This was everything I expected and more. I really liked this for my son and highly recommend it.

The price of this cello set appealed to me when I compared it with renting a cello. The reviews I read were mixed, and many mentioned the various limitations inherent in buying a "cheap" instrument. Having had limited experience with string instrument repair, I decided to give it a try. Six months later, I am ready to describe my experience. At this point in time, I am playing this cello with success and am happy with the sound and operation of the instrument/bow. I have added a pick-up under the bridge which plugs into a sound system which amplifies the sound, so I can hear the quality of sound pretty well. I am using this cello to perform every week in a small band. That said, in the beginning the cello needed work. The product description is clear that the bridge needs to be put on the cello. The bridge that accompanied the cello was generic and not shaped to fit this particular cello (which is typical), so do not assume you can just set it in place and begin. The feet of the bridge and the width of the bridge (where the string notches are) need to be shaved and sanded to fit the cello. This was to be expected, from the product description. Other work, not anticipated, was that the nut (at the top of the neck, where the strings come down from the tuning pegs) was too high and needed to be sanded down lower, which caused the string notches to require being notched lower. (These notches need to be fitted to the diameter of each individual string.) Also, the gut string holding the tail piece in place broke, so I replaced it with very stout wire. The strings needed to be put on, so I initially used the accompanying strings. I found them to be "tinny" sounding, especially the higher sounding strings, so I eventually replaced them with higher-quality strings, which gave a richer sound. [All of this was made so much easier because the sound post (inside the cello) is glued in place. Traditionally, the sound post is loose and is held in place with pressure from tightened strings pushing on the bridge, which is placed in a particular position coordinated with the sound post. There is a lot of differing opinions on whether or not the sound post should be loose, with most sources saying it should be loose. I don't have an opinion, except to say it was so much easier doing all this work without having to constantly be readjusting and placing the sound post.] The "ebonized" fingerboard is actually painted with something similar to black chalkboard paint, but is relatively smooth and not as rough as chalkboard paint would be. On the edges of the fingerboard (on the neck beside the fingerboard), it appears that this black paint has been painted over the top of the gloss, and chips off easily. I actually took advantage of that and initially made marks on the sides to discreetly guide my finger positions. Unfortunately, other marks are appearing as the paint chips off the gloss easily. On top of the fingerboard, under the strings, the paint does not chip away as easily, but it is coming off where my fingers press the strings down and the string vibrates near the spot. In a way, this is helpful in finding positions, but it took much practice before the wearing off of paint occurred, so I didn't need as much help finding the positions by then. This mostly an aesthetic issue, and not one of function or sound. I am new at playing the cello, but I have played this one long enough to be able to get some really sweet resonance from the cello. At first this was missing, but I attribute that to my inexperience and poor playing. Now that I am a better player, the cello is sounding much nicer. (Better strings helped, too.) As far as other items that were included in this package: The tuner/metronome works fine, and actually has a lot of nice features, but I prefer tuners that work using vibrations (as opposed to sound waves) because I am often tuning in the presence of much extraneous noise. The mute fit and worked fine, although I had to remove that to add my pre-amp pickup. The stand works well and is quite portable. The cello does not tip over front-wise very easily at all, even though this stand does not have any features to prevent that from happening. The folding stand is nicer than many I've seen. It has little "arms" that will hold pages/papers open and on the stand, and is aesthetically pleasing in design. It is black, and not shiny silver, which seems "classier" to me. The stand is not sturdy enough to hold my binder full of music, but it can hold lesson books just fin. The rosin worked okay for me, when I was starting, but eventually I tried some other rosin which worked much better for me. The accompanying rosin did not seem to give enough "grab." The bow is straight and works fine, even after six months of much tightening and loosening. The travel bag has been a wonderful asset. It is padded enough to protect the cello from basic harm. (Of course, a nylon padded bag can not be expected to prevent all damage in extreme situations, but my cello-in the bag- is often carried by somewhat reckless teenaged boys and packed precariously in the back of a car with many sports items, and has remained unharmed.) It has a pocket for the bow, a front pocket which fits extra string packages, rosin, a cloth, and a device to keep the endpin from sliding on slick floors. It also has a back pocket which easily holds a 1 1/2" binder full of music and practice sheets. I have also stuffed in the folding stand, which does not fit in the pocket entirely, but can be left sticking out of the zipper opening. It has handles on the side for carrying at your side, and it has adjustable backpack straps for carrying on your back. Altogether, this set has been a great way for me to get started at an affordable price. Most people, I would think, would not be as able to navigate the initial set-up, and would have to hire it done. The kind of people who do such work usually are working on expensive instruments, and might look down on this one. I believe it is adequate for a starter instrument, when it is fixed up properly (which actually didn't take that much to do- I googled a lot of helpful instructions!). I feel that I put in a bit of work and for the cost of about three months' rent, I have a working cello with many extras (and no further rent payments). Whether or not I stick to playing the cello, I'm not out as much as if I had rented one these past six months. If I get good enough to feel that I need better quality instrument, I won't regret the bit of money and time I invested in this one. Overall, I like it and it is better than just "okay," but is NOT for someone who doesn't want any hassle at all, since it doesn't come ready to play.

I read the reviews on this and they were mixed. Be aware that the other reviews are correct regarding the bridge. My daughter took the cello to her instructor, and he advised he could not install the bridge because it was too big for the cello and needed to be shaved down. Also there was an issue with something on the strings that prevented it from being able to be tuned. So, that had to be repaired as well. We took it to our local music store and had to pay an additional $60.00 to fix the string issue, as well as shave and install the bridge. These are the reasons I rated it a 3. Had it not been for this inconvenience and additional expense, I would have rated it a 5. It is a great quality student cello and the additional items that came with it were great. I recommend that before you buy a cello you ask the seller if the cello is fully ready to use or if you will have to pay additional funds to fix it / get it ready.

I am so disappointed and extremely dissatisfied with this cello! Top and bottom may be spruce and maple, BUT BOTH ARE PLYWOOD... NOT SOLID WOOD!!! F-hole cuts in top obviously show layered plywood. The sound post is way too long to fit perpendicular to top and bottom. The bridge is way too high. There are so many problems with this silly cello that both luthiers I took it to wouldn't touch it! PLEASE... Stop, drop, and roll away from this purchase!

Very suprised had to spend 40 to get bridge and neck set but it was worth it. My teacher said since this one is full size I probably should be on a 3/4, so be careful. (I am 56 so 3/4 is not for kids only). I can only get this cello to squak, but my teacher makes it sound like YoYo Ma!!!!! He will be selling it for me for twice what I paid and said it was a good deal! He also stated for price it was an exceptional deal! There was a place onthe neck where finish wasnt complete, but that was all that was remotely wrong. When unpacking, the little round black plastic thing Int trash, its the floor stop...lol! I am buying same brand, same cello in 3/4 and leaving this review with confidence!!!