Best
Student Viola
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Overall: Made with a solid carved spruce top and carved maple back and sides
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Best Feature: With ebony fingerboard and pegs
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Student Violin
-
Overall: Built with hand-carved solid spruce top
-
Best Feature: With hand-carved solid maple back and sides
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Viola and Violin Accessory
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Overall: Case designed for one-handed use
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Best Feature: Attractive Case Included
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TedScore™: 10/10
Feeling a bit stuck picking between the violin and the viola? Don’t worry – this choice often puzzles folks who love string instruments. Let’s dive into what sets the violin apart from the viola, and clear up this common question in the string family.
It’s not just about size – although the viola is definitely the bigger sibling of the violin string instrument family – but also about the unique sounds they produce and the techniques required to play them.
So, whether you’re drawn to the violin’s sweet melodies or the viola’s rich tones, grab your bow and let’s differentiate these two amazing string instruments!
6 Key Differences Between Violin and Viola
Size
The most obvious difference between the violin and the viola is their size. Violins are smaller than violas.
A full size violin measures about 36 cm (14 inches), while a full size viola is normally between 39 and 41 cm (15.5-16.5 inches). This means the viola is larger, and has a longer neck and larger fixings.
As a result, the viola is also heavier than the violin, making it a more substantial instrument to hold and play.
Bow
The bow is another key difference between the violin and the viola. A viola bow is slightly heavier than a violin bow, which allows the violist to draw out the tones of the viola’s thicker C-string.
In contrast, a violin requires less string weight to produce a great sound.
The rosin, a sticky substance that allows a bow to produce sound from a stringed instrument, is the same for the two instruments though.
Strings
The strings on a viola are thicker than those on a violin, which results in a deeper, mellower sound. The viola’s thicker strings also require more pressure to play, making it more challenging for violists to produce the desired sound.
On the other hand, the violin strings are thinner, which allows for a brighter, more piercing sound.
Clef
Another difference between the violin and the viola is the clef that each instrument reads.
The violin use the treble clef, while the viola uses the alto clef. The treble clef is used for higher-pitched instruments, while the alto clef is used for lower-pitched instruments.
This means that viola players must learn to read music in a different clef than violin players.
Sound and Tone
The viola has a deeper and more mellow sound than the violin. This is due to its larger size and thicker strings, which produce a richer, more resonant tone.
Conversely, the violin has a brighter, more piercing sound due to its thinner strings and smaller size.
Despite their differences, both the violin and viola can produce a wide range of sounds, depending on the player’s skill.
Part in the Orchestra
The violin and the viola play different roles in the orchestra. The violin is often used to play the melody or the lead part in chamber music, while the viola plays a supporting role, providing harmony and filling the music’s middle range.
This means that the solo viola players must be skilled at blending in with the other instruments and playing harmoniously with the rest of the orchestra.
Luckily throughout the centuries some composers valued the viola as a solo instrument.
ViolA vs ViolIN: Which One to Choose?
We’ll look closer at the differences between the violin and the viola to help you decide which is better for you.
Pros and Cons of Playing Violin
One of the advantages of playing the violin is that it is a very popular instrument, so plenty of resources are available for learning and improving your technique. Additionally, the violin can play very high pitches, making it great for playing melodies and solos.
On the other hand, the violin can be a challenging instrument to learn. It requires a lot of practice and dedication to develop the necessary skills to play it well. Additionally, the high pitch of the violin can sometimes make it difficult to blend with other instruments in certain harmonies and intervals.
Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin
This handcrafted violin is made from the finest selected tonewoods, and its solid spruce top has a rich, hand-applied golden-red finish that complements the beautiful one-piece flamed maple back. But what sets this violin apart is its tone – it’s smooth and pleasing with great carrying power.
DESIGNED FOR: student musicians
FEATURES: Built with hand-carved solid spruce top
OTHER INFO: With hand-carved solid maple back and sides
Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin
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 an ebony fingerboard with a lightweight composite tailpiece for easy tuning
- Produces a rich, warm tone
- Comes with a high-quality bow and case
- 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™.
Pros and Cons of Playing the Viola
One major advantage of playing the viola is its lower pitch than the violin, making it great for playing harmonies and accompaniment parts. Additionally, the larger body of the viola allows for a richer, more mellow sound.
However, the viola can also be a challenging instrument to learn. It requires a different technique than playing the violin strings and can take time to develop the necessary skills. Additionally, the viola sound can sometimes make it difficult to stand out in certain musical arrangements.
