10 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 Cremona SVA-500 Premier Artist Viola is a well-crafted 16-inch viola that suits advanced students looking for a rich and professional sound. It features a solid spruce top and flamed maple back, which are traditional quality woods for violas, giving it a warm and clear tone. The hand-applied reddish-brown varnish not only looks elegant but also protects the instrument. Set up in Cremona’s California workshop, this viola includes a French-made Aubert bridge and Prelude strings made in the US, ensuring a reliable and comfortable playing experience that meets music education standards.

The lightweight Brazilwood bow and Stradivarius-style chinrest add to the comfort and playability, making longer practice sessions easier. The ebony fittings and fingerboard provide durable and precise tuning, while the composite tailpiece helps keep the instrument balanced. Although alloy steel strings might not offer the same warmth as higher-end gut or synthetic strings, the viola is praised for its tone and is a strong choice for serious students and intermediate players who want a quality instrument with a professional setup and an attractive finish without a high price tag.

The D Z Strad Viola Model 120 is a 15.5-inch viola that comes with strings, a case, a bow, a shoulder rest, and rosin. This viola is crafted from supreme-quality tonewood materials, featuring a solid carved spruce top and a maple back, which contributes to its warm response and tremendous tone.

The use of antique varnish and traditional European drying methods adds a touch of old-world craftsmanship to the instrument. The alloy steel strings and setup should provide a pleasant playing experience for both beginners and intermediate players. However, the item weight of 2.43 kilograms might make it slightly heavy for younger players or those who prefer lighter instruments.

The included bow and shoulder rest are useful additions, but some players might want to upgrade these accessories for better performance. Its rank as #21 in Acoustic Violas suggests that it is a popular choice within its category. This viola is best suited for students and intermediate players looking for a well-crafted, reliable instrument at a reasonable price point.