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Last updated: 28 Apr 2021
Cheap Viola for Orchestra Students
The viola is a classic instrument that has been used for centuries. It’s a great instrument to learn and play because of its versatility and ease of use. There are a few violas to consider using to improve your playing and improve the quality of your music. Here are some of the best viola in 2021 that you should consider purchasing.
Best Viola
1
Mendini Varnish Solid Wood Viola
– Best Overall
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Key Features
This viola features a solid spruce top with maple back & sides, maple fingerboard, pegs, chin rest, and an alloy tailpiece. It comes with a lightweight hard case that’s perfect for storing and transporting it. The bow is unbleached mongolian horsehair that will pull the strings perfectly.
THE SCOOP
From leading viola maker Mendini comes a viola that offers a classic design and a modern look with beautiful tone.
2
Cecilio Solidwood Viola
– Runner-Up
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Key Features
The solid hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back & sides, inlaid purfling and finish, maple fingerboard, boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with four detachable nickel plated fine tuners are all of high-quality that will last hours of practice time.
THE SCOOP
This option is a solid wood viola that is perfect for beginners. It’s also ideal for adults who want something simple but with a great sound.
3
Paititi 4-String Viola
– Honorable Mention
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Key Features
This viola is made of solid maple wood and is set up and ready to play. There are four high-quality built in fine tuners. The bow has a groegeous double pearl eye and genuine unbleached mongolian horsehair. It’s lightweight triangular case has rain proof canvas exterior and shoulder straps with sheet music pocket and accessory compartment. The case has two bow holders and a matching blanket.
THE SCOOP
This gorgeous Paititan viola has a stylish walnut finish and is crafted with top-quality materials. It has a big, rich resonant sound that will please all types of musicians.
4
D Z Strad Viola
– Also Consider
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Key Features
This viola is made from a two-piece maple back and solid carved spruce top. It has a wittner-style tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners. The case, rosin, shoulder rest and brazilwood viola bow are a favorite among Suzuki and other private teachers.
THE SCOOP
This 15-inch violin by D Z is made from quality wood and features a rosewood fingerboard–which is a very durable material. It comes with a matching bow and case.
Best Viola for Orchestra Students Set Buying Guide
A viola is a versatile instrument that is loved by everyone, from beginners to advanced players. It is similar to a violin, but larger in size and richer in tone and lower in octave. If you've been curious about this unique instrument, we've listed some of the best violas available below. For a more in-depth look at violins in general, including which ones are the most versatile and what you should look for when buying one, keep reading.
Tips
The viola is a similar but larger instrument than the violin. It requires a bit more work to play, but follows the same principles as the violin. To improve the sound of your viola, you'll need to make some adjustments to a couple of things. The following are the most common:
Tweak the bow
Make sure you have the proper tightness and are holding it correctly. Also make note of where you are playing the bow on the strings: certain areas will produce better sound and tone than others. The area right in the middle of the bridge and the edge of the fingerboard is ideal.
Tune your strings
Any instrument's strings can be finnicky when it comes to staying in place and in tune due to humidity and weather changes, as well as use. Make sure your stings are in tune by adjusting the pegs, or fine tuners. Use a tuner to help, or play chords with neighboring strings to tune by ear.
Stretch your fingers
There can be quite a bit of space between notes on the fingerboard, so be sure to stretch that extra bit to make sure the notes you play are in tune.
Considerations
Since you've already narrowed down your choice to a viola, you'll want to consider a couple of things. Consider how much the instrument will be played, and by whom. An experienced musician will likely want a more quality instrument that has good tone, while a beginner won't be able to tell the difference between a cheap and expensive one. Young beginners are also more likely to need to get larger sizes of violas as they grow and keep playing, so you won't want to be paying for an instrument that won't be able to be used. Of course you'll want to consider the price, but luckily our buying guide is made to help you find the best viola within your price range.
Price Range
Inexpensive
The most inexpensive violas may cost as little as $50 to $100. They are comfortable and probably won’t excite many students, but they won't disappoint beginners. Their tone isn't fantastic, but a beginner won't notice.