Ultimately, the choice between the violin and viola comes down to personal preference and what you want to achieve as a musician. Both instruments have unique strengths and challenges, so it’s important to consider your goals and interests when deciding.
Stentor Student 2 Viola Outfit
This wonderful instrument is hand-carved from solid tonewoods and features ebony pegs, nuts, and a saddle for optimal sound quality. Highly recommended by teachers, violinists, and education advisors, the Stentor Student II Viola Outfit is the perfect teaching instrument for those who want to take their playing to a new level.
With its good-quality viola strings and alloy tailpiece with integral adjusters, you can be sure you’ll get outstanding sound quality every time you play.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners to intermediate players
FEATURES: Made with a solid carved spruce top and carved maple back and sides
OTHER INFO: With ebony fingerboard and pegs
Stentor Student 2 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!
- Comes with an inlaid purfling
- Produces a warm, mellow tone
- Comes with a bow and case included in the outfit
- It may require additional setup and adjustments before playing at its best
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™.
Best Violin and Viola Accessory
D'Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin
This rosin has high-quality ingredients to ensure optimal violin sound, production and smooth bowing. Its unique formula adheres well to your bow and strings, providing consistent sound and a clear tone. Its attractive packaging makes it easy to carry to your next performance or practice session. It’s a top choice that will meet and exceed your expectations.
DESIGNED FOR: violas and violins
FEATURES: Made with high-quality natural materials
OTHER INFO: Comes with a protective case and cloth
D'Addario Kaplan Premium Rosin
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!
- Produces a clear, smooth tone
- Provides excellent grip and bow control
- Works well for both beginner and professional players
- 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™.
Difference Between Violin And Viola: A Recap
I’ve spent time exploring the delightful difference between viola and violin, and it’s been quite an adventure. Each instrument has its quirks and characteristics that make it unique.
The violin is smaller and produces higher-pitched notes. In contrast, the viola is larger, with a deeper, richer sound.
Size Comparison:
- Violin: Around 35-36 cm long
- Viola: 38-45 cm long
They also require different playing techniques and bows. A violin bow is lighter. The viola bow, however, is heavier, helping to draw out its deeper tones.
Another fascinating difference is in the clefs they use:
- Violin: Treble clef
- Viola: Alto clef
The violin often gets the spotlight in performances with its bright, brilliant sound. With its warm, mellow tones, the viola provides depth and harmony.
Strings and Tuning:
Both have four strings, but they are tuned differently:
- Violin Strings: G, D, A, E
- Viola Strings: C, G, D, A
These tuning differences contribute to the distinct soundscapes they create. So, whether you fancy the vibrant violin or the velvety viola, both have their magic. Each brings something unique to the musical table.
Just one more thing...
Before you buy your violin or viola bows, read this next article, and let’s look at what rosin is, why it’s important, and how to use it properly on your bow.
Get ready to unleash your inner virtuoso with this guide to all things rosin!
While the article provides some basic insights on the differences, I believe it slightly undersells the complexity and beauty of playing the viola. The viola’s role in the orchestra is not just about playing the alto clef; it’s about filling in the crucial harmonic and melodic gaps, making it essential for the ensemble’s sound. Moreover, suggesting that one instrument might be easier to choose over the other overlooks the importance of a musician’s connection with their instrument, which I find vital for mastering any craft.
This was super helpful! I always mixed up the viola and violin before. I’m leaning towards the viola now, seems like it has a unique vibe. Love the part about the clef; didn’t know that was a thing.
lol didn’t know violas get to chill in the orchestra while violins do all the heavy lifting, guess I know which one I’m picking now
Hey Mark Gibbs, super intrigued by the distinctions between violin and viola you outlined, particularly the part about sound and tone differences. I’ve always thought violins were just smaller violas, haha. Could you delve a bit deeper into how exactly the sound differs, especially for someone considering to take up one of these instruments as a hobby? Also, does the choice between a Cremona SV-500 and Stentor Student 2 significantly affect the learning curve? Thanks!
Hello, MelodyCrafts. I noticed your questions and thought I’d share some insights. The sound difference primarily lies in the viola’s deeper, more resonant tone, thanks to its larger body and unique string tuning. It can offer a richer sound in the lower registers. Regarding the instruments, the Cremona SV-500, being a higher-quality violin, likely offers a smoother learning experience due to better sound production and playability. However, motivation and practice are far more crucial in the learning curve than the instrument’s brand.