The Evolution of the Electric Cello | A Reflection of Electronic Music and Technology

緒音 NANA
Oct 15, 2025
4 min read

The electric cello is a modern instrument that emerged in the 20th century. Compared with the traditional acoustic cello, it offers greater tonal flexibility, allowing musicians to fine-tune the sound to fit various musical styles and even add diverse effects. Thanks to electronic technology, it can mimic the timbres of different instruments, opening up endless possibilities for musical creativity.

But have you ever wondered how this instrument came to be? Today, let’s take a closer look at the origins and evolution of the electric cello.

Origins (Early 20th Century)

用特雷門琴演奏的樂隊 — In bands that perform with the Theremin, you can often see other electronic instruments as well.

With the advent of various electrical devices in the late 19th century, people began to explore how electricity could be applied to music and musical instruments. Entering the 20th century, the world saw the birth of its first electronic instrument — the Theremin. This instrument was invented in the early 1920s by Russian inventor Léon Theremin, who went on to develop several other electronic instruments based on the same principles, such as the Terpsitone, Rhythmicon, Keyboard Theremin, and even an electric cello [Note 1].

Around the same period, French musician Maurice Martenot invented another electronic instrument in 1928 — the Ondes Martenot. The main components and sound-producing principles of the Martenot (Ondes Martenot) include the keyboard, the wire and ring controller, and the radio-frequency oscillator. As a cellist himself, he suggested that the Martenot could be understood as a kind of electrified cello, or at least an instrument that retains the expressive capabilities of the cello, even though its appearance is completely different from that of a cello [Note 2].

Technological Development and Advancements (Mid to Late 20th Century)

By the mid to late 20th century, electronic music was gradually rising in popularity [Note 3], and the technology behind electronic instruments developed alongside it.

These instruments typically use pickups [Note 4] to detect the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals, which are then amplified through amplifiers and loudspeakers, allowing audiences to clearly hear the instrument’s sound.

From the 1970s to the 1990s, pickup technology and effects processing advanced significantly.

Larry DiMarzio推出的拾音器 — The **pickups released by Larry DiMarzio**

In 1971, Larry DiMarzio introduced the Super Distortion and Dual Sound pickups. These were among the first widely sold aftermarket pickups and effects, sparking a trend of modifying guitars and other electronic instruments [Note 5].

With continuous technological breakthroughs, the sound quality of electric cellos improved dramatically, and major instrument brands began investing in the development of pickups and electronic instruments.

Additionally, manufacturers started using carbon fiber and composite materials for instrument bodies, making them lighter, more durable, and easier to handle, greatly enhancing the performer’s experience and portability.

For example, the Gewa E CELLO NOTIVA electric cello from Germany features a carbon fiber frame for its body. At the same time, you can also see the appearance and relative placement of its pickups.

The Impact of 2CELLOS (21st Century)

The Croatian duo 2CELLOS (Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser) has played a key role in popularizing and advancing the electric cello. Their performance style blends classical and contemporary elements, and they extensively use electric cellos, making the instrument an important tool in modern music.

2CELLOS primarily perform on the YAMAHA SVC-110 electric cello, which helped establish YAMAHA as a well-known brand in the electric cello market. In addition, other prominent brands such as NS Design, GEWA, and Zeta have also released high-performance electric cellos, each with their own unique features and advantages.

2Cellos Discussing the YAMAHA SVC-110 Electric Cello Video"

Comparison Between Electric Cello and Traditional Cello

Feature	Electric Cello	Acoustic Cello
Body	Solid or hollow design; lightweight and modern	Wooden resonant body that produces natural resonance
Sound Production	Uses pickups to sense string vibration; requires amplifier and loudspeaker	Sound amplified naturally through the resonant body
Tone Variation	Adjustable tone and effects; highly versatile	Fixed tone, influenced by wood quality and craftsmanship
Portability	Compact and easy to carry; some models are foldable	Larger in size, less convenient to transport
Practice Mode	Can be played silently with headphones	Must control volume to avoid disturbing others

The birth and development of the electric cello have not only opened entirely new horizons for musical expression, but also allowed performers to break free from traditional boundaries, seamlessly transitioning between classical and contemporary styles. With ongoing technological advancements, the electric cello will continue to evolve, becoming an indispensable instrument in the world of music.

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Additional Insights

The Theremin is still widely used in music today, and some performers have gained considerable recognition for their mastery. For example, Hans Zimmer continues to incorporate the Theremin in his compositions and shares videos on YouTube. Its contactless playing technique creates a sound and visual effect that is reminiscent of a sci-fi movie.