Cellist’s Accessory Recommendations
Last updated: Jan 2026
Whether you have just begun your cello journey or have been playing, you will need a few essential tools to help you along. Here is a list of quality tools to help you out. Links are provided for quick reference.
Endpin Anchor (Rockstop)
Xeros Endpin Strap - $13
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/xeros-cello-endpin-anchor
Amazon: Xeros Endpin Strap
Cheap and reliable. Keep one in your case at all times. Just get this one. Do not buy off-brand, those ones are made of super cheap material and this is already so inexpensive.
Dycem Blackhole - $20
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/dycem-black-hole-cello-endpin-stop
Amazon: Dycem Black Hole
If you insist on not using a strap, this is the only non-strap anchor we recommend. Needs occasional cleaning to continue functioning. Far more durable than other puck-style. Do not buy any puck style rockstop other than this one.
Music Stand
You were likely sold or given a cheap wire stand when you rented your instrument. Often, I see students raise it too high so the base becomes narrow and unstable. If you use this thing, try to keep the base wide. Heavier wire stands - more of a side-grade. Heavier stands with wide bases are more stable. The desk (music holding portion) still leaves a lot to be desired. Save for a nicer stand.
Peak Folding Music Stand - $40
SMS-20 and SMS-40
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/peak-sms-20-music-stand
Amazon: Peak Folding Music Stand
The best folding stand, basically as good as a non-folding stand. The desk portion can be a little floppy when packing it up. SMS-20 is steel tubes. SMS-40 is aluminum tubes. SMS-30 is steel tubes and extra tall for violinists. We have both 20/40, I prefer the heavier steel version. Used frequently for gigs and often holds my iPad. DO NOT buy cheap garbage like Vekkia or Cahaya on Amazon. These used to be actually cheap ($20ish), but are basically the same price as the Peak now. Flimsy sheet metal and shoddy construction.
Manhasset Music Stand - $65
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/manhasset-music-stand-10-colors-black
Amazon: Manhasset Music Stand
For your at home practice. Steel base, aluminum face. Durable, reliable. Can come in all sorts of fun colors.
Metronome and Tuners
Korg TM Series (TM-70) - $40
Shar: Korg TM-70
Amazon: Korg TM-70
Just buy this one. It does all the things you need it to. You can run both the tuner and metronome at the same time. No, we are not paid to say this, it is just that good. Also comes in white.
Rosin
You probably have some cheap stuff that came with your rental. This will work fine for a while. Some alternatives and different rosins to try are listed here. Only rosins we have used are listed.
Bernadel Rosin
The good old blue pouch. Cheap and effective amber color rosin.
Melos Rosin
Amazon: Melos Seasonal Set
Comes in Light and Dark. Currently use both depending on the season.
Cecilia - $25 - $60
Formerly Andrea/Tartini rosin. A bit more expensive, but you can get it in different formulas.
Mutes
Orchestral
Tourte One Hole Mute
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/tourte-original-1-hole-cello-mute
Tourte Two Hole Mute (Not recommended)
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/tourte-style-2-hole-cello-mute
Get the Torte One Hole Mute. The Two Hole dampens the sound of your cello even when not in use on your bridge. Having no experience with the Amazon offerings, just get one from Shar or other reputable store. Buy at least a couple of these, they are easy to lose. Take it off your instrument when you do not need it.
Practice Mutes
Live in an apartment or need to practice quieter? Practice mutes dampen your entire bridge. Do not use a practice mute unless you absolutely must.
Ultra Rubber Practice Mute
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/ultra-practice-mute-cello-rubber
Easiest to deal with, not much risk of damage if you accidentally drop it on your cello. Essentially guaranteed to fit over your bridge. Amazon alternatives are basically the same price.
Artino and other metal Mutes
Coated and uncoated metal, do not own any. Metal mutes are better at dampening sound, but might not fit on all bridges. Expect scratches if you drop these on your cello.
Humidifiers
Essential during winter’s dry days.
Boveda Humidifier Packs 49% RH - ($26 Starter Kit, $4-5/each for additional pouches)
Shar: Boveda Large Instrument Starter Kit
Amazon: Boveda Large Instrument Starter Kit
These were recommended by our luthier, also recommending that we avoid using the Dampit style humidifiers. He also said they can be “recharged”. Set and forget two-way humidifying packs to keep your instrument happier during Winter. The covering pouches are made of soft material that should not scratch your cello.
Dampit and Humidi-Guard ($15 - $20)
While not the recommended method of keeping your cello from drying out, I will still talk about these a little. Basically a small sponge in surgical tubing. If you choose to go this route, definitely squeeze some water out from the sponge and completely dry the surface of the humidifier before putting it inside your cello. These dry out within a day or two, so you will need to regularly water them.
