20 Best Violas for Beginners – 2023 Guide

Choosing Your Viola as a Newbie

In case you are a lover of gorgeous classical instruments, then you’re obviously no stranger to the mellow, earthy, and sorrowful sound this lovely instrument produces. All of this, in fact, hinges on you buying a viola that’s top of the range and the very best violas for beginners. In case you fail in that, you can be left with a wonderful box capable of producing some unappealing sounds.

If you’re going to start something, then you definitely need to start it off right. Due to this fact, if you wish to get a viola, it is necessary that no matter which brand you choose is one with the highest quality. Your first viola should make you fall in love with the instrument and not leave you running away from it. For this simple reason, it is advisable to purchase the best beginner viola.

best violas for beginners

Best Viola Buying Guide

There are lots of considerations to think about before buying a viola. Whereas it might appear very convenient and reasonably priced to buy online, that is only recommended with the assistance of an expert teacher.

There are lots of instruments of lesser quality that can require continuous repairs or upgrades. It’s better money spent to pay a little bit extra for a higher better quality instrument that may produce a lovely sound.

Some instruments bought online should still be adjusted by a skilled luthier in a shop, so the “deal” that you thought you were getting is canceled out by additional setup charges.

What feels and sounds good to one individual is not going to necessarily be the same opinion as another player. Selecting the perfect viola is a really personal choice, especially for advanced students and professional musicians who play their instruments for a lot of hours every day.

Unlike woodwind and brass instruments where there are explicit trusted brand names to purchase, high-quality string instruments and bows are hand-crafted by many wonderful makers all over the world.

There are so many makers, that one of the best ways to narrow down the choice is to go to a local specialist violin store to find one of the best viola brands.

Try instruments and bows, as well as ask your instructor and trusted professionals for their professional violas suggestions.

Most shops allow a trial period where you’ll be able to take several instruments or bows home for a trial one or two-week period. (This trial period is often reserved for the advanced and serious player who can be spending larger finances, not for beginner violas.)

Relying on where you live within the U.S., there may be one main violin store or luthier in your city, or many to choose from in major cities.

Many luthiers will ship instruments to prospective consumers for a trial period. First, start with your local store to find the very best viola brands, and take a look at many instruments in various price ranges in addition to totally different bows.

Start with the instrument, then experiment with a bow that matches the instrument properly.

This can be a very specialized process, and the more advanced player can start to listen to the nuance in the sound.

A less skilled player may have guidance from the luthier, teacher, and other specialists to make a purchase decision to be able to find the perfect viola.

Beginner viola outfits usually include the instrument, case, and bow, fitted with cheaper viola strings in one bundled affordable price.

The more advanced the instrument, the more personalized everything becomes.

Advancing students and professionals to purchase an instrument, bow, and case individually based on finances and personal preference.

Usually, professionals have a really high-quality bow for most concert events and a budget one for outdoor performances or to have as a spare.

best violas for beginners

20 Best Violas for Beginners

A common misconception most individuals have is to confuse good quality with a high price when the truth isn’t always so clear-cut. To make your selection easier, we have conducted a review of some unbelievable viola that you would be able to take a look at. The costs vary so while you’ll not be seeing any price comparison, you’ll be able to rest assured that they’re all of the finest beginner viola brands.

1. D’Luca CA400VA-15.5 Inch Orchestral Series Handmade Viola Outfit

This handmade viola is more likely to be one of the finest options in case you are searching for a wonderful quality music tone. Apart from D’Luca viola is made in the customary style. Old solid spruce particularly flamed maple sides and back and inlaid purling allow the softer wood top to check its splitting.

What’s more? An ebony fingerboard gives a robust and durable alternative. This ensures the repetitive tapping pressure of your fingers on the fingerboard. Plus, professional workmanship guarantees matchless excellence and incomparable worth.

The orchestral music instrument boasts to have a lightweight case and a Brazil wooden Bow with actual horse hair. The inclusive package deal embraces two bow holders and an additional set of viola strings as well. Now, allow us to get to the chant or melody it produces.

D’Luca CA400VA-15 5 Inch

D’Luca viola creates a deeper, softer, mellower, and concordant sound quality than can craft a melodic impression on you. So, in case you can meet the expense of a sophisticated and great high-quality model, then the D’Luca viola marks all checkboxes to be a good instrument for you.

