If you’re looking for the best viola on the market, you’ve come to the right place. Choosing a viola that fits your needs can be difficult, so I’m here to help you look at the best viola brands.
During 25 years of playing the cello and 10 years in a professional string quartet, I’ve played with many violists. The best viola brands make many instruments that I have heard time and time again, and their unique differences in sound continue to amaze me.
Quick Look: Best Violas & Viola Brands
★ #1 Best Viola Overall: Maple Leaf Strings Lucienne★
- Best Viola for Beginners: Strobel MA-80
- Best Intermediate Viola: Strobel Recital Series MA-500
- Best Viola for Professionals: Maple Leaf Strings Lucienne
- Best Cheap Viola: D Z Strad 101
- Best Viola Under $2,000: Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola
- Best Viola Under $500: Cremona SVA-500
- Best Acoustic Viola: Maple Leaf Strings Lucienne
- Best Electric Viola: NS Design CR Series
- Best Children’s Viola (Violin): Knilling 110VN Sebastian Series
Both students and professionals need the best instrument they can get their hands on to motivate them in their musical journey. This is my advice about the best viola brands, along with what you can expect when buying a viola either online or in-store.
What Is a Viola?
The viola is a member of the violin family. It’s slightly bigger and has a lower sound than a violin.
The viola has been a staple instrument in the classical music world since the 18th century. It has an important role as an accompanying voice in an orchestra or string quartet, and in more recent times, the viola has developed into a solo instrument too.
I’ve spent my whole life sitting next to the viola in a string quartet and love the instrument for its beautiful and unique sound. The viola has a deep tone, and I think it’s an exciting alternative to its higher-pitched sibling, the violin.
Types of Violas
The viola is an ever-changing instrument, due to makers finding the perfect size for all players. In the past, there were “alto” and “tenor” violas, as well as “pre-baroque” and “baroque” violas.
Today, we’re lucky that there is a more standard viola (although size is still a debate, and it varies). These are the most typical types of violas on the market today:
Acoustic Viola
The acoustic or classical viola is the most common type of viola. It was developed in the late 18th century and has had variation in size until today (unlike the violin, which kept its original size).
The acoustic viola is strung a 5th lower than a violin. Its four strings are tuned to A-D-G-C, whereas a violin is tuned to E-A-D-G. This tuning gives the viola a deeper range than the violin, making it more versatile as an accompanying instrument.
Electric Viola
Much like electric violins, there are electric violas too, although they are harder to come by. This instrument produces its sound electronically and can be amplified through speakers or silenced with headphones.
Electric violas are more durable than acoustic violas, as they don’t rely on their wood to produce the sound. They are used in all genres of music and are great for recording too.
Violas for Children (Otherwise Known as Violins)
Unlike violins, violas don’t usually come in very small sizes. This is because all sizes of violins can be strung with viola strings for kids to learn to play the viola.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Viola
There are many important factors when choosing a viola. Aside from the obvious (deciding between playing the violin or the viola), a lot comes into play.
Here is a list of things that I always consider before buying any new instrument:
Level of Experience
Buying an instrument is a big thing, and finding the right viola can be difficult. It’s good to think about your current level of experience as well as what your future goals are.
Here’s some info on the differences between beginner, intermediate, and professional violas:
Beginner Violas
A beginner viola is an instrument with a good setup to help you through your initial learning stages of playing. It should have good playability without costing a fortune, especially if you’re not sure you’ll continue playing.
For children, beginner violas are mostly fractional size violins with viola strings. Many players start on the violin, but switch to the viola at a later stage in their musical journey.
Intermediate Violas
An intermediate viola will be of a more moderate price range, and its quality should reflect that. For a dedicated student, an intermediate viola is a great investment that can see you through many years of learning.
Before spending the money on an intermediate viola, check that it has been handcrafted or set up by a luthier, or violin maker. It should primarily be made of spruce and maple wood, with ebony fittings.
Professional Violas
Professional violas are of a higher price point, but this will show in their beauty and sound. You will hear and feel individuality in the sound of a professional viola — an important yet subjective factor for any serious musician.
Professional violas can cost up to millions of dollars, but there are plenty on the market at a more budget-friendly price.
