Yamaha SVC 210 Silent Cello

Yamaha SVC Silent Cello

Better than expected. Only problem - keep tightening all the screws - too much raucous stage playing with a band makes the screws loosen. I lost one of me wings mid performance hahaha!

Good quality, but still very different from a real cello

It's well-made with a fitted bridge, and comfortable to play. However, if you are interested in a practice instrument notice that 1. it sounds and feels very different from a real cello, because the vibration chamber is too small to create the resistance from a cello. 2. it is not that silent. I still worry about playing late at night.

An electric cell worth the money

The Yamaha SVC 210 is what might called a “considered purchase”. I had played a cheaper electric cello before in order to practice with headphones, rather than perform. The Yamaha is in a different class. It is well built and sounds good both through headphones and also through an external amplifier and speaker. The ability to hear oneself play when listening through headphones is remarkable and does help practice when playing “silently”. Should you wish to play as a performance the reverb settings do provide a good full sound.

Without the reverb setting the sound on the A string sounds a little thin compared to the other strings.

The fold away lower bouts and chest rest makes the Yamaha feel like a conventional cello hold and play and far easier than other less conventional electric cello designs.

It is responsive and easy play. If you have a need for a silent cello and one that folds away neatly and quickly do consider this - I am glad that I made the investment.