While the majority of cellos are made of various types of wood, some manufacturers also offer carbon fiber-reinforced cellos. Carbon fiber cellos are made of a material that outperforms wood in a variety of ways. These cellos are less expensive than wooden models, but they are also more durable. These cellos have a slightly different shape than traditional wooden cellos. This type of cello is commonly used by orchestras and cellists all over the world.
Cellists are frequently expected to perform in cold and damp environments. These factors contribute to the success of the carbon fiber cello. Many cello players are hesitant to play their expensive wooden cellos in such conditions and instead opt for carbon fiber cellos, which can produce a sound that is similar to that of a wooden cello. Most wooden cellos are more expensive, less durable, sturdier, and lighter than carbon fiber cellos.
A carbon fiber cello’s shape may differ slightly from that of a traditional wooden cello. Traditional cellos have sharp necks that can cause shoulder pain. The smoothness of carbon fiber models reduces the likelihood of shoulder soreness while playing the instrument. Unlike wooden models, these cellos have smooth edges. Because carbon fiber cellos do not contain any wood, they are better for the environment. Some wooden cello manufacturers use ebony, an endangered tree species, in their cellos, which is not an issue with a carbon fiber cello.
The absence of cornices on these cellos improves the overall sound of the instrument. Cornices on stringed instruments help to support the instrument’s structure. Carbon fiber instruments do not require the same level of structural support from cornices as wooden instruments, and removing the cornices makes the instrument more reverberant.
Electric carbon fiber cellos are used by many orchestras. Low-pitched sounds produced by cellos are easily overpowered by groups of small stringed instruments. Carbon fiber cellos with mounted pickups and preamps are frequently used in orchestras to increase sound presence.
The majority of carbon fiber cello manufacturers also make carbon fiber bows to go with their instruments. Carbon fiber bows are used by many beginner cellists, but they are also used by many experienced professionals to preserve their expensive pernambuco wood bows. In the presence of extreme hot and cold weather, bows made of this wood are easily damaged.