Having a good set of cello strings will really push your cello sound into new realms, allowing you to take your repertoire a step further.

Here, we’ll take you through the best cello strings (in no particular order) on the market so you can make the right purchase for your cello needs.

Before we begin, it's important to recognize that while a new set of strings can do a lot to enhance your tone, consistent practice and a good technical foundation will do leagues more to get you where you want on your cello.

Click here to check out tonebase’s library of hundreds of cello masterclasses on repertoire, technique and more if this is of interest to you.

Furthermore, let’s jump into the best cello strings on the market.

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1. Larsen Magnacore cello strings

Renowned for its rich and focused tone, Larsen Magnacore strings provide great projection and depth. 

Crafted with a steel core, they’re very resilient to climate/temperature change and make for a high quality tone in any circumstance.

They have a unique focus on power in the C and G strings, so if you’re looking for that heavy presence in your sound these may be the strings for you.

Eric Kim plays on Larsens in his tonebase lesson on Debussy’s La Mer:

2. Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore cello strings

Spirocore strings by Thomastik-Infeld are highly regarded for their powerful and bright sound. 

They’re made with a flexible spiral steel core, and they offer great responsiveness and quick bow response, making them perfect for soloists and cellists who may be going for volume.

3. Pirastro Evah Pirazzi cello strings

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi are strings that can play very warmly with lots of depth. But once you lean into them a bit, they have a tendency to have a really sharp attack as desired.

These are highly responsive strings that will meet most of your cello needs.

4. D'Addario Kaplan cello strings

D'Addario Kaplan cello strings are super responsive and offer a very durable set which will last quite a while.

This is a solid set that will offer good value to the professional cellist.

5. Jargar Superior cello strings

Jargar Superior strings are known for their powerful and warm tone. 

Constructed with a solid steel core, these strings bring with them a robust sound with a sharp, focused edge. 

They are known for their longevity and stability, making them a reliable choice for cellists across various genres.

6. Larsen Soloist cello strings

Larsen Soloist strings are designed for professional musicians seeking a warmer sound that still carries a punch with it. 

Compared to the Larsen Original cello strings, which are overall super warm, the Soloist strings are geared more towards a “compromise” between these two expressive elements.

Listen to Tina Guo play Salut d’Amour on Larsens in this tonebase lesson:

7. Pirastro Passione cello strings

Pirastro Passione strings are crafted with a gut core, offering a warm and complex sound reminiscent of traditional gut strings. 

They produce a wide range of tonal colors and offer exceptional sensitivity and expression. Cellists who desire a deep, vintage sound often turn to Pirastro Passione.

8. Warchal Brilliant cello strings

Warchal Brilliant strings are known for their warm and round sound. 

With a synthetic core, these strings offer great projection and a smooth, balanced tone. 

They provide excellent stability and quick response, making them suitable for both solo and orchestral performances.

9. Larsen Magnacore Arioso cello strings

Larsen Magnacore Arioso cello strings retain the ability to really make a cello sing, more so than other strings on the market.

They have an easy response to them which makes playing feel super natural, hence the “singing” quality to them.

10. Pirastro Obligato cello strings

Pirastro Obligato strings combine gut-like warmth with the advantages of a synthetic core. 

They offer excellent playability, stability, and a powerful sound with rich overtones. These strings are often favored by cellists looking for a versatile and expressive sound.

Conclusion

There you have it, that’s an overview of cello strings.

It’s common to mix and match these strings to find a combination of tone that’s best suited for your performance taste.

Maybe you like the low-end of the Larsen soloists, but prefer the lyrical capabilities of the Ariosos. Apply both on your cello and see how they sound!

Are you a cellist looking to take your playing to the next level?

Feel free to click this link to check out our in-depth courses on cello, taught by artists including Grammy winning cellists and professors from schools such as Juilliard, Curtis, and more.

On tonebase, you will find in-depth courses and workshops with some of the world’s top cellists, covering a wide range of subjects such as repertoire-specific lessons, cello technique, and more.

Happy playing!