2. Mendini 12-Inch MA250 Natural Varnish Solid Wood Viola with Case, Bow, Rosin, Bridge, and Strings

This critical instrument hails from a reliable brand: Mendini. That is competent to offer just what you expect to get out of it. Together with a positive reputation, this viola is a hand-crafted piece that has a solid spruce top and maple back and sides.

What else do you get in the bundle? The whole bundle contains pegs that might be detained together to one side by friction and chin rest.

Mendini 12-Inch MA250 Natural Varnish

In addition to a lightweight hard case, you get a rosin and a bridge. Plus, the Brazil wooden bow with Mongolian horse hair and an alloy tailpiece together with 4 incorporated fine tuners adds to the quality. Furthermore, slack viola strings are stuck strongly to the maple fingerboard.

3. Cecilio CVA-400 14-Inch Solid Wood Flamed Viola

Right here is one more congenial viola review from a good and acclaimed brand -Cecilio. You possibly can trust this product for its admirable and gratifying artisanship. You’ll be able to discover its magnificence and beauty in the accordant melody and euphonic sound it produces.

Likewise, the brand guarantees to offer exceptionally high-quality products for years. The Cecilio viola delivers a beautiful glistening finish of inlaid purling with flamed sides. Along with the Brazil wooden bow with unbleached Mongolian horsehair, you get natural color rosewood pegs and a fingerboard.

Cecilio CVA-400

Now, coming to the limitation, the Cecilio viola doesn’t have ebony fingerboards. This makes it a feeble and weak alternative. Being not so robust, you might have to take it for maintenance and repairs more often.

All the same, the Cecilio viola serves be the best quality product if you’re a beginner. My absolute verdict on Cecilio viola is – Though, although it may not be an ideal deal in case you are a professional violist it’s a reliable student viola.

4. 15.5-inch Handmade D Z Strad Viola Model 400

The D Z Strad Viola is one of the high-quality musical instruments that are at all times going to be worth your cash. That is a kind of quality instrument – made by extremely talented top-of-the-line viola makers (luthiers) – that’s specially fitted for discerning string players.

The neck, back, and sides are all produced from maple while the top is solid carved Italian spruce. It’s then hand-rubbed with antique varnish. D Z Strad employs old-world traditional European practices in the construction of their violas, so you realize that every viola is of the highest quality.

The 15.5-inch Handmade D Z Strad Viola Model 400 additionally comes with a Bam case, a D Z Pernambuco Viola bow, shoulder rest, and rosin.

D Z Strad Viola Model 400

Whether or not you’re a beginner, a professional, or an advanced viola player, you might be bound to fall completely in love with this viola with its unique and warm characters, in addition to its great tone.

The D Z Strad Viola is one musical instrument that would leave you spellbound and play constantly. With sounds so lovely, you’ll not even wish to stop.

5. D Z Strad Viola Model 101

This 12-inch viola is another wonderful high-quality musical instrument. It’s particularly favored by Suzuki as well as other private teachers. The hand feels, consistency, playability, and warm and rich tones that this quality instrument produces will inspire even the hardest of students to study.

The D Z Strad Viola is considered one of the high-quality musical instruments that are at all times going to be worth your cash. That is one of those string instruments – made by extremely gifted top-of-the-line viola makers (luthiers) – that’s especially suited to discerning string players.

The neck, back, and sides are all produced from maple while the top is solid carved Italian spruce. It’s then hand-rubbed with antique varnish. D Z Strad employs old-world traditional European practices within the building of their violas, so you realize that each viola is of the very best quality.

D Z Strad Viola Model 101

The outfit additionally comes with a case so you can very simply your viola around, and a Brazilwood Viola Bow.

Whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or an advanced viola player, you’re sure to fall fully in love with this viola with its unique and warm characters, in addition to its great tone.

The D Z Strad Viola is one musical instrument that would leave you spellbound and play constantly. With sounds so stunning, you’ll not even need to stop.