Size
Unlike violins, the size of violas can vary. If you have a preference (or whether you have long or short arms), there are several options in shape, width, and length. The most common sizes are 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″, and 16.5″.
The smallest viola sizes are typically just a little smaller than a full-size violin. If you’re a younger beginner, you can choose a fractional-size violin to start on and re-string it with viola strings.
Arm length and hand size/finger length are the main factors that determine which size viola you should be looking for. If in doubt, start small. Injuries should be avoided at all costs, and they are common for players who choose an instrument that is too big.
The Overall Tone & Sound
The viola has a unique sound. It isn’t as high-pitched as a violin, but also not as deep as a cello. From many years of playing in a string quartet, I have come to love the warm and stately sound of a viola.
When choosing a viola, it’s good to note that the instrument’s size might impact the sound. A larger instrument will have a larger and louder sound. More wood means more resonance, but smaller violas can sound impressive too.
Price
Quality and price generally go hand in hand. The more you pay, the better the instrument. If you’re unsure of your budget, check out what differs in the various price ranges.
Budget Violas
A budget viola is generally suited for someone wanting to try the viola out — perhaps unsure if they will continue or not. They’re not the highest-quality instruments, but affordable, and maybe a good place to start if you’re completely new.
Midrange Violas
A midrange viola is something that sets you up for years of playing and is an investment for a new player. I recommend a midrange instrument if you’re serious about playing the viola.
Top-End Violas
Top-end violas start in the thousands and go into the millions. There’s a huge variety out there, and if you find a top-end viola with a sound that you love, you’ll be set for life.
The Best Violas Overall
The best violas in the world are produced by luthiers, rather than brands, and they start at prices in the high thousands. But, there are certainly several brands out there that provide high-quality violas for a more attainable price.
When it comes to the best violas overall, I’ve concentrated on leading brands that provide quality instruments at an affordable price.
1. Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne
- Available sizes: 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony & boxwood fittings, antique oil varnish
- Strings: Helicore
- What’s included: Viola, strings, foam protective case
- Best for: Professionals
Maple Leaf Strings has produced a fantastic line of violas, handcrafted by master luthiers. The Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne viola is an exceptional instrument with a beautiful finish and sound.
✅ Brilliant sound
✅ Detailed craftsmanship
✅ Beautiful finish
✅ Consistent tone
❌ High price tag
❌ Instrument only (no bow included)
Why I Recommend It
It isn’t often that you can find an instrument that is individually handcrafted, and having this viola readily available on the market is a huge asset. If you have the budget, go for it. I recommend this viola above all.
2. Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola
- Available sizes: 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony fittings, golden brown varnish
- Strings: Ren Wei Shi strings
- What’s included: Viola, strings, arcolla bow, oblong hardcase
- Best for: Professionals/intermediate violists
Ren Wei Shi offers this professional viola at an affordable price. It has a powerful sound and quality craftsmanship. You”ll be very happy with this professional-level instrument at its price.
✅ Affordable price tag
✅ Bow included
✅ Quality craftsmanship
✅ Powerful sound
❌ Limited tone colors
Why I Recommend It
The Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola has made the top 3 for its affordability while keeping a high standard of sound and quality. This is a great recommendation for professional-level players who are on a budget.
3. NS Design CR Series
- Available sizes: One size (14.4″ scale length)
- Material & finish: Solid maple body and neck, ebony fittings, amber stain, and polymer top coat (available in 4 color tones)
- Strings: D’Addario NS standard strings
- What’s included: Electric viola with adjustable chin and shoulder rest, strings, NS Design Case
- Best for: Diverse musical genres and traveling violists of all levels
NS Design has created the NS Design CR Series viola that replicates the sound of an acoustic viola beautifully. With great diversity and ease of playing, this is the best electric viola on the market.
✅ Durable
✅ Feels like acoustic viola
✅ Customizable
✅ Top tuning and pickup systems
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
Despite so many brands with acoustic violas on the market, it’s impossible to overlook the fantastic job that NS Design has done producing this electric viola. It’s unbeatable by anything else in its category.
Best Beginner Violas
Playability and budget are two key factors for finding the best beginner viola. For a beginner, it’s important to have an instrument that can motivate you and set you up for success.
