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The electric cello is ideal for any cellist who needs to perform on stage, with an amplified band or in noisy conditions.
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The simplicity of amplification is the main advantage of the electric cello. The cellist cannot have feedback with an electric cello. He plugs his electric cello, and he is ready to play.
Generally, it is plugged into a multi-effects processor in order to transform the sound played and adapt it to the style of music. Saturation effects such as distortion or overdrive are used by rock cellists, while ambient effects such as reverb are composing classic effects chains. Without effect, the sound of an electric cello is not really interesting.
The electric cello does not produce sound without amplification. It is therefore ideal for practicing silently at home using headphones.
The connection can be made directly from the musical instrument to the amplifier using a jack cable. If you use intermediate devices in your sound chain, they must be added. The amp is always the last element of your sound chain (except in special cases of specific connections used on stage).
It is also possible to use a wireless system instead of a jack cable.
The manufacture between an electric cello and acoustic cello is very different. The electric cello generally has a solid body while the acoustic cello has a hollow body. This first element is the major difference because it is at the origin of the sound production distinction between these two musical instruments. In the absence of a sound box, the sound of the electric cello must necessarily be amplified. This process involves the use of a pickup; most often are piezos. They will transcribe the vibrations into an electrical signal.
Traditional lutherie respects standards of shapes and measurements. All acoustic cellos look alike. On the contrary, the electric violin making does not depend on any standard. This is why electric cellos can have innovative shapes. However, the measures are respected because they allow cellists to find some reference points instantly.
If you are a classical cellist, you will have no difficulty switching to the electric cello. There will be a little adaptation time due to the change of instrument and the source of the sound. But, very quickly, a seasoned cellist finds his points of reference on an electric cello. There are a few subtleties in the technicality of the playing, but this cannot be prohibitive.
If you’ve never learned to play the cello, you can definitely start an electric cello. Practice will be the key to your success in the learning and mastering of this instrument.
To play the electric cello you will need:
The key to get a good electric cello is to check the quality of its electronic components. We are referring here to the quality of its pickup. It is the element that transcribes the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. It must be able to fairly transcribe the power of each string and produce a signal powerful enough to be used.
Then, you have the accessories to use your cello. We offer different support systems: tripod for playing standing up, endpin system for playing seated like with an acoustic cello, harness system for playing standing up without constraint.
No, an electric cello does not require special maintenance. Acoustic cellos are much more fragile and need to be seen by luthiers. Most electric cellos use strong and resistant materials. They are unlikely to change in a very short period of time unless you do not take care of the instrument.
We recommend removing any rosin dust that accumulates on the body of the instrument. It can fit inside your pickup. It contains electronic components allowing the vibrations of the cello to be transcribed into an electrical signal. Dust can enter inside and reduce the sound capabilities of your instrument.
The strings are a determining element in the sound production and projection of acoustic instruments. They influence the quality and characteristics of the sound. However, they have little impact for electric cellos. Without a sound box, the sound must be transcribed by a pickup and then amplified by an amp. These elements do not depend on the quality of the strings but on their intrinsic properties.
However, the strings play a role in the cellist’s comfort and playing style. So they should be chosen based on these aspects: tension, rebound, responsiveness, etc.