6. Cecilio CVA-500

Identical to the Yamaha viola, this 16.5-inch Cecilio CVA-500 additionally comes with D’Addario Prelude strings. This stunning musical instrument is a solid hand-carved viola with a spruce top. The neck, back, and sides are constructed using flamed maple, and it’s inlaid fantastically with purfling. To top all of it off, the viola also has an antique satin finish making it an actual beauty amongst violas.

The pegs, chinrest fingerboard, and tailpiece are all produced from Ebony for that long-lasting effect. The tailpiece comes with 4 removable nickel-plated fine tuners.

The Cecilio CVA-500 viola package additionally contains a Cecilio chromatic tuner together with a metronome, a lightweight hard shell case with straps and pockets, so it’s simple for you to carry it to school or the orchestra.

Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola

The bow is from Brazilwood and authentic Mongolian horsehair. It additionally comes with a rosin cake and a bridge. One thing that makes this viola such an awesome buy is the 1- yr warranty against any manufacturer’s defects that it comes with.

So, when you’re searching for a viola for a beginner, or perhaps you’re searching for something that may replace an old viola, then the Cecilio CVA-500 is a good option to check out.

7. Mendini 16-Inch MA-Purple Solid Wood Viola with Case, Bow, Rosin, Bridge, and Strings

The next viola review is yet again from the brand – Mendini. The brand guarantees the assurance of a valuable and sturdy instrument. Mendini is among the most famous and prevalent viola varieties in the marketplace.

That is for the simple reason that it provides an array of wonderful and abiding instruments. The set comes intact with a maple fingerboard, pegs, an alloy tailpiece with 4 integrated fine tuners, and a Brazil wooden bow.

These fittings are enough to offer the viola a ravishing impression. The hand-constructed features make it cool for beginners to adjust to holding and playing the instrument better.

Mendini 16-Inch MA-Purple Solid Wood Viola

The designers of this product have provided a stunning purple color to the viola. While the quality of tone you get won’t be as heartfelt as you might need. But within the primary phases of studying, this will not be observed.

This viola is good for families which are in a reasonable price range, and for many who could be put off cheering children to pick up an instrument.

8. Louis Carpini Viola Outfit

The Louis Carpini Viola Outfit is among the highest-rated viola/violin products on Amazon. It’s offered and assembled (so when you open the case, it is ready to play) by Kennedy’s Violins, professional luthiers in the state of Washington.

The outfit includes a fantastically, solid-carved viola with figured spruce for the construction of the top and maple tonewood for the development of the sides, neck, and back.

The pegs, fittings, and fingerboards are 100% ebony, so you’re sure of two things; their durability, and the wonderful quality sounds. The outfit additionally includes a hand-carved French Aubert bridge and to tie all of it together, the viola is hand-rubbed with an oil-based finish and not lacquer.

The Louis Carpini Viola measures 15 inches and has D’Addario Helicore strings pre-installed, in addition to a high-grade Brazilwood bow. The bow is produced from Mongolian horsehair and includes a metal-mounted ebony frog and authentic mother-of-pearl accents.

Louis Carpini Viola Outfit 15-inch Size

It additionally contains 4 built-in fine tuners, an additional set of backup higher-quality strings, and a Kaplan Artcraft Rosin.

As if that is not enough, the product additionally has a one-year warranty on all of the accompanying equipment, a full suspension, and a professional wooden shell case. The shell case comes with music pockets, padded straps, YKK zippers, ample storage, and locking latch with keys, and 4 bow holders.

9. Cecilio 16 Inch CVA-600

The Cecilio 16-inch CVA-600 is hand-carved with highly flamed maple for the back and sides, using wood that is over seven years, and solid-grained spruce for the top. It additionally has a wonderful inlaid furling and is then hand-rubbed with an oil finish to bring the design together.

The pegs, chinrest fingerboard, and tailpiece are all produced from Ebony for that long-lasting effect. The tailpiece comes with 4 clip-on nickel-plated fine tuners.

The 16-inch Cecilio CVA-600 viola bundle additionally features a Cecilio chromatic tuner together with a metronome, a light-weight form-fitting hard shell case with straps and pockets, so it’s simple for your little one to carry to school or the orchestra.

