Electric cellos have excellent sound quality. But for further improvement, amplification is needed. One of the most sought-after questions is “What is the right amplifier for an electric cello?” In this article, we will run down the considerations you need to take in choosing the best amplification. You may have the best-sounding electric cello but you also need to make a room for the right amplifier.
Story Stages
1. Choose if you want it more acoustic or electric
The primary thing to consider is how it is going to sound. Do you prefer an acoustic or electric one? Amplifiers can come either to amplify acoustic tunes or electric cellos. There is a great difference between the two. Acoustic amplifiers tend to sound subtle but rich in tones. They are great for classical and harmonic music. On the other hand, electric amplifiers are more solid in frequencies and are suitable for rock and intense sounds.
2. Choose the right watts for the amplifier
It is not always the higher the watts, the louder the sound it can generate. While wattage can contribute to the volume, it also does the same thing depending on the headroom. For example, a certain wattage can cater to an equitable power for small room size. But if you were to use a similar amount on a medium or larger size, it may sound like a whisper for the people at the back.
But in general, a power range between 50 to 100 watts can satisfy most electric cellos. For practices, you can opt for 30 watts, and for special amplifiers, it can go as high as 600 watts.
3. Compare brands
Two of the best-selling amplifiers are the Electro-Harmonix Headphone Amp, the Kustom KXB1 10-watt amplifier. In terms of natural-sounding tones, features, and affordability, these two topped the rankings.
The Electro-Harmonix Headphone Amp boasts its ability to turn sessions into silent practices. Simply plug your electric cello on the headphone amplifier through a standard ¼ cable along with any headphones into the ⅛ mini headphone jack. This gives unlimited practice without disturbing anyone. The amplifier is easy to carry anywhere as it is ultra-lightweight and portable. But the downfall is, you need to purchase the standard ¼ cable and headphones separately. It also requires 9 volts of batteries.
While the Kustom KXB1 10-watt amplifier is equipped with 10 watts of power, volume control, and heavy-duty 6” speakers — all these features for an affordable price. At this rate, the tone is exceptional and loud. It is done by plugging the instrument through the ⅛ headphone output. But that is not just the catch! You can plug in a CD or MP3 player into the auxiliary input to play with your favorite tracks.
After purchasing an electric cello, the next step would be, “Where will I plug this in?” And that is where amplifiers enter the scene. The decision-making process may be hard as it seems, but in reality, it is just considering what works the best for you and your instrument.
