Artisan Strings Model 100 Cello: A Comprehensive Review

Artisan Strings Model 100 Cello: Performance, Sound, and Value

Apr 19 2025

Artisan Strings Model 100 Cello: Performance, Sound, and Value

Eastman Strings Model 100 Carved Upgraded Student Cello Outfit - Used / MINT CONDITION

This item is categorized as Used / Demo Stock but it is still in MINT CONDITION - like new! This cello comes in a NEW padded bag with a NEW bow, as well as all new accessories including a polishing cloth, rosin and name tag. Demo stock simply means that the instrument was used as a display to promote Eastman instruments or for other promotional purposes. We only have a few of these available and this special offer will be removed once we sell out.

This Samuel Eastman Model 100 Upgraded Student Cello is hand-carved from solid tonewoods including a seasoned spruce top and seasoned maple back and scroll. Some of the features that make the model 100 so popular in school music programs include aged solid tonewoods, genuine hand-inlaid purfling, top grade ebony fittings, and a warm amber-brown varnish that is as durable as it is attractive. These carved instruments, with laminated sides, provide quality of sound and craftsmanship to beginning and advancing players. Hand-carved from solid tonewoods.

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Honorable mentions

  • Fiddlerman. Known for their good quality and customer service, Fiddlerman offers solid starter cellos for any beginner student.
  • Knilling. The brand offers cellos with good craftsmanship and sound quality, suitable for both beginners and intermediates.
  • Scott Cao. Renowned for manufacturing high-quality instruments, Scott Cao is especially popular among advanced students and professionals.

Should I rent or buy a cello as a beginner?

My personal advice is to purchase a cello if you know you are truly interested in playing.

The first and most logical step in order to play cello is owning one, so you can play often. If you have doubts about wanting to learn cello, I advise you just take some lessons, which will be sufficient to realize if you resonate with it and feel it is something you will actually do.

How much should I expect to spend on my first cello?

Expect to spend between $300 to 400,000 for a decent beginner cello.

Higher-quality instruments are much more expensive, and there’s a big leap between factory-made cellos and luthier-made cellos, especially if they are a couple of centuries old.

When should I upgrade from a student cello?

You should upgrade as soon as you can. As I said before, being a beginner who uses a professional cello is a privilege that will not only make your learning process more pleasurable but also more efficient.

Of course, this is a luxury, but if you can afford it and you evaluate it’s worth it, you will end up saving a lot of time, and you will avoid developing a faulty technique that compensates for the cello’s limitations.

What’s the difference between factory-made and handcrafted cellos?

Factory-made cellos are mass-produced and are often more affordable but may lack the nuanced sound and build quality of handcrafted cellos, which are individually made by skilled luthiers.

When a luthier makes a cello, they really care for the fine details such as the angle of the strings, just to give an example. One degree of difference in the angle may sound like a nuisance, but it really makes a difference.

Which brands are preferred by professional cellists?

Which brand of cello does Stjepan Hauser play?

Stjepan Hauser plays a 1740 Gagliano cello.

Which brands of cellos do Apocalyptica play?

Apocalyptica members play various custom-made cellos, including those crafted by Finnish luthier Raimo Sirkiä.

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The Down Payment is a one time payment that is required up front along with your initial ‘Lease-to-Own’ order.

No application or credit check is required, however in some cases we may request additional proof of identity from you. The Down Payment is non-refundable.

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Optional Damage Protection

We highly recommend adding damage protection!

Accidents happen, so most customers include Damage Protection with their lease-to-own plan. Damage protection is very affordable and covers the cost of all required repairs to the instrument while you are making lease payments.

In most cases, the cost of one minor repair exceeds the cost of an entire year of Damage Protection! Without Damage Protection, you could end up making payments on a broken instrument in need of costly repairs.

Damage protection coverage ranges from $3-$5/month with your lease-to-own plan, depending on the instrument. If The Instrument Place determines that the cost of repair exceeds the value of the instrument, we replace it at no charge.

Some GREAT reasons to include Damage Protection ("DP"):

  • Even if you or your child is responsible, the people around you may not be as careful.
  • Depending on the work that the instrument needs, the cost of any given repair can often exceed the cost of an entire year's worth of DP.
  • You may cancel DP at any time; however, DP can only be added at the beginning of your lease-to-own term.
  • Homeowner's insurance does not usually cover the instrument since you do not actually own it until all payments are completed. Plus, there is NO DEDUCTIBLE with our DP!

What is not covered by our Damage Protection plan:

  • Theft or loss of the instrument, bow and accessories is not covered under damage protection.
  • Broken strings on stringed instruments are also not covered by the plan
  • Any damage that is determined by The Instrument Place to be caused by blatant negligence or abuse.

** Without Damage Protection, you will be financially responsible for loss, theft, damage to or destruction of the instrument. Damage protection is non-refundable.

How I chose the brands for this list

The brands listed here were selected based on several key criteria:

  • Sound quality: How good the cello sounds. Of course, this is very subjective but can be appreciated with how rich the tone is. It can be a warm sound or a brighter sound. Some cellos may be louder, and some other cellos may not be so loud but have a nicer tone. The best cellos have both of these characteristics.
  • Craftsmanship and reliability: Quality of materials and details. This will determine not only the looks of the instrument but also its durability. Bad craftsmanship will result in a fragile cello.
  • Reputation: Aside from having tested cellos from all these brands myself, I’ve also looked for positive feedback from colleagues – professional cellists.

These are the top cello brands I recommend for beginner to advanced students:

  • Best budget cellos: Yamaha
  • Best value for beginners: Eastman
  • Most durable cellos: Stentor
  • Best super-affordable: Cecilio
  • Best intermediate cellos: Cremona
  • Best advanced cellos: D Z Strad

Chhaya Mehrotra

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