Cecilio 16 Inch Viola Finished with Hand Oil

The bow is from Brazilwood and authentic Mongolian horsehair. It additionally comes with a rosin cake and a bridge. One thing that makes this viola such an excellent purchase is the 1- year warranty against any manufacturer’s defects that it comes with.

So when you’re searching for a viola for a beginner or maybe you’re searching for something that may replace an old viola, then the Cecilio CVA-600 is the instrument you might be thinking about trying out.

10. Mendini 16-Inch MA-Black Solid Wood Viola with Case, Bow, Rosin, Bridge, and Strings

I’m precluding the viola review from the same beloved company that creates excellent violas. We can not rule out this brand from the listing of wonderful instruments at a rate that won’t break your bank at all.

Awfully reasonable, this viola makes an incredible beginner instrument. The fingerboard is made up of maple wood. The Brazilian wood bow with real Mongolian horse hair and a lightweight hard case resembles the finest craftsmanship. In addition to being handsomely crafted, you achieve a stunning, mellow, and unfailing tone.

Mendini 16-Inch MA-Black Solid Wood

You’ll admire that the instrument is supplied with a firm spruce top and maple back and sides. So, you possibly can rest and reassure that your viola could be set up for melodic tune and playability. Above and beyond, there aren’t any queries as to why.

11. Palatino VA-350 Campus Viola Outfit

The 16-inch Palatino VA-350 Campus Viola Outfit is extremely suited for a student practice viola. While it can’t be compared to some of the higher-end violas (just like the Yamaha viola outfit, the D Z Strads, or the Cremona viola outfit), it produces some very rich and warm sounds. It sounds nothing like the traditional violas or what you’ll suppose a “low-cost” Viola would sound like.

This lovely hand-carved viola is made with spruce (for the top) and maple (for the Neck, back, and sides). The fittings are all produced from ebony, so it plays better and last longer. The Palatino VA-350 Campus Viola Outfit additionally includes a Mongolian horsehair bow.

All of this implies you or your little one could be carrying quite a bit of load around. Fortunately, the outfit comes with a featherweight suspension case, so it’s easy to maneuver both the viola and the bow around without having to feel like you’re taking multiple items.

Palatino VA-350 Campus Viola

In case you’re searching for a reasonably priced viola capable of producing nice sounds, then the Palatino VA-350 Campus Viola Outfit, the student’s favorite, could be what you’ve been searching for.

12. The 13-inch Merano Viola

The beauty of this particular viola brand is the student outfit it comes with all things if you have been to buy one. The specifics of the student gear include a music stand, an additional set of strings (which is always appreciated), an additional bridge, the mute, a shoulder rest, a Metro Tuner, and a Rosin.

The body of the Merano 13-inch viola is made with spruce for the top, while the sides, the back, and the neck are produced from maple. The pegs, fingerboards, and chin rest are all produced from hardwood, while the tailpiece is constructed from alloy and includes 4 built-in tuners.

13-inch Merano viola

The bow is made using genuine horsehair, the frog from rosewood, and the stick from wood. It additionally comes with a lightweight case and a shoulder strap, so your child won’t have any problem carrying it around.

If you’re searching for a viola that your child can begin with that’s both durable and of top quality physically as well as in its performance, then you can do it, it’s no incorrect decision with the Merano 13-inch viola.

13. 16-inch Cremona SVA-150 Premier Student Viola Outfit

The 16-inch Cremona SVA-150 Premier Student Viola Outfit is made using only chosen tonewoods – such as spruce, ebony, and hand-carved marble – to make sure that it produces only the best sound quality.

As a result of this, the Cremona SVA-150 is a widely known student viola outfit, the strings are US-made Prelude strings, that are wonderful for beginners. However, you’ll be able to all the time switch to higher-quality strings for better sounds. Altering the strings could make a whole lot of difference in the quality of sounds produced.

The Cremona SVA-150 uses traditionally shaped hardwood fittings of ebony and boxwood to complete its construction while additionally making certain proper intonation. This additionally will increase the convenience of playability. The fingerboards are made using rosewood and ebony for durability and smoother play.