1. Strobel MA-80
- Available sizes: 11″, 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony fittings, Wittner tailpiece, spirit varnish
- Strings: Prelude
- What’s included: Viola, K. Holtz fiberglass bow, strings, oblong hardcase
Strobel violas are built to last, and the Strobel MA-80 is no exception. The MA-80 is Strobel’s top starter viola that offers great quality and playability, and a rich sound.
✅ Richness in sound
✅ Durable
✅ Large size range
✅ Great playability
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
This is my top recommendation, the best beginner viola for a serious violist starting out. It is a high-quality beginner instrument with a rich sound that will give you the best start for your musical journey.
2. D Z Strad Viola Model 101
- Available sizes: 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, Wittner-style tailpiece, high gloss lacquer finish
- Strings: Prelude
- What’s included: Viola, brazilwood bow, strings, D Z Strad Hardcase
The D Z Strad 101 is the best beginner viola on the market for a low price. From a brand that specializes in beginner instruments, this viola is a good place to start for someone new to the world of music and viola.
✅ Low price tag
✅ Trusted brand
✅ Quality materials
❌ Limited sound quality
❌ Limited playability
Why I Recommend It
After years of teaching, I recognize that price is an important factor for many beginner students. This viola is the best cheap viola and it gives new players the possibility to get to know the viola without making a huge investment.
3. Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola
- Available sizes: 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 16″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony fittings, antique brown lacquer
- Strings: Prelude
- What’s included: Viola, brazilwood bow, strings, Travelite oblong hardcase
Cremona offers great quality instruments for students, and the Cremona SVA-176 Premier Student Viola has great playability and durability for beginner violists.
✅ Low price tag
✅ Antique Look
✅ Durable
❌ Limited sound quality
Why I Recommend It
Much like the D Z Strad 101, the Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola is another beginner viola at a great price. I recommend this viola for any beginner who’s looking for something within a low price range. It offers great playability and durability.
Best Intermediate Violas
Intermediate violas are perfectly suited for an advancing student. They begin to show individual sound and tone and help bring a player from the practice room to the concert stage.
Intermediate viola outfits often come with better quality bows, strings, and accessories. These are some of the best intermediate violas available on the market.
1. Strobel Recital Series MA-500
- Available sizes: 15″, 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony & boxwood fittings, spirit varnish
- Strings: Dominant D, G, C, Larsen A
- What’s included: Viola, nickel-silver mounted pernambuco bow, strings, oblong hardcase
The Recital Series of Strobel’s intermediate range of violas offer amazing tone and playability. The Strobel Recital Series MA-500 is a good viola made with quality wood and fittings. These violas are as pleasing visually as they are in tone.
✅ High-quality materials
✅ High-grade strings and bow
✅ Amazing tone
✅ Great playability
❌ Higher price tag
Why I Recommend It
It’s from a reliable brand that knows what aspiring violists need and will bridge you perfectly to your next advanced level of playing. With this viola, you’ll have great playability and the ability to produce multiple colors on the recital stage.
2. Scherl & Roth Galliard
- Available sizes: 14″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony fittings, hybrid lacquer/spirit varnish finish
- Strings: Prelude
- What’s included: Viola, carbon fiber bow, strings, rosin, oblong thermoplastic case
The Scherl & Roth Galliard is one of the best student violas with a beautiful sound and finish. It’s a trusted instrument for intermediate level players that will see them through viola studies for many years.
✅ Handcrafted
✅ Affordable price tag
✅ Brilliant sound
✅ Great playability
❌ Limited sound colors
❌ Lower grade bow and strings
Why I Recommend It
For an advancing student, the Scherl & Roth Galliard is a trustworthy instrument. It will keep you motivated with its brilliant tone, at a good price point.
3. Cremona SVA-500
- Available sizes: 14″, 15″, 15.5″, 16″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony fittings, golden red-brown varnish
- Strings: Prelude
- What’s included: Viola, brazilwood bow, strings, Travelite case
The Cremona SVA-500 viola comes at a great price point for an advancing student. It has a rich tone and an ease of playing that will keep an intermediate violist motivated.
