Violas - Directory w/ AI Reviews

Acoustic violas for orchestral and chamber music

The viola is a bowed string instrument slightly larger than the violin, producing a warmer, deeper, and more mellow tone. It plays a crucial harmonic role in orchestras and string quartets, bridging the gap between the violin's brightness and the cello's depth. Though often overlooked in favor of the violin, the viola has a distinctive, hauntingly beautiful voice.

History

The viola emerged alongside the violin in 16th-century Italy, crafted by the same Cremonese makers including Andrea Amati and Gasparo da Salo. For centuries, it was considered a secondary instrument, often assigned to less skilled players in orchestras. The 20th century saw a viola renaissance, with players like William Primrose and Lionel Tertis establishing it as a serious solo instrument.

Characteristics

The viola is tuned in fifths (C-G-D-A), a fifth below the violin, and reads music in the alto clef, unique among orchestral string instruments. Its larger body (15.5 to 17 inches compared to the violin's 14 inches) produces warmer, darker overtones. The slightly thicker strings and longer scale length require more finger pressure and a wider hand stretch than the violin.

Notable Players

William Primrose was the first violist to establish the instrument as a respected solo voice in the 20th century. Kim Kashkashian is a contemporary viola virtuoso and Grammy-winning recording artist. Tabea Zimmermann is widely regarded as one of the foremost viola soloists performing today, known for her rich tone and profound musicality.

Buying Guide

Unlike violins, which are standardized at 14 inches, violas come in various sizes from 15 to 17 inches; choose a size that is comfortable for your arm length. A brighter-sounding viola can cut through ensemble textures more effectively, which is a desirable quality for orchestral playing. Try multiple instruments, as violas vary more in tonal character than violins due to less standardized proportions.

Fun Facts

The viola has been the subject of more musician jokes than any other instrument, despite being essential to every orchestra and string quartet. Mozart, Beethoven, and Dvorak all played the viola in string quartets, preferring its inner voice to the more prominent violin.

Scott Cao STV-850 Viola 1 4.7 New Scott Cao STV-850 Viola Scott Cao $4,500 Professional China 1 review Professional viola with aged European spruce and premium flamed maple delivering deep, sonorous tone with exceptional carrying power for conservatory and orchestral players. Eastman VA405 Viola 2 4.6 New Eastman VA405 Viola Eastman $1,799 Intermediate China 1 review The Eastman VA405 is a step-up viola with hand-carved spruce and flamed maple producing warm, singing tone with characteristic viola darkness, arriving with a solid factory setup and attractive antique varnish. Yamaha AVA7 Braviol Viola 3 4.6 New Yamaha AVA7 Braviol Viola Yamaha $4,999 Professional Japan 1 review Professional-grade viola combining Yamaha's acoustical research with hand craftsmanship, producing a rich, powerful tone with excellent dynamic range for orchestral and chamber settings. Eastman VA605 Viola 4 4.6 New Eastman VA605 Viola Eastman $4,680 Advanced China 2 reviews The Eastman VA605 is a performance-grade viola for advanced students and professionals, with select aged spruce and deeply flamed maple delivering powerful, complex sound with extraordinary projection for recital and orchestral use. Stentor Student II Viola 5 4.4 New Stentor Student II Viola Stentor $449 Beginner China 1 review Well-regarded entry-level viola with solid spruce and maple construction trusted by string teachers worldwide for consistent build quality and genuine musical character. Yamaha AVA5 Viola 6 4.4 New Yamaha AVA5 Viola Yamaha $1,199 Beginner China 1 review Reliable student viola with solid spruce top and maple back, offering consistent Yamaha factory setup and balanced tone across multiple sizes for growing students. Eastman VA305 Viola 7 4.4 New Eastman VA305 Viola Eastman $1,920 Intermediate China 2 reviews The Eastman VA305 is a step-up viola with hand-applied spirit varnish and traditional construction delivering exceptional tonal warmth, a favorite among students advancing into youth orchestra and serious study. DZ Strad Model 400 Viola 8 4.3 New DZ Strad Model 400 Viola DZ Strad $1,800 Intermediate China 2 reviews A handmade viola with solid spruce top and flamed maple back finished in antiqued oil varnish, offering a characteristically dark, full tone with excellent depth that suits intermediate students and advancing amateurs. Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola 9 4.2 New Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Cremona $449 Beginner China 1 review The Cremona SVA-175 is a well-regarded student viola with a hand-carved spruce top and maple body producing warm, even tone, available in sizes from 12 to 16 inches with Prelude strings and ebony fittings for developing students. Cremona SVA-500 Viola 10 4.1 New Cremona SVA-500 Viola Cremona $1,100 Intermediate China 2 reviews The Cremona SVA-500 is a step-up viola with highly flamed maple and hand-applied oil varnish, offering full, resonant tone with dark character on the lower strings and sweet clarity on the A string for advancing students.