Cremona SVA-150 Premier Student Viola

The Cremona SVA-150 viola outfit has an upgraded A. Breton VP-61 alloy tailpiece that comes with 4 built-in tuners to make tuning simpler. It additionally includes a Kaufman-style chinrest, J. LaSalle octagonal Brazilwood bow made with ebony frog and Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and of course, an ultra-light oblong case.

In case you are in the market for a high-quality beginner model viola, then you definitely can not do a mistake with the Cremona SVA-150. The resale value is relatively good, and with the wonderful artisanship that you have come to expect from European master luthiers, you already know you are going home with a solidly crafted instrument.

14. 15-inch Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit

In case you’re searching for a musical instrument that you need to use to kick-start your child’s musical career, or more ambitious, instill in them a love for the gorgeous art of music, then the Cremona SVA-175 is fitted to the job.

The 15-inch Cremona SVA-175 Premier Student Viola Outfit is constructed using only carefully chosen tonewoods – such as spruce, ebony, and hand-carved marble – to make sure that it produces only the best sound quality.

Because the Cremona SVA-175 is a widely known viola outfit that comes with US-made Prelude strings, which while wonderful for newbies, is not going to provide the best sounds possible. However, you’ll be able to always change to greater high-quality strings for better sounds. Changing the strings could make a whole lot of difference in the quality of sounds delivered.

cremona sva 175 premier studnt viola

The Cremona SVA-175 uses traditionally shaped hardwood fittings of ebony and boxwood to complete its construction while additionally guaranteeing proper intonation. This additionally will increase the ease of playability. The fingerboards are made using rosewood and ebony for durability and smoother play.

The Cremona SVA-175 viola outfit has an upgraded A. Breton VP-61 alloy tailpiece that comes with four integrated fine tuners to make tuning simpler. It additionally includes a Kaufman-style chinrest, J. LaSalle octagonal Brazilwood bow made with ebony frog and Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and of course, an ultra-light oblong case.

15. 16 Inch Merano MA2OO

If you’re on the lookout for a lovely piece of musical instrument, then look no further than the Merano M200.

The wonderful thing about this specific viola brand is the student outfit it comes with in case you have been to buy one. The specifics of the student gear include a music stand, an additional set of strings (which is always appreciated), an extra bridge, the mute, a shoulder rest, a Metro Tuner, and a Rosin.

The body of the Merano 16-inch viola is made with spruce for the top, while the back, sides, and neck are produced from maple. The pegs, fingerboards, and chin rest are all produced from hardwood, while the tailpiece is constructed from alloy and includes built-in four fine tuners.

Merano MA200 16 Solid Viola

The bow is made using genuine horsehair, the frog from rosewood, and the stick from wood. It additionally comes with a lightweight case and a shoulder strap, so your child is not going to have any downside carrying it around.

When you’re searching for a viola that your child can start with that’s both durable and of high quality physically in addition to its performance, then you can do no incorrect with the Merano 16-inch viola.

16. Yamaha Model AVA5-140S ‘Braviol’ Student Viola

For those who are familiar with musical instruments, the Yamaha name needs to be quite known to them. While most individuals may know them for their pianos – both electric and grand, they’re additionally makers of other very fine musical instruments such as the AVA5-140S ‘Braviol’ Student Viola.

The AVA5-140S ‘Braviol’ Student Viola is produced from spruce and maple, that’s, spruce for the top, and maple on the back. Both the tuning pegs and the chin rest are produced from rosewood while the fingerboards are produced from ebony, which lasts longer than those produced from hardwood do. The tailpiece is constructed from Wittner, and the viola additionally comes with 4 high-quality tuners.

Yamaha Model AVA5 140s

This product additionally includes a case, rosin, a Brazilian bow, and D’Addario Prelude strings. After all, if you need a unique sound, you are always free to change the strings.

The Yamaha Model AVA5-140S ‘Braviol’ Scholar Viola has been handmade in China using only the best items and is designed primarily for the kid learner.

Searching for a viola that you can use to teach your little one the great thing about playing, then the Yamaha Model AVA5-140S ‘Braviol’ Student Viola is a wonderful pick to go with.

17. Primavera Prima Loreato Intermediate Viola

The best intermediate viola Primavera Prima Loreato Viola is a wonderful selection of viola for advanced players. If you’re currently progressing through the ABRSM grades, then this villa is for you.

