Looking for the best viola? Discover top-rated options that offer exceptional sound quality, comfortable playability, and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, these violas are sure to meet your needs and elevate your musical performance. Explore our curated selection and find the perfect viola to enhance your playing experience.
Looking for the best viola to enhance your musical performances? Look no further! Our selection of top-quality violas is sure to impress even the most discerning musicians. With their exceptional craftsmanship and rich, resonant tones, our best violas are perfect for both beginners and professionals alike. Whether you’re a soloist or part of an orchestra, our best violas will deliver the perfect blend of power and elegance to elevate your playing to new heights. Crafted from the finest materials and meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, our best violas offer unparalleled playability and superior sound quality. Don’t settle for anything less than the best viola – explore our collection today and experience the difference for yourself!
| # | Product | Quality | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha YEV105NT Electric Viola | High | $$$ | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Stentor 1550 Student II Viola Outfit | Medium | $$ | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola | Medium | $ | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola | Low | $ | 8/10 |
| 5 | Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit | Medium | $$ | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set | N/A | $ | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit | Medium | $$ | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Eastman VA305 Viola Outfit | High | $$$ | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Knilling Perfection I Viola Outfit | Medium | $$ | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Primavera 200 Student Viola Outfit | Low | $ | 6/10 |
Contents
- Yamaha YEV105NT Electric Viola
- Stentor 1550 Student II Viola Outfit
- Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit
- D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set
- Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit
- Eastman VA305 Viola Outfit
- Knilling Perfection I Viola Outfit
- Primavera 200 Student Viola Outfit
- How to choose the best viola?
- What are some top brands for violas?
- Should I buy a viola online or from a physical store?
Yamaha YEV105NT Electric Viola
- Size: 16.5 inches
- Body Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Pickup System: Piezo pickup
- Color: Natural
The Yamaha YEV105NT Electric Viola is a high-quality instrument designed for professional violists. With its sleek and modern design, this electric viola offers a unique playing experience. The body is made of maple, providing a warm and resonant tone. The fingerboard is crafted from ebony, ensuring smooth and comfortable playability.
This electric viola features a piezo pickup system, allowing you to amplify your sound with ease. Whether you’re performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Yamaha YEV105NT delivers clear and powerful sound. Its natural color adds a touch of elegance to your performance.
Stentor 1550 Student II Viola Outfit
- Size: 15 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Solid maple
- Bow Material: Brazilwood
- Case Included: Yes
The Stentor 1550 Student II Viola Outfit is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate players. This viola is crafted with a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, producing a rich and balanced tone. It offers a comfortable playing experience, allowing students to develop their skills with ease.
Included in the outfit is a Brazilwood bow, known for its durability and responsiveness. The viola also comes with a protective case, ensuring safe transportation and storage. The Stentor 1550 Student II Viola Outfit is a reliable and affordable option for aspiring violists.
The Stentor 1550 Student II Viola Outfit is highly recommended by music teachers for its quality craftsmanship and value for money.
Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Solid maple
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Tailpiece Material: Ebony with four fine tuners
The Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola is a professional-grade instrument that offers exceptional playability and tone. It features a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, providing a warm and resonant sound. The fingerboard and tailpiece are made of ebony, adding to the instrument’s overall durability and stability.
This viola is fitted with four fine tuners on the tailpiece, allowing for precise tuning adjustments. The Cecilio CVA-500 is suitable for advanced players who require a high-quality instrument for performances and recordings. Its elegant design and superior craftsmanship make it a standout choice among professional violists.
Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Size: 15.5 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Maple
- Bow Material: Brazilwood
- Finish: Antique varnish
The Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola is a great option for beginner and intermediate players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone. The ebony fittings add to the instrument’s durability and aesthetic appeal.
This viola comes with a Brazilwood bow, known for its flexibility and responsiveness. The antique varnish finish gives the instrument a classic and sophisticated look. The Mendini MV400 offers excellent value for money, making it a popular choice among students and budget-conscious musicians.
The Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola is highly recommended for its affordability without compromising on quality.
Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Maple
- Bow Material: Brazilwood
- Case Included: Yes
The Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit is designed for students who are serious about their musical development. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and balanced tone. The instrument is carefully crafted to ensure optimal playability and sound projection.
This viola outfit includes a Brazilwood bow, known for its durability and responsiveness. It also comes with a protective case, making it convenient for students to transport their instrument safely. The Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit is a reliable choice for students looking to enhance their musical journey.
