Choosing a beginner viola can feel like a minefield. Which viola brands are the best? What are the best violas for beginners? How do I get value for money buying a beginner instrument? In our top 5 violas for beginners, we’ll break down everything you need to know for your new purchase.
Best
Beginner Viola
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Overall: Good Sound & Durable
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Best Feature: Hand carved maple & spruce body
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Viola Shoulder Rest
Shoulder Rest SummaryOfProduct
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Overall: Super comfy shoulder rest
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Best Feature: Fully adjustable for height
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Viola Rosin
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Overall: The best rosin on the market
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Best Feature: Low-dust and premium case
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TedScore™: 10/10
Things to consider when buying a beginner’s viola
Viola Size
Make sure your new viola is the right size for you. Violas don’t come in sizes like violins do (quarter size, half size etc.,) but an average size would be about 16 inches long. For children, you can buy an instrument which is perhaps a little big for you right now as you’ll grow into it, but don’t buy one where you’ll be waiting years for it to fit correctly. Many beginners start on a restrung violin before moving on to a real viola to become comfortable with the instrument.
The critical thing to remember about violas is they’re heavy, especially for children. Don’t buy any instrument which you can’t physically hold up for long periods.
The chart below gives a rough guide for each age’s required size. However, arm and hand size are crucial when playing the viola, too! Be aware that an 11-year-old student with exceptionally long arms may handle a larger instrument.
The Bow
The bow is a crucial piece of equipment and will make a big difference to how your viola sounds! Again, it’s essential to purchase a bow that isn’t too heavy for your beginner, and the higher the quality of the bow, the better it will make your viola sound. This may be the difference between a beginner stopping after several lessons or carrying on for life. Most bows are made from Mongolian horsehair, and our recommendation for a good quality but an affordable bow is the Primavera Hardwood.
COMES WITH: Natural Horse Hair
FEATURES: Quality Hardwood
- Round Stick Offers Comfortable Grip
Primavera
Hardwood
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Excellent price
- Similar to more expensive bows
- You'll need to upgrade the bow from grade five onwards
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Quality of construction
The quality of the material your viola is made from will significantly influence the sound it makes. If it is made from cheaper wood, usually from the US or China, this will be great for the price but less suitable for the quality of sound it produces. This may not be a problem at the outset of your child’s musical exploration, but be aware that this will become more important further down the line.
High quality materials will produce a more rich sound. Ideally, you want an instrument that has flamed maple back and sides, a solid spruce top, made from solid wood, has an ebony fingerboard, comes with a brazilwood bow, an extra set of strings and a chin rest.
5 best violas for the beginner
The brands of many violas differ massively in quality, so our top 5 violas for beginners are based on quality, sound, and price.
COMES WITH: Hard Case and Bow with Maple Bridge
FEATURES:
- Carved From Solid Tonewoods
- Ebony Pegs and Fingerboard
- Most Recommended Among Schools and Teachers
Stentor Student II
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High-quality sound
- Available with other accessories
- Comes with Prelude strings
- Has maple sides and back
- Slightly higher price than some other brands but higher quality sound
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Stentor is a brand known worldwide for making a good quality student musical instrument, and this student viola model is no exception. At 2.56kg, it is lightweight enough for a beginner to be comfortable handling, and it is hand-carved from solid tonewoods, which aids good sound production. Whilst the sound may not be as good as some other brands on this list, it is certainly good enough to ensure your beginner enjoys their music-making.
COMES WITH: A backpack style case, Beechwood bow, and rosin
FEATURES:
- Hand-carved Canadian tonewoods
- Integral fine tuners ensure fast and efficient tuning
- Guarneri-style chin rest for a comfortable playing position
Student Viola by
Gear4Music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and durable
- Available with other accessories
- The bow and strings will need to be replaced if used after beginner level
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Beginner brands, like Gear4Music, have created the first viola with a simply unbelievable purchase price. It is a perfect option for those who want a good-sounding musical instrument at a significantly lower cost. The bonus with this student viola is that it’s cheap enough to determine if you’d like to join the list of viola players and then upgrade to something longer lasting.
COMES WITH: A case, bow, and rosin
FEATURES:
- Durable ebony pegs and ebonised fingerboard
- Hand carved maple and spruce body
- Excellent beginner viola
Primavera 100
VIOLA OUTFIT
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High-quality sound
- Three year warranty
- Looks great with a high gloss finish
- Slightly higher price than some other brands
- Sound is clear but somewhat limited
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
This instrument is an excellent bet for those new to the viola. It has a beautiful, clear sound and is available in several sizes. At a very reasonable price, viola outfits like this are an excellent option for those unsure whether their beginner will continue after those initial lessons. In the meantime, though, they will enjoy playing this instrument.