The Primavera Prima Loreato Viola is produced from maple and spruce, that is, maple for the back, sides, and neck, and spruce inlaid with purfling for the top.

Because Primavera needs to ensure that the fingerboard lasts for as long as possible, it’s made with Ebony. The top nut can be produced from ebony. The Swiss model pegs are additionally produced from ebony while the chinrest is produced from Teka. The tailpiece is constructed using a metal alloy, and with the shaded satin varnish, it’s altogether a wonderful instrument.

Primavera Prima Loreato Intermediate Viola

The viola package additionally includes a (student-proof) composite bow, a Styrofoam oblong case complete with full-length music pockets, backpack straps, extra safety features, and a half-mounted ebony frog.

The 16-inch Primavera Prima Loreato Intermediate Viola is capable of fulfilling all you need in a viola. It’s stunning, comes with a vase so it’s simple to carry, and makes lovely music that every music lover can really appreciate this one is among all the best intermediate violas out there.

18. 15.5-inch Yamaha Model AVA5 Viola Outfit

Like all Yamaha products, the Yamaha AVA5 Viola Outfit has been designed specially to deliver you the best quality musical instrument. This aesthetically pleasing musical instrument doesn’t only look good, but, it also plays like a dream.

The tailpiece is constructed from Wittner, and the viola additionally comes with 4 high-quality tuners.​

15 5 inch Yamaha Model AVA5 Violaa

The 15.5 AVA5 Yamaha Model Student Viola is produced from spruce and maple, that is, spruce for the top, and maple on the back. Both the tuning pegs and the chin rest are produced from rosewood while the fingerboards are produced from ebony, which lasts longer than those constructed from hardwood do.

19. Z ZTDM 16-Inch Acoustic Viola

This 16-inch acoustic viola is a good gift for the music lover with its vintage satin finish. The viola is made using high-grade natural wooden so that little deformations and cracking could be prevented and you can use the product to the maximum capacity.

The back, neck, and sides are produced from basswood while the top is constructed from maple. Both the chinrest and the tuning pegs are constructed from natural wood while the fingerboard is produced from aluminum alloy.

Z ZTDM 16-Inch Acoustic Viola

The Z ZTDM 16-inch acoustic viola additionally comes with a bow produced from the Arbor and 4 built-in high-quality tuners as well as a viola case to make transporting it easy. It additionally comes with rosin.

This viola outfit is a wonderful selection for beginners who want to study the basics of playing the viola, and all that’s involved within the care, and upkeep as well as the A, B, and Cs of Viola Play.

20. Grace 13-Inch Gold Viola

The very first thing that’s going to capture your consideration and undoubtedly draw you toward this outfit is the Gold color of the viola. In any case, it’s not every day that you’ll come across a gold-colored viola. So when you love a little color in your life, then here’s a viola that simply screams your name.

Like most violins, the top of this viola is produced from spruce, while the back, sides, and neck are produced from maple. The fingerboard, chinrest, and pegs are constructed from hardwood while the tailpiece is constructed from alloy and includes 4 built-in tuners.

Grace 13-Inch Gold Viola

The 13 Inch Grace Viola additionally includes in its outfit rosin, a lightweight case with a shoulder strap, a rosewood frog, an authentic horsehair bow, and a wooden stick.

This is a wonderful product selection for kids and newbies alike. Learn to play one of the fascinating musical instruments out there and stand out from the group with this unique gold-colored viola.

Conclusion

In the end, shopping for a viola could be very subjective. You have to be the one to determine if you’re pleased with the sound and feel of your stringed instrument.

Does the viola resonate beautifully under your ear? Are all 4 strings ringing evenly? Is the size of your viola comfy in relation to the length of your arms and neck?

Take into consideration these things carefully before shopping for them, and you’ll make sure to find the best viola for your needs.

Let me know in the comments in case you’ve tried any of those viola brands already, or if there are some others that you already know of that aren’t on the list.

Bill Hood

Bill Hood

My name is Bill, and I am a musician and music enthusiast who has a deep love and passion for anything and everything stringed that moves my soul. It is an honor to be a part of the team at our website dedicated to stringed instruments, and I look forward to sharing my passion and knowledge with our readers as well.

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