Best
AFFORDABLE VIOLA
-
Overall: Hand-carved maple & spruce body produces a rounded tone
-
Best Feature: Ebony fittings make for an enjoyable playing experience
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
OVERALL VIOLA
-
Overall: 16-inch viola with cloth-covered case, Brazilwood bow, and rosin
-
Best Feature: Spruce top and maple back/sides
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
BEGINNER VIOLA
-
Overall: Has a solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and ribs
-
Best Feature: Pre-fitted with good-quality strings
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Choosing the right viola can be a delightful quest for a beginner student and a professional musician.
It’s a personal journey that involves finding an instrument that sounds beautiful and feels like an extension of oneself.
The best viola brands understand the nuances of crafting an instrument that resonates with rich, deep tones and offers superb playability.
However, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right viola from among the best brands. There are many models to choose from, many factors to consider, and many product reviews to check.
Keep calm! To help you with this dilemma, I have listed my top recommendations for violas. I assure you that these are top-quality instruments, and I recommend buying one.
After years of playing and teaching the viola, I can say that the Yamaha AVA5-160S Student Viola is one of the best intermediate violas. I always recommend this to my students.
When selecting a viola brand, I look for those with a reputation for quality and consistency.
Top-notch violas emerge from the hands of master luthiers who blend tradition with innovation to create truly exceptional instruments.
Choosing the Right Viola
When hunting for the perfect viola, I know it’s all about matching the instrument to my unique needs. Let’s get into the hearts of violas and find one that sings to our tune, shall we?
Understanding Viola Sizes and Types
Violas come in various sizes, so selecting one that fits snugly is crucial. If I’m choosing for a child, I measure from their neck to their wrist to calculate the proper size—anything from a tiny 12-inch to a full-sized 16-inch.
Factors Influencing Viola Quality
The materials used, such as the spruce top and flamed maple sides, drastically affect the sound. A hand-carved spruce top produces a warm tone, while ebony fingerboards ensure durability and smooth viola playability.
Best Viola Brands
The brands that resonate with me the most bridge the gap between quality and affordability.
If you want an advanced viola, Cremona violas are known as one of the best brands for the instrument. However, there are other great viola options aside from this brand.
Yamaha and Eastman Strings’ professional violas stand out with their attention to detail and rich sound. Primavera and Stentor offer fantastic starter options for those on a budget without breaking the bank.
Check them out!
eastman
After playing the Eastman VA100 Samuel Eastman Student Viola Outfit Model, I’ve been impressed with its rich tone and solid construction, a step above many other student-level instruments I’ve tried.
Its higher price reflects its quality, which has proven a worthwhile investment in my development as a violist.
Eastman VA100 Samuel Eastman Student Viola Outfit
FEATURES: 16-inch viola outfit with durable thermoplastic case, bow, and rosin
OTHER INFO: Made from solid tonewoods that have been aged for enhanced tonality and resonance
- Composite tailpiece with integrated fine tuners for easy tuning adjustments
- Comes with D’Addario Prelude strings with a solid steel core
- Higher price point compared to other entry-level instruments
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
YAMAHA
Having played on the Yamaha AVA5-160S 16-inch Student Viola Outfit, I’m quite satisfied with its consistent tone and playability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players.
The outfit provides great value with its durable build and sound that encourages practice and progression, all at a reasonable price point for its quality.
Yamaha AVA5-160S 16-inch Student Viola Outfit
FEATURES: 16-inch viola with cloth-covered case, Brazilwood bow, and rosin
OTHER INFO: Hand-applied oil varnish finish
- Professionally adjusted and set up with high-quality Prelude strings
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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
As a violist, I’ve found the Stentor Conservatoire Viola Outfit reliable and well-crafted. It offers a rich tone and comfortable playability that greatly supports my intermediate students.
The outfit’s inclusion of a quality bow and case provides excellent value, making it a solid choice for serious students looking to advance their skills.