COMES WITH: A case, bow, and rosin
FEATURES:
- Durable ebony pegs and ebonised fingerboard
- Hand carved maple and spruce body
- Excellent beginner viola
Hidersine Uno
Viola Outfit
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 4 Adjusters for fine-tuning
- Well made and robust
- Higher price than other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
This is a good option for those who want a ‘one-stop shop’ for beginner students. This viola outfit set includes the instrument itself and several accessories, making it easy to acquire everything your beginner will need. The price is slightly higher than other brands on this list, and the sound quality isn’t as good as the Cremona, for example. However, we recommend this model because it is durable and, for a beginner, has a decent sound.
COMES WITH: A case, bow, and rosin
FEATURES:
- Durable ebony pegs and ebonised fingerboard
- Hand carved maple and spruce body
- Excellent beginner viola
Cremona SVA100
Viola Outfit
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 4 Adjusters for fine-tuning
- Well made and robust
- Higher price than other brands
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
This is, in our opinion, the best option for a beginner instrument and can almost be seen as an intermediate viola. This model looks and sounds excellent and is robust enough to withstand being carried around in school! Hand-carved, this is a perfect choice for anyone who wants their beginner to get off to a great start learning the viola.
Upgrading your viola
If you’re looking to upgrade your purchase, we recommend spending slightly less money on the viola itself and more money initially on the bow. A high-quality bow will aid sound production -your beginner will undoubtedly be able to tell the difference between a cheap bow and a bow with which they can create many different sounds. This will aid their enjoyment and the learning process considerably.
It is also worth noting that an excellent way to upgrade your instrument is by purchasing a higher quality set of strings. This can massively improve the sound quality of your instrument and will make the tone brighter, clearer and louder. Our choice for good quality but reasonably priced viola strings are Dominant. These strings are available at a reasonable price and will provide a great, warm sound for your viola after a few days of settling down.
MATERIAL: A+D aluminium wound, G+C silver wound
FEATURES: Flexible multifilament core, insensitive against humidity changes
Thomastik Dominant Viola String Set
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Reasonable price
- Trusted brand
- Good reviews
- Sound may be too ‘basic’ for some intermediate violists.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Finally, an experienced teacher or Luthier will be able to make slight adjustments to your instrument to improve the sound the viola makes. Moving the sound post or bridge may be all it takes – however, don’t try it yourself!
Accessories for the viola
When purchasing your first instrument, it’s essential to acquire all of the accessories your beginner will require and the instrument itself. In this section, we’ll look at the 5 most important pieces of equipment to purchase alongside your viola and advise you on which brand to go for.
Case
There are many cases options for your beginner instrument, and all come at different shapes, sizes and prices. You will need a robust and robust case to protect your viola and one which is light and easy to carry. Our recommendation is the Oblong Viola Case by Hindersine. This is an excellent option for those who want a good quality case that protects their instrument at a reasonable price.
COMES WITH: Many Different Coloured Options
BAM Viola Case
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Removable backpack straps for easy carrying
- Very light, so ideal for young players
- Includes string tube
- Not as well padded as some more expensive cases
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Rosin
No string player could live without a tub of good quality rosin for them to apply to their bow in their hour of need! This is another one of the must-haves. Many brands are available for the viola, but our choice is D’Addario Rosin. This is cheaper than many other brands but is of excellent quality and only requires a couple of ‘licks’ to effectively your bow.
COMES WITH: Premium case that is designed for one-handed use
FEATURES: The original low-dust recipe handed down from Ladislav Kaplan
D'Addario Kaplan
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing Case
- Low Dust
- A Pleasure To Use
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Shoulder rest
Shoulder rests are available in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right one can be difficult. The most crucial consideration is comfort for your beginner, as many students are put off their instrument by not feeling comfortable when playing it. For this, we recommend the Kun Super Viola shoulder rest. This model is straightforward to adjust, lightweight and does not have rubber sleeves, which need replacing occasionally.
COMES WITH: Strong thermoplastic frame
FEATURES: Rubber encased, metal feet
Kun Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Ergonomic shape and easy to attach
- Stylish design
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Metronome and tuner
Many musicians spend hours practising slowly, then gradually speed up to concert tempo. This is particularly useful for beginners, who often need a clear beat playing alongside them to ensure they play everything at the correct speed. For this, you’ll need a good quality, easy to use a metronome. We recommend buying the Korg MA-1 metronome and tuner. It is cheap, easy to use and has a clear display. The built-in chromatic tuner will also ensure that your beginner learns to tune up their instrument early on.
COMES WITH: A larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES: Timer, enhanced volume, and a useful 'sound-out' mode
Korg MA-2 metronome
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Music stand
Many sheet music stands are available to purchase, but finding one light, robust and affordable is crucial. This music stand is a great option. Portable, sturdy and easily adjustable; a great buy.
INCLUDES: Light | Carry Case | Sheet Music Clip
FEATURES: A carrying bag and a sheet music folder
Cahaya Portable Music Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing complete kit
- Has everything you need
- Strong, yet transportable
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Top 5 Violas For Beginners
Summary
So there you have it – 5 different viola brands, all of which we’d recommend for a beginner player. See below for advice on the best brand for some of the accessories we have mentioned in this article
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