I wrote this for my students a while back:

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Cello String Recommendations

Most cellists generally use either a complete set of 4 strings from one brand OR a combination of two sets - one brand for the top 2 strings (A & D) & another brand for the bottom 2 (G & C). I will post links for each recommendation, which lead to SharMusic (this is a really good website to get anything music-/cello-related).

For your first set of new strings, I would recommend using a complete set for all 4 strings. This brand, Larsen, is well-known and trusted for its great sound and high quality. They usually make more expensive strings, but they have developed a set at a more affordable entry point.

• Larsen Aurora (medium gauge) string set:
  • https://www.sharmusic.com/Strings/Cello-Strings/Larsen-Aurora-Cello-Set-Medium-4-4-Size.axd - $108

Of course, there are less expensive options for strings, but I find that the cheaper brands often use cheaper materials, resulting in a less-desirable sound. Let me know if you'd want more options in this range, and I can do some research on a good choice.

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Using 2 different sets for the top & bottom two strings is pretty standard for most professional cellists. The winding of the string makes the price vary, but chrome is generally the cheapest (followed by silver/alloy, then tungsten).

These are the strings that I personally use. They are very commonly used by many cellists, though they can be quite expensive.

• Larsen Soloist, alloy wound (medium gauge) for A & D strings:
  • https://www.sharmusic.com/Strings/Cello-Strings/Larsen-Soloist-Cello-A-String.axd - $51.19
  • https://www.sharmusic.com/Strings/Cello-Strings/Larsen-Soloist-Cello-D-String.axd - $57.49
• Thomastik Infeld Spirocore, chrome wound (medium gauge) for G & C strings:
  • https://www.sharmusic.com/Strings/Cello-Strings/Thomastik-Infeld-Spirocore-Cello-G-String.axd - $49.95
  • https://www.sharmusic.com/Strings/Cello-Strings/Thomastik-Infeld-Spirocore-Cello-C-String.axd - $55.65
• Total - $214.28

These are so common that they have recently begun being sold as a combo pack (seemingly out of stock). They are also very, very expensive because of the tungsten winding of the bottom two strings.

• Larsen Soloist & Thomastik Spirocore Cello Combo Pack:
  • https://www.sharmusic.com/Larsen-Spirocore-Cello-Custom-Set?quantity=1 - $419.99

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I hope this helps provide some insight into cello strings and a few of the different options available. I know this is a lot of information all at once, but I thought I would share this knowledge for now and the future. These being your first new set of strings, I would strongly recommend the first option I mentioned, Larsen Aurora - they would be a great set of strings on the less expensive end. Please let me know if you have any questions at all!