✅ Low price tag
✅ Great outfit package
✅ Good playability
❌ Limited sound
Why I Recommend It
I recommend this viola primarily because of its price. There are not many violas available under the $1,000 mark, and this one is hard to beat.
Best Violas for Professionals
The best professional viola will be one that sets you apart from other performers on the stage. You will have complete ease of playing, as well as many unique colors and sounds.
At slightly higher price points than the beginner and intermediate violas on the list, these instruments are still attainable for the average professional player. These are my top picks.
1. Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne
- Available sizes: 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony & boxwood fittings, antique oil varnish
- Strings: Helicore
- What’s included: Viola, strings, foam protective case
The Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne viola is one of the best concert violas with brilliant tonal clarity. It has been finely handcrafted from aged wood and adjusted to perfection. It’s a great pick for any professional violist.
✅ Brilliant sound
✅ Detailed craftsmanship
✅ Beautiful finish
✅ Consistent tone
❌ High price tag
❌ Instrument only (no bow included)
Why I Recommend It
An instrument made by a single luthier, this viola comes in at the top of the list for its absolutely beautiful sound and attention to detail. As this viola ages, it becomes even more mellow and beautiful. It’s a purchase you won’t regret.
2. Maple Leaf Strings Master Xu
- Available sizes: 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony & boxwood fittings, antique oil varnish
- Strings: Helicore
- What’s included: Viola, strings, foam protective case
The Maple Leaf Strings Master Xu viola has the best wood and craftsmanship Maple Leaf Strings has to offer. Each instrument is handcrafted to ensure the highest level of standards is met.
✅ Beautiful finish
✅ Handcrafted
✅ Mature sound
❌ Highest price tag
Why I Recommend It
This viola is a great find. Master Xu Hong Tao is a luminary in the viola-making field. This instrument has a beautiful sound that matures over time and a beautiful finish to match it.
3. Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola
- Available sizes: 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony fittings, golden brown varnish
- Strings: Ren Wei Shi strings
- What’s included: Viola, strings, arcolla bow, oblong hardcase
The Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola is a great professional viola at an affordable price. It’s been handcrafted perfectly and is a favorite among many professional violists. This violin will last you for many years on the professional stage.
✅ Affordable price tag
✅ Bow included
✅ Quality craftsmanship
✅ Powerful sound
❌ Limited tone colors
Why I Recommend It
At a good price, this viola is a fantastic recommendation for a professional violist on a budget. It has good responsiveness and a powerful sound.
Best Acoustic Viola
In my time playing in a professional string quartet, I have seen and heard many acoustic violas. The best in the world are made by luthiers, and they can cost a fortune.
From all of the many acoustic violas on the list, the best one overall is individually handcrafted by a master luthier. It’s still quite pricey, but more affordable than many professional violas out there.
Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne
- Available sizes: 15.5″, 16″, 16.5″
- Material & finish: Spruce top, maple back & sides, ebony & boxwood fittings, antique oil varnish
- Strings: Helicore
- What’s included: Viola, strings, foam protective case
- Best for: Professionals
The Master Lucienne viola is a beautiful instrument with brilliant tonal clarity. It’s been finely handcrafted from aged wood and adjusted to perfection. It’s a great pick for any professional violist.
✅ Brilliant sound
✅ Detailed craftsmanship
✅ Beautiful finish
✅ Consistent tone
❌ High price tag
❌ Instrument only (no bow included)
Why I Recommend It
I would personally always go for a handcrafted instrument, and this viola is readily available on the market for someone looking for just that. It’s not only the best acoustic viola but the best viola overall on the list.
Best Electric Viola
An electric viola is a versatile instrument that can be amplified or silenced. They are great for recording and playing diverse musical genres, as well as for discreet practicing on the go.
With fewer electric violas on the market than electric violins, there are luckily not as many to consider. There are some good ones out there, and I have seen more and more colleagues rely on this brand and model in recent years.
NS Design CR Series Electric Viola
- Available sizes: One size (14.4″ scale length)
- Material & finish: Solid maple body and neck, ebony fittings, amber stain, and polymer top coat (available in 4 color tones)
- Strings: D’Addario NS standard strings
- What’s included: Electric viola with adjustable chin and shoulder rest, strings, NS Design case
- Best for: Diverse musical genres and traveling violists of all levels
The NS Design CR viola is one of the best sounding electric violas out there. It has a brilliant and sensitive tone, is comfortable to play, and is customizable with adjustable chin and shoulder rests. Flight cases and other accessories can be bought separately.
