Detail 01
Steel core
Holds pitch fast and settles in within a day. Tone is direct and bright rather than warm and complex.
Product detailSKU #1274034480166
D'AddarioPrelude Cello A String 4/4 Size Medium
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A single medium-gauge A string for full-size cello, steel core with aluminum winding. For students replacing a broken or dead string without rebuying a full set.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Student cellists needing one replacement string, not a whole set
- School and rental cellos where budget matters more than complexity
- Keeping a spare A in the case for breakages
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Advanced players wanting complex overtones from synthetic or gut cores
- Anyone with a fractional-size cello — 3/4, 1/2 and smaller
- Players who find steel A strings too bright under the ear
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Medium gauge
The default tension. Balanced bow response and volume, and safe on any normally set-up cello.
Detail 03
4/4 size
Cut for full-size cellos only. A fractional instrument needs a shorter string or it will not fit the pegbox.
Detail 04
A string, sold single
The highest and thinnest of the four. It breaks most often, so buying one at a time is normal.
Detail 05
Prelude series
D'Addario's student line. Durable and stable under student handling, less tonally nuanced than their pro strings.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01This is one string, not a set. The D, G and C are separate purchases.
- 02Confirm your cello is 4/4 before ordering — measure the back length if unsure.
- 03Expect some stretching and retuning over the first day or two.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Can I use this on a 3/4 cello?
No. This is cut for 4/4 instruments. A 3/4 cello needs the 3/4 version of the same string.
02Does this come with the other strings?
No. This is the A string only. The D, G and C are sold separately.
03How long does it take to settle in?
Steel core settles quickly. Retune a few times over the first day and it should hold after that.
04Is medium gauge right for me?
For most students, yes. Medium is the standard tension and works on a normally set-up cello without adjustment.
