
- Different size options
- Meets national standards
- Easy to play
Cons
- Some of the strings don’t sound great
- You might need a different bridge
D’Luca Meister
The D’Luca Meister is one of the closest cellos to the CCO-600 that isn’t from Cecilio. It features hand-carved spruce and maple as the main body tonewoods.
Like many cellos, this model features ebony fittings and a gorgeous fingerboard. You’ll also receive a rosewood bow with Mongolian horsehair, so you just need some rosin to start playing.
This model has a dark finish that looks great and can help you stand out as a soloist. However, you may find it doesn’t look as good when you’re part of a cello section.
Still, this model is a great, affordable choice, as long as you’re looking for a 4/4 cello.
Pros
- Great materials
- Easy to play
- Affordable
- Nice finish
- Comes with a bow
Cons
- A bit basic
FAQs About the Cecilio CCO-600 Review and Guide
Answer: The Cecilio CCO-600 cello isn’t as bad as you may think it is. While I wouldn’t compare it to professional brands or recommend it to serious players, it’s a great option for beginners.
You probably won’t be able to play the model forever, so start preparing for an upgrade. However, if you have to go with a cheap model, it’s your best bet.
Answer: The Cecilio CCO-600 is best for beginners and casual players who need good features on a budget. It’s also useful for people who need plenty of accessories. You won’t need to spend extra money on a bow, case, or a cello stand.
I’d also recommend it as a backup instrument for cellists who travel a lot. You can take it and leave your expensive cello at home safe while you get on a plane or drive a long distance.
Answer: Professionals and serious students may want to avoid the Cecilio CCO-600. While you can use it in addition to another cello, you shouldn’t rely on it as your main instrument.
You might also want to look elsewhere if you have a bigger budget. That way, you can get a cello model that better suits your needs since you can afford it.
Answer: You can make the Cecilio CCO-600 better by adding or replacing accessories. An easy option is to get a set of strings from a brand such as D’Addario or Larsen since those strings may be more durable than Cecilio strings.
If your bow is the problem, consider getting a new bow to use. And of course, you can replace the rosin with some from a different company to help get the feel and sound you want.
Answer: The Cecilio CCO-600 can last for a while if you take good care of it. Be sure to loosen your strings before traveling so that they don’t break in transit.
You should also keep from knocking the cello into things, so use the case as much as you can. The cello might not last for decades, but it can last long enough for you to save up for a new model.
Final Note on the Cecilio CCO-600 Review and Guide
Reading a Cecilio CCO-600 review and guide can help you decide on the best cello for you. While the CCO-600 isn’t the most expensive, it’s better than some cheap models out there.
I’d recommend it to beginners and casual players who don’t have much money to spend. You can get a good sound as you learn, and you can use it while you set aside cash for a future upgrade.
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