The violoncello, popularly known as the cello, is the second-largest instrument in the string family. Its name, violoncello, in Italia means “little violone.” Aside from being one of the largest stringed instruments, the cello is also very important in some kinds of music, like European Classical Music.
The cello is a bass instrument in the string family, and the player holds it upright between his legs while seated and ensures the base of the violin rests on the floor. It is used as a solo instrument, in chamber music, and as a member of the string section of an orchestra.
Due to its large size, the cello is expected to have a corresponding great weight. Well, I will show you how much a cello weighs, and the answer might be a little shocking for an object of its size. So let’s find out what it is.
How much does a cello weigh? On average, a cello weighs between 5 to 7 pounds. The actual weight of a cello will depend on several factors. In the subsequent subheading, I will show you some factors that affect the weight of the cello.
However, you should be aware that the weight of the cello above does not include the weight of the case and bow. The weight above is only applicable to the cello itself without any attachment. I will also show you how much it weighs in kilograms.
The weight of a cello itself will depend on so many factors. Some cellos could weigh so much that you might find it difficult to carry, while some could be as light as a breeze. You should be aware that there are different factors affecting the weight of each.
The primary factor that influences the weight of the cello is the material used in its production. It is no news that the cello and other violin family members are made of wood. Therefore, wood plays a significant role in the weight of this instrument.
Generally, some woods will weigh more than others. If wood with great weight is used in the production of the cello, you should expect that the weight of the cello will also be much. The weight of the cello might also depend on its size—the greater the size, the more its weight.
Another factor that can affect the weight of a cello is the density of the wood used in its production. The density of wood has a direct impact on its general weight. That means the greater the density, the greater the wood’s and the cello’s weight.
Some other factors affecting its weight will vary from the different materials used in its production and the thickness of the wood. The thicker the wood, the greater the weight, and vice versa. Other materials that will affect the weight of the cello include the strings, hooks, and other attachments.
How much does a Cello weigh in kilograms?
As I mentioned earlier, the weight of a cello ranges between 5 to 7 pounds. This value can easily be converted to kilograms, especially if a person does not properly understand the concept of pounds and how much they can weigh. Kilograms as the unit of weight are widely accepted, hence easy to comprehend.
A pound equals 0.45 kilogram.
Therefore, 5 pounds equals (5×0.45) 2.25 kg
Likewise, 7 pounds equals (7×0.45) 3.15 kg
From this simple conversion, we can say that a typical cello weighs between 2.25 to 3.15 kilograms. It might shock you that this is all it weighs for an instrument of size. If it weighs too much, the player might have an issue operating it.
How much does a cello case weigh?
The weight of the cello, which I have mentioned above, does not include the weight of the case or the bow. If you want to find out how much the cello case weighs, I will help you. It might shock you that the case weighs more than the cello.
The cases with cellos are used for protection and to ensure they are properly handled. Without the case, the instrument can easily get damaged due to fragility. The violin family, in general, is fragile and can easily get damaged if not handled or stored correctly.
Most cello cases are made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is a strong material used to protect several instruments in the violin family. The type of fiberglass for a cello case weighs between 12 to 16 pounds. Of course, the weight is greater than that of the cello, which weighs between 5 and 7 pounds.
Some cello cases are more advanced with lesser weight. Some of these cases weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. In addition, cello cases weigh less than 6 pounds; these are considered the lightest of them all.
How much does a cello cost?
On average, a cello costs around $1,000. Some cellos cost way higher than this, and there are some that you can get for much lower prices. However, much less expensive cellos might have lower quality than those with higher prices.
The prices of cellos are determined by the brands producing them. Therefore, you might see two identical cellos of different brands with different prices. Let’s look at some of the popular cello brands and their average costs.
Cecilia costs around $200 to $500
Crescent costs around $170 to $250
Primavera costs $200 to $700
Merano costs around $300 to $470
Cremona costs around $800 to $950
D’Luca costs around $350 to $470
Eastman strings cost around $1000 to $6,795
Yamaha costs around $2,000 to $2,500
D Z Strad costs around $1,300 to $2,300
Knilling costs around $1,700 to $2,700
Wrapping Up
You should also be aware that the weights of the cellos of the brands mentioned above are also different. In your private time, you can further research each specific weight to know which is best for you. Remember that cellos are important in music; you should always have them around.
