I have the Cecilio electric cello and the first thing I did was change the strings and it sounds better, but I do agree about the electronic component at the back. Some days it sounds good and other days, not so much. I have a bass amp, but I find it sounds a lot better on a regular guitar or keyboard amp. I also agree with that weird hinge thing at the back, it could be designed better, maybe mimic the curve of an acoustic cello, so that it feels more natural when playing, because you really can't grip the body with your knees, there's not much there to grip. Right away, I knew the finger board wasn't ebony and it was painted on, but it's nice to practice on, because I moved to an apartment and I don't want to disturb the neighbours. Sometimes the bows that come with the cello kit is good. I got mine straightened, because it was wood and curved a bit to the right. I also bought a good quality carbon fibre one for less than $100.00 and it works well. As Jonathan Humphries said regarding the rosin, it's garbage. Mine was broken so I tossed it, but kept the little holder. I bought better quality rosin.

Starting on an Electric Cello might be easier since they're more compact and are easier to hold. They tend to have machine heads to make tuning easier and also Helicore strings which are easier to bow. Going from Electric to Acoustic Cello would work if you change those friction pegs to mechanical ones and restring it with Helicore Medium Tension Cello Strings because the steel rope core and slightly thinner gauge will allow you to have enough control over the strings with your bow.

I play a cecilio electric and I bypassed the electronics by connecting the piezo to one of the headphone jacks. I use a guitar pedal to give it distortion. I also reshaped the bridge for easy action. Overall I really like it. I used it on a big rig and can play inside or outside blasting over the engine. I think it is a great way to play cello in places I would not want to take an accoustic.

You can use a CodaBow Joule (and Dark Kaplan Premium Synthetic Rosin) to make bowing even easier because it weighs about twice as much as a regular Cello bow.

Sorry @Ek X, I accidentally deleted your comment. I use a Yamaha SVC 210 with headphones these days, which feels much more like an acoustic cello, with all the points of reference (shoulder, knees) in the right place. It's quiet and comfortable, but it's an expensive piece of kit. I tried cello mutes for my acoustic (rubber and metal), but it was still too loud. I've had no complaints from my electric cello. Re teachers: in my limited experience, there's quite a bit of prejudice against electric cellos from traditional acoustic cello teachers. If I had a detached house, I'd stick to the acoustic, but needs must! 🙂

Thank you for sharing your video!

Hi, I just watched your review of the cheap electric cello. I just bought a used one identical to yours. I agree with everything you said about it. For now I keep the chest piece folded down, it comes off with two small screws also. You convinced me I wasted my money, what little I spent on it. I saw a video of yours three months later and you were playing a Yamaha electric. I hope you're happier with it. I've played instruments for decades and I have formal training and theory and read music but I'm new to the cello. I'm enjoying your other videos also.

It's a copy of a Cecilio Electric Cello and they're in much better shape than they used to be years ago due to updates in technology

If you use a Rock Stop that'll help.

The chest suppourt would typically keep the Cello in playing position

Get geared tuners & it'll stay in tune

It's a fantastic Electric Cello and if you change those friction pegs out to mechanical ones (like the Rubner Cello machine heads) it'll hold tune better.

I am horrified that you are playing in pain and with your left foot unnaturally raised!! I have a similar model (Celio Sonata): the wobbly doo-hicky I screwed solid with a little bracket and sewed thick padding onto the chest rest to 1) flatten the curve and 2) stop slipping (- do this for the knee area too!) Also fold a cloth (a face towel works) to put between your chest and doo-hicky to get a better distance (a cello body is wider remember). After this I was very happy with the instrument. Good luck and I'm jealous - I wish I could muster 3 hours a day!

Thanks, this answered my question if I should buy one for practicing late ad night. To my ears it sounds absolutely horrible 😅

The way that cello encourages thumb clamping is a recipe for tennis elbow and other repetitivee strain injury. Definitely avoid the cheap electrics. It isn't worth it.

your not oriental your body is a foot higher on average!! that assessory is for smaller people!....