Looking for the best viola? Read our comprehensive reviews to find the perfect one for you. We’ve analyzed and compared top-rated models to help you make an informed decision. Discover the finest violas on the market and enhance your musical journey today.
Looking for the best viola reviews to make an informed decision about your next instrument purchase? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide provides a detailed analysis of the top-rated violas available in the market. With our expert recommendations and unbiased assessments, you can find the perfect viola that suits your playing style and budget. Whether you’re a professional musician or a beginner, our best viola reviews cover a wide range of options, including different sizes, materials, and price points. We understand that choosing the right viola can be overwhelming, but our user-friendly guide simplifies the process by highlighting the key features and benefits of each instrument. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – let our best viola reviews help you find your perfect musical companion today!
| # | Product | Quality | Sound | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha YEV105 Electric Viola | High | Excellent | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Stentor 1550 Student Viola Outfit | Medium | Good | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola | Medium | Good | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | D’Luca Orchestral Series Viola | Medium | Good | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola | Low | Fair | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Viola Outfit | Low | Fair | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Hofner H5/16-V Viola | Medium | Fair-Good | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Eastman Strings VA305 Viola | High | Good-Excellent | 7/10 |
| 9 | Knilling Perfection II Violin Outfit | Medium | Fair-Good | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit | Low-Medium | Fair-Good | 6/10 |
Contents
- Yamaha YEV105 Electric Viola
- Stentor 1550 Student Viola Outfit
- Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola
- D’Luca Orchestral Series Viola
- Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Viola Outfit
- Hofner H5/16-V Viola
- Eastman Strings VA305 Viola
- Knilling Perfection II Violin Outfit
- Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit
- What should I consider when looking for the best viola?
- Which viola brands are known for their quality?
- Are expensive violas always better than affordable ones?
Yamaha YEV105 Electric Viola
- Size: 16.5 inches
- Body Material: Maple
- Strings: D’Addario Zyex
- Pickup System: Piezo pickup
- Weight: 1.1 kg
The Yamaha YEV105 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 sound. The D’Addario Zyex strings offer excellent projection and tonal clarity.
This electric viola features a piezo pickup system, allowing you to amplify your sound easily. It is lightweight, making it comfortable to play for extended periods. Whether you’re performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Yamaha YEV105 Electric Viola delivers exceptional sound quality and versatility.Experience the freedom of playing an electric viola with the Yamaha YEV105. Its innovative design and high-quality materials make it a top choice for professional musicians.
Stentor 1550 Student Viola Outfit
- Size: 15 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Solid maple
- Bow: Brazilwood with ebony frog
- Case: Lightweight foam case included
The Stentor 1550 Student Viola Outfit is an excellent choice for beginner and student violists. It features a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, providing a warm and balanced tone. The included Brazilwood bow with an ebony frog offers good control and responsiveness.
This viola outfit comes with a lightweight foam case, making it easy to transport and protect your instrument. The Stentor 1550 is known for its durability and playability, making it a popular choice among music educators and students.Experience the joy of playing the viola with the Stentor 1550. Its quality craftsmanship and affordable price make it an ideal instrument for beginners.
Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Flamed maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Tailpiece: Ebony with four fine tuners
The Cecilio CVA-500 Ebony Fitted Viola is a professional-grade instrument suitable for intermediate to advanced players. It features a solid spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, providing a rich and resonant sound. The ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and precise intonation.
This viola is equipped with an ebony tailpiece that includes four fine tuners, allowing for easy and accurate tuning adjustments. The Cecilio CVA-500 is handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring excellent craftsmanship and tonal quality.Elevate your playing with the Cecilio CVA-500. Its premium materials and superior craftsmanship make it a top choice for serious violists.
D’Luca Orchestral Series Viola
- Size: 15.5 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Bow: Brazilwood with horsehair
- Case: Lightweight hard case included
The D’Luca Orchestral Series Viola is a well-crafted instrument suitable for intermediate players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone. The included Brazilwood bow with horsehair offers good control and response.
This viola comes with a lightweight hard case, providing excellent protection during transportation. The D’Luca Orchestral Series Viola is known for its reliability and affordability, making it a popular choice among students and advancing musicians.Discover the beauty of the D’Luca Orchestral Series Viola. Its quality construction and affordable price make it an excellent option for aspiring violists.
Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Tailpiece: Alloy with four fine tuners
- Accessories: Cecilio chromatic tuner, lightweight hard case, Brazilwood bow
The Mendini MV400 Ebony Fitted Viola is a great choice for beginner and intermediate players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and vibrant sound. The ebony fittings add to its overall durability and aesthetic appeal.
This viola outfit includes essential accessories such as a Cecilio chromatic tuner, lightweight hard case, and a Brazilwood bow. The Mendini MV400 offers excellent value for its price, making it a popular option for students and budget-conscious musicians.Embark on your musical journey with the Mendini MV400. Its quality craftsmanship and comprehensive outfit provide everything you need to start playing the viola.
Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Viola Outfit
- Size: 15 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Bow: Brazilwood with horsehair
- Case: Lightweight foam case included
The Cremona SV-130 Premier Novice Viola Outfit is designed for beginners and young players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone. The Brazilwood bow with horsehair offers good playability and response.
This viola outfit includes a lightweight foam case, providing protection and ease of transportation. The Cremona SV-130 is known for its affordability and quality craftsmanship, making it a popular choice among music educators and students.Begin your musical journey with the Cremona SV-130. Its reliable performance and affordable price make it an excellent option for novice violists.
Hofner H5/16-V Viola
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Tailpiece: Alloy with four fine tuners
The Hofner H5/16-V Viola is a high-quality instrument suitable for intermediate to advanced players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, providing a rich and resonant sound. The ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and precise intonation.
This viola is equipped with an alloy tailpiece that includes four fine tuners, allowing for easy and accurate tuning adjustments. The Hofner H5/16-V is handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring excellent craftsmanship and tonal quality.Experience the superior sound and craftsmanship of the Hofner H5/16-V. Its exceptional playability makes it a top choice for discerning violists.
Eastman Strings VA305 Viola
- Size: 15.5 inches
- Top Material: Spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Tailpiece: Composite with four fine tuners
The Eastman Strings VA305 Viola is a professional-grade instrument known for its exceptional craftsmanship and tonal quality. It features a spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a rich and resonant sound. The ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and precise intonation.
This viola is equipped with a composite tailpiece that includes four fine tuners, allowing for easy and accurate tuning adjustments. The Eastman Strings VA305 is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring excellent playability and durability.Unleash your musical potential with the Eastman Strings VA305. Its superior craftsmanship and tonal richness make it a top choice for professional violists.
Knilling Perfection II Violin Outfit
- Size: 15 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Bow: Brazilwood with horsehair
- Case: Lightweight hard case included
The Knilling Perfection II Violin Outfit is a versatile instrument suitable for both viola and violin players. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, producing a warm and resonant tone. The included Brazilwood bow with horsehair offers good control and response.
This outfit includes a lightweight hard case, providing excellent protection during transportation. The Knilling Perfection II is known for its quality craftsmanship and affordability, making it a popular choice among students and advancing musicians.Experience the versatility of the Knilling Perfection II. Its exceptional playability and affordable price make it an excellent option for both viola and violin players.
Franz Hoffmann Amadeus Viola Outfit
- Size: 16 inches
- Top Material: Solid spruce
- Back & Sides Material: Maple
- Bow: Brazilwood with horsehair
- Case: Lightweight foam case included
The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus 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 resonant tone. The Brazilwood bow with horsehair offers good playability and response.
This viola outfit includes a lightweight foam case, providing protection and ease of transportation. The Franz Hoffmann Amadeus is known for its reliability and affordability, making it a popular choice among music educators and students.Begin your musical journey with the Franz Hoffmann Amadeus. Its quality construction and comprehensive outfit provide everything you need to start playing the viola.
What should I consider when looking for the best viola?
When searching for the best viola, there are several factors to consider. First, consider your skill level and playing experience. Beginner violists may benefit from a student or beginner-level viola, while advanced players may require a professional or intermediate-level instrument. Additionally, consider the size of the viola, as it should be appropriate for your body size and comfort. The materials used in the construction of the viola, such as the wood and varnish, can also impact its sound quality and resonance. Finally, it’s essential to try out different violas and listen to their sound before making a decision.
Which viola brands are known for their quality?
Several viola brands are renowned for their quality craftsmanship and sound. Some of these reputable brands include Yamaha, Stradivarius, Amati, Stentor, and Eastman. These brands have a long history of producing exceptional violas that are favored by both professional musicians and students alike. It’s always recommended to research and read reviews about different brands to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Are expensive violas always better than affordable ones?
The price of a viola does not always determine its quality or suitability for a player. While expensive violas often offer superior craftsmanship and materials, there are many affordable options that provide excellent sound and playability. It’s crucial to find a balance between your budget and the quality you seek. Ultimately, the best viola for you is one that feels comfortable to play, produces a pleasing tone, and meets your specific musical requirements.
Top Viola Brands for All Levels
When it comes to finding the best viola, there are several top brands that cater to players of all levels. From beginner to professional, brands like Yamaha, Stentor, and Eastman offer high-quality instruments with excellent sound projection and playability. These brands are known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of premium materials.
Choosing the Right Size Viola
Choosing the right size viola is crucial for comfortable playing. It’s important to measure the player’s arm length from the neck to the middle of the palm. Common viola sizes range from 15 inches (smaller size) to 16.5 inches (larger size). It’s recommended to consult with a professional or a music teacher to ensure the correct size is chosen.
Tips for Evaluating Viola Sound Quality
When evaluating viola sound quality, it’s essential to consider factors such as tone, resonance, and projection. A good viola should produce a warm and rich tone across all registers. It should also have good resonance, allowing the sound to carry well in different performance settings. Testing out different violas and seeking advice from experienced players can help in finding the best sound quality.
