< The Latest 2025-09-02T12:06:21+0000
The Pasadena Star-News | Sun 08/31 08:20pm PST | Bestreviews
If you’re looking for a string instrument that has a brighter sound than a cello but is more resonant than a violin, look no further than the viola. This overlooked instrument produces rich, clear tones that fill out the middle section of an orchestra.
Because the viola is somewhat uncommon, it can be difficult to find accurate product information. For a high-quality viola that stands out from the crowd, theD’Luca Orchestral Series Handmade Viola is a top pick.
The viola is made of several different parts. If you’re new to this instrument, here are the main things to look for in this instrument.
When selecting a viola, the most important step is finding the right size for you. If you’re purchasing an instrument for a growing child, be careful not to choose a larger viola, thinking they will grow into it. Instead, grab a tape measure to figure out your size.
First, have the musician fully extend their arm with the palm facing up. Then, measure the distance from the end of the shoulder to the middle of the palm. Note the distance in inches.
Following this measurement method, an arm that’s 18-20 inches will fit a 12-inch viola. An arm that’s 20-22 inches would use a 13-inch viola, and so on. Keep in mind that most violas are 16-inch instruments. Ideally, each musician would have an arm measurement of around 27-28 inches.
However, this method is more of a guideline and not as much of a firm rule. Some musicians don’t mind an instrument that’s slightly too large or too small.
Once you have the viola in the proper playing position, make sure the fingers of your left hand wrap around the scroll of the instrument comfortably. This will indicate that you’ve found the proper size.
Most violas are crafted from woods like spruce or maple because they’re naturally strong, dense and lightweight. High-quality wood will produce a rich and warm sound, while cheaper materials may produce a bright tone similar to a violin.
As with any other musical instrument, verify the brand before making an online purchase. A lesser-known manufacturer might sell a cheaper viola, but you could pay the price in other ways when you find yourself with a low-quality instrument. Look for respected stringed instrument brands like Yamaha or D’Luca.
Some instruments come with accessories like protective cases, music stands and extra strings. You can also find these instruments bundled with rosin, a type of resin that lubricates the bow and provides the friction necessary for sound.
If you want the option to practice your viola day or night without bothering the neighbors, consider an acoustic-electric viola. Also sold as silent violas, these instruments have a built-in preamp and a headphone jack for quiet playing. You can also plug these violas into an amplifier during live performances.
The cost of a viola varies dramatically depending on the quality of the materials and the brand. You can expect to spend around $200-$800 for a solid instrument, while handcrafted violas can regularly exceed $1,000.
A. Violin bows are typically much lighter than viola bows, but you can use them in a pinch. They also are helpful during long practice sessions so that you don’t fatigue as quickly. That said, use a viola bow whenever possible.
A. Most experienced musicians recommend applying rosin every four to six hours of playing, which is usually about twice a week.
D’Luca Orchestral Series Handmade Viola
What you need to know: This handmade instrument has a beautiful maple body and comes with a free case.
What you’ll love: Handcrafted from maple, spruce and ebony, this high-quality viola is suitable for orchestras and live performances. The instrument also comes with a padded case, an adjustable shoulder rest and a free tuner.
What you should consider: The viola is expensive, and some users found a few parts arrived damaged.
Cecilio CVA-500 16-Inch Solidwood Ebony Viola
What you need to know: This ebony 16-inch viola is affordable and comes with loads of accessories.
What you’ll love: A great pick for a beginner viola player, this budget-friendly instrument comes with a free chromatic tuner, a protective case, a high-quality bow and a rosin cake. The manufacturer also offers a one-year warranty for defects.
What you should consider: Some users had to replace the bow after only a few months of use.
Sky SKYVA302 High-Quality 16-Inch Acoustic Viola
What you need to know: This is a versatile instrument for any skill level, and it produces a rich balanced tone at a relatively affordable price point.
What you’ll love: It comes set up and ready to play straight out of the box. The manufacturer also offers a year warranty for defective products, and the purchase comes with a free bow, rosin cake and a carrying case with straps.
What you should consider: This instrument doesn’t include a shoulder rest. Also, some users had issues with customer service.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.