If you want a great intermediate cello with a deeper tone, you need the D Z Strad Cello Model 101 which is renowned by many music teachers. Besides high-quality workmanship, this D Z Strad cello stands out for many great reasons. These instruments have a gorgeous external design and high-quality sound. They are not only durable but affordable for your budget as well.
The D Z Strad Model 101 is rated the best when it comes to mid-tier cellos and many customers rave about this instrument. For the beginner to the intermediate cellist, this model is highly recommended.
Pros
- High-quality sound and craftsmanship
- Professionally set up
- Looks beautiful
- Durable enough to last for generations
Cons
- Included Prelude cello strings need to be upgraded
- Shipping packaging may not be durable
Why Choose the D Z Strad Model 101 Cello?
The D Z Strad Model 101 cello is a great choice for both the intermediate and some advanced beginner cellists. The cello is handcrafted with an emphasis on the dark red-gold lacquer finish giving it an antique style. You definitely notice the loving care used to make this cello as it is 100% handmade with 100% hand oiled varnish.
The Cello
You can buy the D Z Strad Cello Model 101 in different sizes ranging from ½ -size, ¼ -size, ⅛-size, ¾ -size to full size. The toned wood used gives the instrument an organic feature and pleasing to the eye when in need of playing in an auditorium.
The other great aspect of the cello is that it does not require any major upgrades. You may want to upgrade to better cello strings since the included Prelude strings are low-quality for such a pricey instrument. They have used durable mahogany wood for the back and sides while it has a spruce top. The chinrest, hard-carved pegs, tailpiece, and fingerboards made from 1st-grade ebony wood.
The cello is made from durable mahogany wood on the back and sides, with spruce on the top. The chinrest, hard-carved pegs, tailpiece, and fingerboard are all made from 1st-grade ebony wood.
The Bow
Included with your purchase you receive a Brazilwood bow with a Parisian Eye frog bow equipped with authentic white horsehair. The bow is well-balanced and has black leather, silver mountings.
The Value of the Complete Outfit
The D Z Strad Cello prices vary from one retailer to another but you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,300 which is a great value for all of the included features. This price includes the entire package to begin playing including the cello, a soft cello case, the Prelude strings, the bow, and the rosin.
Recommended Upgrades
Strings
The Prelude strings that come with the default setup are not great quality. These strings are for beginners and are not recommended for the D Z Strad Model 101. We highly recommend using Evah Pirazzi or Larsen cello strings or one of these popular cello strings combinations we recommend.
Changing the strings will open up the sound of the Model 101 and make it sound much more like a professional instrument. The Evah Pirazzi Gold, in particular, will make this cello sing.
Bow
The Brazilwood bow that comes with the Model 101 is a great bow, but to really take advantage of the fine craftsmanship of this instrument you should look for a high-quality Pernambuco bow. You can check out our list of the best cello bows to find a great bow for this cello.
Who is D Z Strad?
D Z Strad has a workshop in Minnesota and New York and carries a selection of instruments with services for all who enjoys playing string instruments. Each cello made with hand-rubbed Italian tonewoods that they have dried outside in a ventilated area for over 20 years. After the natural drying out process, they place the wood in a drying room that follows traditional European practices to make sure the wood does not expand giving it the firmness needed when crafting it into an instrument.
Final Thoughts
The D Z Strad Cello Model 101 is a remarkable instrument made from high-quality wood handcrafted to perfection. The package comes at an affordable price for an intermediate-level cello and includes a lot of accessories. The cello is ready-to-play and only needs a few minor upgrades to unlock its full potential.
For the beginner to the intermediate player, this cello will give you hours of enjoyment. Everything included with the outfit is top notch compared to other more expensive brands.
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Quality of Materials
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Sound
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Price
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Durability
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Ready-to-Play
Summary
Superb intermediate cello made with high-quality materials to produce an excellent sound.
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