Stentor Conservatoire Viola Outfit
FEATURES: Has a solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and ribs
OTHER INFO: Pre-fitted with good-quality strings
- Good build quality and materials for an intermediate-level instrument
- Comes with a quality bow and case
- Some players might choose to upgrade the factory strings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
GEWa
In my experience with the Gewa Allegro VA1 Viola Outfit, I have been thoroughly impressed by its exceptional tone and resonance, which rival those of more expensive instruments. This makes it a standout choice for both students and advancing players.
The outfit’s comprehensive package, including a Brazilwood bow and a sturdy case, offers great convenience and ensures a smooth start for aspiring violists.
GEWA Allegro VA1 Viola Outfit
FEATURES: Masterful German craftsmanship from GEWA
OTHER INFO: Classic-style instrument built with traditional tonewoods
- The outfit includes a high-quality carbon viola bow and a GEWA case
- No cons!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
PRIMAVERA
The Primavera Loreato Viola Outfit has truly exceeded my expectations with its vibrant sound and ease of playability. It is a fantastic option for beginners and intermediate players alike.
Its affordability, robust build, and thoughtful inclusion of quality accessories have made it an invaluable asset in my musical journey.
Primavera Loreato Viola Outfit
FEATURES: Hand-carved maple & spruce body produces a rounded tone
OTHER INFO: Ebony fittings make for an enjoyable playing experience
- Includes a case, composite bow, and rosin
- No cons!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
REVELLE
As a violist, I’ve appreciated the Revelle REV48 Student Viola Outfit’s solid craftsmanship and clear sound, which make it an excellent foundation for beginners.
However, as I progress, I anticipate upgrading to an instrument with a more detailed tone to fully express the growing complexity of musical pieces.
Revelle REV48 Student Viola Outfit
FEATURES: Hand-carved spruce top with solid flamed maple back and ribs produce a full sound
OTHER INFO: Thomastik-Infeld Alphayue strings provide an easy response with a clear tone
- 15-inch viola outfit with viola case, bows, and rosin
- Stock Thomastik-Infeld Alphayue strings provide an easy response with a clear tone
- Expensive!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Maintaining Your Viola for Longevity
If you have a new viola, keeping it in tip-top shape ensures that your musical journey continues without a hitch! Here’s how I make sure my viola stays in excellent condition:
- Regularly Check Your Strings: I always check them for fraying and change them before they lose their tonal brilliance.
- Keep an Eye on the Fingerboard: I regularly check for wear and ensure it is smoothed or refinished by a professional if necessary.
- Fine Tuners Need Attention: I always confirm that the fine tuners work smoothly.
- Mind the Environment: Heat and humidity are like Kryptonite to the hardwood of most violas. I protect my instrument from extreme temperatures and keep it in a comfortable, stable environment.
- Tailpiece and Fittings: My viola’s Wittner tailpiece and boxwood-and-ebony fittings are crucial for a beautiful tone. I occasionally get these inspected to ensure everything is secure and functioning properly.
- Cleaning is Key: I gently wipe down my viola after every practice session.
- Invest in Routine Repairs: Like violins and cellos, hand-made violas can feel like family heirlooms. So, I don’t hesitate to get professional viola makers in a trusted workshop to maintain its prime condition and sound.
Best Viola Brands
Summary
When we talk about violas, I’m reminded of their sweet, rich music. They’re the unsung heroes of the string orchestra family, adding depth to any ensemble.
Let me give you a recap of the standout viola brands and models I’ve highlighted, each known for their quality and craftsmanship.
- Yamaha AVA5-160S
- Eastman VA100 Samuel Eastman Student Viola Outfit
- Stentor Conservatoire Viola Outfit
- Gewa Allegro VA1 Viola Outfit
- Primavera Loreato Viola Outfit
- Revelle REV48 Student Viola
I hope this rundown helps you find your perfect new instrument.
Remember, it’s not just about the brand. It’s about how the viola feels in your hands and resonates with your soul.
Whether in a quiet practice room or a grand concert hall, your viola should sing as if it’s an extension of you. Happy playing!
Hang on! There’s still more!
After knowing the best brands you can choose from, the next thing you need to know is the size of the viola you want to purchase. Read the next article to find out what size fits you!
