8 Best Violas 2025 in the United States

The D Z Strad Viola model 400 is a 15.5-inch handmade instrument that showcases exceptional craftsmanship. One of its standout features is the use of high-quality tonewoods, including a solid, hand-carved spruce top and beautifully flamed maple back and sides. This careful selection of materials typically results in a rich and warm sound, ideal for both professional musicians and dedicated students. The setup by skilled luthiers, with a Rock Maple bridge and Helicore strings, further enhances playability and tone quality, providing a solid foundation for performance.

The craftsmanship is truly impressive, as it is 100% handmade and hand-oil varnished, ensuring that each viola is unique and tailored for optimal sound production. The inclusion of ebony fittings, such as heart-shaped pegs and a chinrest, adds to its aesthetic appeal and durability. Additionally, the outfit package includes essential accessories like a case, multiple bows, a shoulder rest, and rosin, making it a comprehensive choice for musicians who need everything to start playing right away.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The price point of handmade violas can be high, and while the quality justifies the cost, it may not be accessible for beginners or those on a budget. With a weight of 12.5 pounds, it may also feel a bit heavy for some players, especially during long practice sessions or performances. This viola is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate fine craftsmanship and are ready to invest in a high-quality instrument. If you're looking for a viola that delivers on sound quality and aesthetics while providing a complete package for music making, the D Z Strad Viola model 400 could be an excellent choice.

The Mendini 16-Inch MA350 Satin Antique Viola is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a budget-friendly option. One of its standout features is the hand-carved solid spruce top paired with a maple back and sides, which contributes to a warm, resonant sound that many users appreciate. The size of 16 inches makes it suitable for a range of players, especially younger musicians or those with smaller hands. Additionally, it includes essential accessories like a lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with genuine horsehair, rosin, and a bridge, making it a complete package for someone just starting out.

In terms of craftsmanship, the viola’s construction reflects reasonable quality for its price point, with a satin antique finish that is visually appealing. The maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest further enhance its durability.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The alloy steel strings, while adequate for beginners, may not provide the same depth of tone as higher-quality gut or synthetic strings, which more advanced players often prefer. Some users have noted that the setup may need adjustments, such as tuning or bridge placement, before achieving optimal playability.

The Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Viola is a full-size instrument, measuring 16 inches, making it suitable for adult players or those comfortable with larger violas. One of its standout features is the solid hand-carved spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, which contribute to its sound quality and aesthetic appeal with an antique satin finish. The use of quality woods like spruce and maple ensures a robust and resonant sound, which is particularly important for producing a warm, rich tone typical of violas.

The inlaid purfling adds to the craftsmanship and longevity of the instrument by preventing cracks at the edges. The ebony fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece add durability and elegance, and the four detachable nickel-plated fine tuners allow for precise tuning adjustments, which is very useful for players at all levels. Additionally, the viola is strung with high-quality D'Addario Prelude Strings, known for their warm tone and durability, enhancing the sound performance.

The instrument comes with a comprehensive kit, including a lightweight hard case for safe transport, a chromatic tuner to aid in precise tuning, a Brazilwood bow crafted with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair for a responsive playing experience, quality rosin, and a suitable bridge. The inclusion of accessories like the tuner and case makes it a convenient choice for beginners or intermediate players who need a complete package to get started.