I remember when my mom bought me a Yamaha keyboard one year for my birthday. I never learned how to read music unfortunately, so I had to pretend. That was back in the 80s. Yamaha has come a long way since then.

Have you ever aspired to be a cello player? Or maybe you want to challenge yourself even more. Then Yamaha's SVC-110 Silent Electric Cello can make your musical dreams come true.

This redesigned cello is the newest addition to Yamaha's Silent instrument line, which was introduced in the late 90s. Its body is made of spruce and the neck and bridge of hard maple. The SVC-110 comes equipped with headphones, a 9V battery and a protective bag.

With it, you can connect any MP3 or CD player so that you can play along to any song or accompaniment. A second input allows you to duet with another player. And using the headphones will surely keep your neighbors' or parents' ears happy.

How it works: "A studio-quality audio pick-up is connected to an internal effects processor (powered by 2 AA batteries) that places the sound in a simulated acoustic space selected by the user, such as a concert hall or practice room."  

According to Yamaha, the "cello was featured in a February performance with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra. World renowned cellist David Geringas performed a piece using the SVC-110SK that was specially written for him by Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür. This unique instrument gave Geringas tonal and dynamic possibilities not achievable on a conventional cello, while preserving its characteristic sounds."

If the cello doesn't tickle your music fancy, the company offers other instruments in the Silent line, including a violin, viola, and bass.

The SVC-110 retails for $2,795 and is available now at your local Yamaha dealership.

Thanks to Reviews Editor Laarni Ragaza for the tip!