Mid-range
A viola that costs between $300 and $1200 is likely to excitate the ear of an advanced student. These violas are likely suited to beginners and experienced players alike and are a good choice for a mid-range budget. The tone of these violas is a great step-up from inexpensive violas.
Expensive
Expensive viola prices can run from $3,000 to over $6,500. This is a long-term investment that will likely make your playing more enjoyable. In most instances, the more you spend, like $3,800 to more than $7,900, you are getting something with better craftsmanship and more full, unique tone and sound.
How Do We Chose Our Selection Of Violas?
With so many violas available on the market, it was tough to narrow down our selection from hundreds. To ensure that you find the perfect viola for you, we used these crucial factors to ensure a wide range of options.
Brand
Violas are designed by different manufacturers so it is only natural that the quality varies. Choosing from the best brands means you are getting a product that is built to last and has been crafted with high-quality components. We have included violins from brands who have been around for decades and have designed some of the most iconic violas, well as newer brands that have come onto the scene.
Price
It is no secret that viol as are among the priciest instruments in the orchestra, an excellent quality viola will demand a higher price tag. In order to determine how much a viola can cost, our guide we made will help you make an informed decision.
Quality
It's always best to choose a quality instrument. That way, you have a solid foundation to build upon so that your viola can be a valuable asset to you and your band. The higher the quality, the better the sound and tone.The best violas come from manufacturers that are known for their dedication to producing a high-quality product.
Reviews
We go out and check out reviews from users who ve already purchased the instrument to get an idea of how good a certain instrument is. This way you know what you're getting into before you buy, and you don't wind up with a subpar instrument that won't be worth the money.
What are Features To Look For In Violas?
The whole idea behind choosing the right viol is to find a suitable instrument for your group, then it‖s important to consider the essential features to look for in your choice. Some of these features include the wood, the finish, its size, to make sure that it suits you and your musical style. Below are some vital things to think about before picking out the ideal viola.
Wood
Finding a wood that looks good will make you like it even more, even if you like its sound. Not all wood sounds the same, so your final choice should be based on what type of playing you would like to achieve. It may also be worthwhile to invest in a hybrid wood which combines different types of wood. For instance, a basswood viola might sound warm and mellow while a spruce viola may sound darker and richer.
Finish
The finish is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, if you like it shiny, that's great, but if it makes you cringe, don't buy it. So, before buying, check the finishes that make up the violin and think of your preferred finish.
Size
Size is one of the most crucial factors. The correct size will allow you to play more effeciently and more in-tune. Check online or ask an expert for the best size for you to make sure you get the most out of your viola.
About
The Viola is one of the most popular orchestra available today. It is a nice option that has a sound range between the cello and violin-- not too high and not too low. Violas have strings C, G, D, and A and use the Alto clef, which makes them unique and sets them apart from other instruments that may use the trebel or bass clefs. The design of a viola has been around for more than 3,000 years. Over time, it has become a versatile musical instrument with a wide repertoire. A viola can be a solo instrument or it can serve as a supporting member of an orchestra.
Viola FAQ
Q: What is the best viola for beginners?
A: If you’re not sure what you want to do with your viola, spending hundreds of dollars on a costly instrument just for fun is not the answer. An inexpensive beginner viola is a great way to get into learning the instrument without breaking the bank. As with any instrument, there are a number of different options available to you, so take your time and decide what is best for you.
Q: How do I know if my viola plays great?
A: If your violin sounds and feels like it has been cared for and tuned perfectly, then you have everything you need. If the strings are not in good condition, or if the body is chipping or cracking, this means that there is something wrong with the viola. The best way for an expert player to determine if their violin has the quality needed for performance is to go out and play. You can listen to recordings of your own viola to hear the sound from another point of view. Of course, if you have an inexpensive viola, it likely won't have as nice of a tone as more expensive models. If the tone really bothers you, consider looking for an upgrade.