✅ Durable
✅ Feels like an acoustic viola
✅ Customizable
✅ Top tuning and pickup systems
❌ High price tag
Why I Recommend It
I mostly use electric instruments for travel and discreet practicing, when I need something that replicates the feel of my acoustic instruments. The NS Design viola does the best job at feeling and sounding like an acoustic viola.
Best Children’s Viola (Violin)
A children’s viola is in a special category, as usually a young violist will begin on a violin that has been restrung with viola strings. There are a couple of things to look out for when buying a violin for a beginner violist.
As children grow, they will need an instrument that does too, and not every violin model offers multiple sizes. It’s therefore logical to choose a brand and model that offers multiple sizes, so you can size up every couple of years.
Young musicians should have a good setup from the beginning, and with a reliable instrument, they’ll be prepared for their musical journey.
Knilling 110VN Sebastian Series Violin
- Size: Available in violin sizes from 1/8 through 4/4
- What’s included: Violin, bow, case & care products
- Material & finish: Seasoned tonewoods with ebony fittings, attractive finish
- Strings: Steelcore
With this violin, Knilling offers a great start for kids. It’s a nice transitional instrument for an intermediate young musician and takes to viola strings well. The Knilling 110VN Sebastian Series has a wonderful sound and great playability because of its high-quality construction.
✅ Great sound for the money
✅ Attractive finish
✅ High-quality construction
❌ Limited outfit
Why I Recommend It
I’ve seen many kids begin both their violin and viola journeys with this violin, and with great success. Before they move on to a professional viola, this violin can offer kids a good quality start. It’s the perfect instrument for beginner on the viola.
Best Viola Brands
It’s a good thing that there are so many great viola brands to choose from. After many years of teaching and playing on the professional stage, I have made a selection of the best viola brands.
D Z Strad
D Z Strad is one of America’s leading string workshops and one of the best viola brands. It offers a line that starts with their beginner viola Model 101 (budget-friendly) and ends with their professional viola Model 1000 (high-end).
Both their lower and higher price range violas have fine attention to detail and beautiful quality of sound. Whether you are buying a beginner or a professional viola, D Z Strad will always promise quality.
Some of D Z Strad’s products are exclusively available on Amazon, a good thing to note.
Strobel
Strobel Strings prides itself on quality and dedication to helping you find an instrument that will be an investment for the future.
With four instrument levels (Student, Recital, Master, and Limited Edition), there is a collection of violas that tailors to all skill levels. Their viola size range also offers quarter-size violas, half-size violas, and three-quarter-size violas.
Strobel provides great online information and a Viola Comparison Chart that can give you an informed idea of which viola is right for you.
Scherl & Roth
Heinrich Roth was a German, seventh generation violin maker who moved to the United States in the 1920s. He then met and teamed up with Max Scherl, and the company became a favorite for music educators across America.
Scherl & Roth is one of the best viola brands for intermediate students, and they have a fantastic selection of beginner and intermediate violas.
Cremona
The Guangzhou Cremona Violin company (GCV) is one of the best viola brands for beginners. They make high-quality violas, as well as viola outfits (which include a case, bow, and quality strings).
Cremona puts its focus on providing beginners with affordable instruments. Because of their affordability and fantastic playability, GCV is a popular viola brand amongst beginners worldwide.
Maple Leaf Strings
Maple Leaf Strings produces a wide range of beginner and intermediate violins, violas, and cellos.
Although I don’t recommend their usual line of instruments, they have partnered up with several luthier masters to produce a fantastic range of professional violas — some of the only individually handcrafted violas on this list.
Ren Wei Shi
Ren Wei Shi is a violin maker who studied at the Chicago School of Violin Making 20 years ago and established his own brand of quality violins and violas.
Ren Wei Shi is one of the best viola brands for professionals. His violas are handcrafted and offer beautiful tone and quality.
NS Design
NS Design is a company founded in 1990 that produces electric string instruments from violins to bass guitars.