D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set
- String Material: Solid steel core
- Tension: Medium
- Gauge Range: 13-16 inches
- Number of Strings: 4
- String Sizes: A, D, G, C
The D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set is a popular choice among violists of all levels. These strings are made with a solid steel core, providing a clear and focused sound. The medium tension offers a good balance between playability and projection.
This string set is available in various sizes to accommodate different viola lengths. The A, D, G, and C strings offer excellent tonal balance and responsiveness. Whether you’re a student or a professional, the D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set delivers reliable performance and durability.
Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit
- Size: 15.5 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Maple
- Bow Material: Brazilwood
- Case Included: Yes
The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit is a high-quality instrument suitable for advancing students and intermediate players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone. The instrument’s craftsmanship ensures excellent playability and responsiveness.
This viola outfit includes a Brazilwood bow, known for its flexibility and durability. It also comes with a protective case, providing safe storage and transportation. The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit offers exceptional value for money, making it a popular choice among discerning musicians.
Eastman VA305 Viola Outfit
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Maple
- Bow Material: Carbon fiber
- Case Included: Yes
The Eastman VA305 Viola Outfit is a professional-grade instrument that delivers exceptional tone and playability. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a rich and resonant sound. The instrument’s construction ensures optimal projection and responsiveness.
This viola outfit includes a carbon fiber bow, known for its lightweight and durability. It also comes with a protective case, offering secure storage and transportation. The Eastman VA305 Viola Outfit is highly regarded among professional violists for its superior craftsmanship and performance.
Knilling Perfection I Viola Outfit
- Size: 15 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Maple
- Bow Material: Fiberglass
- Case Included: Yes
The Knilling Perfection I Viola Outfit is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and balanced tone. The instrument’s construction ensures durability and stability.
This viola outfit includes a fiberglass bow, known for its durability and affordability. It also comes with a protective case, making it convenient for students to transport their instrument safely. The Knilling Perfection I Viola Outfit offers reliable performance at an affordable price.
Primavera 200 Student Viola Outfit
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back and Sides Material: Maple
- Bow Material: Brazilwood
- Case Included: Yes
The Primavera 200 Student Viola Outfit is designed for students who are starting their musical journey. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone. The instrument’s construction ensures durability and playability.
This viola outfit includes a Brazilwood bow, known for its flexibility and responsiveness. It also comes with a protective case, providing safe storage and transportation. The Primavera 200 Student Viola Outfit is a reliable choice for beginners looking to develop their skills.
How to choose the best viola?
Choosing the best viola requires considering factors such as the player’s skill level, budget, and personal preferences. For beginners, a student-level viola with good playability and durability is recommended. Intermediate players may opt for a higher-quality instrument with better tonal characteristics. Advanced players should look for professional-grade violas that offer exceptional sound and craftsmanship.
What are some top brands for violas?
There are several top brands known for producing high-quality violas. Some popular options include Yamaha, Stentor, Eastman, and Cecilio. These brands have a reputation for manufacturing violas that offer excellent sound projection, playability, and overall performance. It’s always recommended to try out different brands and models to find the one that suits your playing style and preferences.
Should I buy a viola online or from a physical store?
Whether to buy a viola online or from a physical store depends on personal preference and convenience. Online shopping offers a wide range of options and often competitive prices. However, buying from a physical store allows you to try out the instrument before making a purchase and receive expert guidance from knowledgeable staff. If possible, it’s beneficial to visit a music store to test different violas and ensure a comfortable fit and suitable sound.
Choosing the perfect viola for your needs
When it comes to finding the best viola, it’s important to consider factors such as your skill level, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, there are violas available to suit every need. It’s recommended to try out different sizes and brands to find the one that feels comfortable and produces a beautiful tone.
The importance of quality materials
One key aspect of a great viola is the quality of materials used in its construction. Look for instruments made from solid tonewoods like spruce and maple, as they tend to produce richer and more resonant sounds. Additionally, high-quality fittings and accessories can greatly enhance the overall playability and durability of the instrument.
Taking care of your viola
Maintaining your viola is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. Regularly clean the instrument with a soft cloth, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity, and keep it stored in a protective case when not in use. It’s also recommended to have your viola inspected and serviced by a professional luthier periodically to ensure it stays in top condition.