Wolf Eliminators
I do not actually use a wolf eliminator. It requires constant adjustment to make this device effective, since the wolf migrates by the day or season. I feel like they can cause more problems than they solve. Buzzing, dampening your sound, etc. You can actually suppress your wolf tone using some vibrato, more weight, more finger meat, or just playing (purposely) slightly out of tune if it is really bad.
Button or Screw-on Style - ($8)
These clamp over the string between the bridge and tailpiece.
Permanent Fixture - (Price varies + Luthier installation)
Only a luthier can/should install this. While I know they can work, your instrument changes throughout the year so your wolf will probably just move to a different note anyway.
Krentz Modulator - ($150)
Expensive. A cool idea, using magnetic pistons to cancel the vibrations out. I did try this for a few years, but could never find the perfect spot to place it. Again, the wolf tone changes throughout the seasons. This device can significantly affect your tone, for good or bad. I took it out years ago and my cello sounds better. It is also very easy to drop it when moving it around your instrument. Mine is now cracked. One other note is that you may not want to use this in order to protect your varnish. The magnets are super strong, and clamps hard against the surface of your instrument. Your mileage may vary. The newer Saddle Rider wolf eliminator is a similar concept. If anyone wants to buy a cracked Krentz, it is available.
Chairs and Cushions
Sitting position is especially important as a cellist.
Adjustable Shower Stool ($20)
Amazon: Drive Adjustable Shower Stool
A bit utilitarian looking, but it is inexpensive and works great for small or tall students.
Adjustrite Folding Musician’s Chair ($250)
Shar: https://www.sharmusic.com/products/adjustrite-folding-musicians-chair-standard
Amazon:
Fantastic adjustable and portable music chair, though a little expensive. Thick padding and a good range of adjustment. Also comes in an extra tall version for giants.
Adjustable Piano Benches (Price Variable - expect $80+)
A great option for at-home practice. Basically as good as a regular cello chair.
Tush Cush / Car Cush - $50
Official site: https://tushcush.com/
Many chairs encourage leaning backwards, but this helps to offset that. As a cellist it is better to be more neutral or forward leaning. Cheaper than buying a new chair or carrying one around. I prefer the smaller Car Cush for taking places. I think it’s either the standard or extra firm version. Essential to preventing back pain. The square Wenger chairs that schools use are bad for posture and therefore health. A wedge like these makes them adequate.
Pencils and Erasers
The eraser might actually be more important than the pencil. Do not use the cheap hard erasers that come on no-brand pencils.
Ticonderoga ($3 - 12 pack)
Amazon: Ticonderoga - HB2 12 Pack
The standard. Cheap, decent lead with a good eraser.
Pentel Twist-Erase 0.9mm Pencils ($16 - 4 pack)
Amazon: Pentel Twist-Erase - 4 Pack
A little expensive for mechanical pencils, but very nice for writing and erasing on parts. The thicker 0.9mm lead is good for marking. Good and replaceable eraser.
Palomino Blackwing ($35 - 12 pack)
Amazon: Blackwing Pencils - 12 Pack
Fancy pencils with softer lead and replaceable erasers. Our music librarian friends love these.
Technology
If you are serious or playing a lot of different music consider these. It is an investment, but you will not need to bring several pounds of bulky sheet music. (I still like paper sometimes anyway).
Tablets
iPad Air 12.9” ($799 newest Wifi only model MSRP)
Tablets are the ultimate in sheet music reading. Get the largest screen that you can afford. Apple tech seems to have the longest life-span. The iPad Air is far cheaper than the Pro models, and offers basically the same experience. I bought an iPad Pro before this came out, if I did it again I would buy the Air.
You do not need the latest and greatest, any of the modern M-series processors are faster than you will ever use. Consider waiting for sales/discounts, refurbished. Buy from a reputable dealer of your choice.
I do not have experience with Android tablets, but they should function basically the same.
Page Turners
AirTurn Duo 500 - ($110)
Amazon: https://a.co/d/dyKMBh0
Nice dual pedal page turner.
PageFlip - ($100+)
Another reputable brand of bluetooth page turning pedals
Applications
For both your phone and tablet.
Metronomes and Tuning
Pro Metronome - (Free)
As far as I have used, no ads. I use it at its most basic. You can change tones so it sounds nicer.
Tuner T1 - (Free w/ ads)
Uses your mic to show you intonation. You can calibrate your A tuning. Does not drone without user input.
Sheet Music Readers
PiaScore - (Free, paid upgrade)
This is what I use because I am cheap. It does what I need it to. Marking sheet music is a little ugly, but it is fine. Can only open up to 5 different scores at once. Setlist function to have multiple scores in one instance. Connects to IMSLP. Full article may be necessary at a later time.
ForScore - ($25)
No personal experience, but I know people like this one.
Music Theory
Tenuto - ($5)
Created by musictheory.net. For free online music theory and ear training practice visit their site.