Their instruments have solid wooden bodies and state-of-the-art technology, making them a world-leading electric instrument company. If you’re looking for the best electric viola, this is the brand to go with.
Viola Craftsmanship
Violas are built and finished with a variety of materials. Here is what you might expect your viola to be made from and how it might be finished.
Wood
The viola requires good quality wood that is hard, strong, and dense. Violas are made out of all kinds of wood, but the most trusted are maple (for the back and sides), spruce (for the top), and ebony (for the fingerboard and other fittings).
Finish
The varnish of a viola is important for protecting the wood while helping the projection of sound. It also brings out the beauty in the wood. Why not choose a viola that is beautifully varnished?
Viola and violin makers have experimented with many types of varnish, including varnishes made from linseed and walnut oils.
Color
Violas typically have a natural wood tone and can be varnished with oils of different tones.
You can choose a viola with a darker hue or with yellowish or reddish tones. There is no right or wrong — I have several instruments with different toned woods, and I love them all.
Electric instruments are available in more diverse and exciting colors, so whether you like bright pink or solid black, you will find what you are looking for.
The Bow
The bow of the viola is slightly heavier than a violin bow and is as important as the viola itself. The bow is what pulls the sound out of the instrument, and quality matters.
Weight and balance determine the quality of a bow, and although the viola requires more weight than a violin to find a great sound, you should be able to find a bow that feels comfortable in your hand.
Buying Violas New vs Used
As with all stringed instruments, the question of whether to buy a new or used viola is valid. Buying a new viola is a joy, and if looked after well, it will last you a lifetime. New instruments can only improve with age.
A used viola will have more mature wood, meaning its sound will have settled. If you find a used viola that you love and it has been looked after well, it might be a great investment. Just watch out for cracks in the wood and worn-out fingerboards.
If you’re an absolute beginner, I recommend buying a new instrument from a trusted brand.
What’s in a Viola Box?
All viola brands include different things in their outfit packages, so check the description before buying. These are some of the usual things to expect in your viola box:
Viola
As you would expect, the viola will be the first thing you see when you open your viola case.
Violin Bow
The bow is another important item you’ll almost always receive with your viola. A bow is a wooden (and sometimes carbon fiber) stick that has horsehair connecting its two ends.
Rosin
You’ll need rosin for your bow, and it’s not always included in your box. Rosin gives friction to the strings and helps produce the best sound from the viola.
Viola Strings
Strings are always included with your viola. Different brands of strings can completely change the sound of your viola, and you can always purchase and try out different ones if you aren’t happy about the ones in your box. It’s not too hard to change the strings of a viola.
Viola Carry Case
Your viola will come in a case, and there are all kinds of cases of varying qualities. It might come in a soft case, a hard case, or a special lightweight case.
Viola Tuner
A tuner will usually not be included, but some viola outfits (like the ones from Mendini) will come with one. Tuners are useful for beginners who are learning how to tune by ear.
Viola Bridge
A bridge will come with your viola, and if you’re lucky it might already be setup. If the bridge is not setup, try to find a professional to do this for you.
Shoulder Rest
Violas are bigger and heavier than violins, so a shoulder rest is crucial. Shoulder rests are not always included, so you might have to buy one separately.
String Cloth
A string cloth is a simple cloth used to wipe dust and excess rosin off of your viola.
Certificate of Authenticity
This certificate will most likely come with your viola. With this certificate, you can be sure that your viola has been checked by a professional luthier. Hold on to it — if you want to sell your viola in the future, it will come in handy.
Extras
Most violas that I’ve listed come in an outfit package with many accessories, but it’s always good to check for any extras you need.
Here are a few things that are sometimes not found in viola outfit packages:
- Extra strings (You might want to invest in a better quality set of strings than what comes in the outfit, but keep the original set on hand as an extra.)
- Shoulder rest
- Rosin
- Mute (There are several mutes available. A hotel mute might be useful if you like to practice discreetly.)
Viola Brands to Avoid
There are always some brands that should be avoided, and in general, I would stay away from anything being sold on eBay. I luckily haven’t had much direct experience with these brands, so if you stick to the list of brands on this list you will be fine.
The most common things to look out for from bad viola brands are plastic fittings and a composite (not solid wood) body.
