Reviewing the Best Viola Strings for Beginners

There’s something about violas that just draws us all to them. From the soft, dreamy sound to the sheer variety of styles available, violas are an extremely versatile instrument, and one you definitely don‘t want to get outbid for. If you're after the best viola strings for your jazz or pop ensemble, you can count on us. We've done the research and identified our top viola strings, along with information and tips on which strings we personally find most attractive.

What are some tips for finding the right viola strings?

While the materials of violas are far more durable than those of other stringed instruments, they still may have some durability concerns. You should pay attention to the details of your viola. A viola should have a hollow, bead-like center piece, as this will allow the strings to vibrate more freely without affecting the sound. The strings should be crafted in a way that they fits snugly within the instrument and are not out of the way. Violas that have more than one fret will require more movement in the tuning pegs for a comfortable playing position. There are three types of strings used in violas. Solid-core, semi-solid, and hollow-fir. Hollow-fir strings are thin and light. While they are highly durable, these strings do not add much in terms of sound quality. When choosing your strings, make sure they will not affect the tone of any of these instruments.

What should I consider when buying viola strings?

We’ve touched on some of the most popular viola strings available on the market, but there are a few more that stand out for us. Some options in white, rose, and crimson with a yellow gold rim. Some are an ideal choice for beginners, as they feature 15 different sizes for perfect fit. We love the viola strings with a solid-body model that's designed for advanced players who want to explore the tonal possibilities of a viola that can be tuned to E-flat. Their elegant design is available in six sizes and three finishes, making them a popular choice among students.

How expensive are violas strings?

The price of viola strings is fairly consistent, from $50 to about $300. Inexpensive viola sets that include a harp and a soundboard start at around $75, and viola strings with a wooden soundhole and brass or bronze spindle may cost around the $150 mark.
Mid-range violais with bronze or silver strings start around $150, but the priciest viola strings with gold plating can cost well over $200.
Expensive viola strings with handcrafted wooden or marble soundholes start in the region of $250, with top-of-the-line violas themselves costing over a few thousand dollars.

How Do We Chose Our Selection Of Viola Strings?

Brand

There are many famous and popular brands that manufacture violas and will not disappoint. However, when looking for a viola, we looked at different factors that made certain brands stand out. Some of these factors include quality, designs, durability, price, customer service, and more. These factors were carefully considered to bring you violins that were worth your while.

Reviews

When it comes to buying a violin, you want to get a product that is convenient for you. We used the reviews of existing customers to form our opinions of the good and the bad. This method helped us to understand the needs of many customers and how viola strings performed on these needs.

Price

The price of a viola string is very similar to that of any other item. There is a wide range of prices for violains, from very inexpensive options to expensive instruments that are not suited for beginners and advanced students. Our list of viola strings was selected because of its price range.

What Features Should You Look For In Viola Strings?

Before deciding on the perfect viola strings for your performance, there are some factors you need to consider.

Size

Most viola strings are small in size, they are also versatile in terms of their use. You can use them as concertinas, children’s violas, or just for general musical practice. It is important to know the instrument‘s size range, so you can find a perfect fit for yourself.

Playing Range

A bigger range means a bigger sound and helps you achieve a higher standard. Look out for models that boast a range that ranges from 20 to 30 inches, as this will give you the most variety when you are practicing.

Sets

Every viola has a unique set of features and may not be the same as the one you get at the store. Your school may have specific requirements, which may make it better suited than a brand new viola In most cases, the school will know what the set looks like and your school, therefore, will have to research on their own.

Cord

Cord is the essential part of your viola. The cord plays a vital role in the sound of viola and you will need a quality cord to make your instrument sound as good as possible. A bad cord can make the violin not work properly and also may affect the durability of said instrument.

Durability

Durable viola strings make a good investment and are worth their weight in gold. They are made from premium materials that will last you for years. Finding a model that lasts for many years is worth the investment.

A viola is a traditional stringed instrument whose sound has a classic country and folk feel. The sounds of a viola and bass viola are very similar, and the violas in general can be played in a variety of ways. A viola is an excellent choice for beginners because it is easy to learn and can produce great sounds at a decent price. Though a beginner should have a good idea of how to play a viola, it helps to have access to a quality set of strings to practice in more focused ways, such as playing passages with short phrases. You can find violins in lots of styles, shapes, materials, sounds, fingerings, neck styles and more. And, of course, viola strings have many variations among the manufacturers. Here’s a brief guide to help you decide what kind of viola strings you want to start playing and learn to master.