Viola Parts
Here are the most important parts of the viola to get familiar with:
Body
The body is a hollow wooden chamber that produces the resonance of the instrument. Electric violas usually have solid wood bodies.
Neck
The neck is the part of the viola between the body and the scroll.
Scroll
At the very top of the viola is a decorative scroll. Inside the scroll is the pegbox, which holds the tuning pegs.
Tuning Pegs
There are four wooden pegs, one for each string. Tightening a peg raises the pitch of a string, whereas loosening a peg lowers the pitch.
Fine tuners
Fine tuners tune your viola in smaller increments than the pegs do. Unlike violins that only have a fine tuner for the highest string, many professional violas have a fine tuner for each string.
Chinrest
The chinrest supports your chin, so you don’t dampen the resonance of the wood or ruin the varnish.
F-Holes
The f-holes are where the sound escapes the viola. They are in the shape of a decorative “f” — hence the name.
Fingerboard
The fingerboard is the black surface where your fingers press down on the strings. It’s usually made of hardwood, such as ebony.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about violas.
How Much Do Violas Cost?
Violas can cost from a few hundred dollars up into the millions! There’s an enormous range of violas available for all budgets and levels. For each level, you can expect these average costs:
- Beginner violas: $300-$1000
- Intermediate violas: $500-$2000
- Professional violas: $2000+
What Are the Best Violas?
These are the best violas from this list:
Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne Viola
Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne Viola is the best viola on the market. It’s professional viola that has been individually handcrafted by a master luthier. With its excellent attention to detail and quality, this viola produces a magical sound.
Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola
Ren Wei Shi Artist Viola is the best viola on the market for a professional violist on a budget. With a powerful sound, it beats almost all other violas in its price range.
NS Design CR Series Viola
NS Design CR Series Viola is absolutely the best electric viola out there. With fantastic playability and durability, this viola replicates the sound of an acoustic viola perfectly.
Where Are the Best Violas Made?
The best violas were originally made in Europe, and most modern models are based on Italian or German violas from 100s of years ago.
You can now find a variety of handcrafted violas anywhere in the world. The best violas today are generally made in Europe, America, and Asia.
What Is the Best Sounding Viola?
The best sounding viola on our list is the Maple Leaf Strings Master Lucienne Viola.
Where to Buy Violas
Just like with any instrument in the violin family, you can find the best violas both in-store and online. Shopping online allows you to read customer reviews, and online retailers offer fast delivery, free returns, and plenty of discounts.
Buying in-store gives you the ability to try out different instruments. Another big advantage is the ability to ask sales assistants for their advice.
Amazon
Amazon has a good variety of the best viola brands. They have a large range of levels and prices, with plenty of reviews to read. Being able to test and return your viola for your money back is a bonus.
Online Music Retailers
You can find violas in several online music retailers, and Fiddler Shop is a great one to check out. They often offer deals and will provide you with the best customer service.
Beware: Violas purchased online often arrive without a proper setup and you might need to put the bridge and strings on yourself. Try to get a professional’s help.
Your Local Music Store
I recommend going into your local music score if you have one nearby. That way you can try out and compare several violas. Make sure every string sounds full of resonance and pleasing to your ear.
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Table of Contents
- What Is a Viola?
- Types of Violas
- Things to Consider When Choosing a Viola
- The Best Violas Overall
- Best Beginner Violas
- Best Intermediate Violas
- Best Violas for Professionals
- Best Acoustic Viola
- Best Electric Viola
- Best Children’s Viola (Violin)
- Best Viola Brands
- Viola Craftsmanship
- Buying Violas New vs Used
- What’s in a Viola Box?
- Viola Brands to Avoid
- Viola Parts
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- In Conclusion
In Conclusion
In the end, buying a viola is very subjective. You need to be the one to determine if you’re happy with the sound and feel of your instrument.
Does the viola resonate beautifully under your ear? Are all four strings ringing evenly? Is the size of your viola comfortable in relation to the length of your arms and neck?
Think about these things carefully before buying, and you’ll be sure to find the best viola for your needs.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of these viola brands already, or if there are some others that you know of that aren’t on the list. Was this post helpful for finding your dream viola? Why not share it with your viola buddies?