Beginner Violas for Sale
HAND-CARVED INSTRUMENTS
PROFESSIONAL SETUP
SIZING GUIDANCE PROVIDED
Starting on viola requires an instrument that's properly sized, well-set-up, and produces a warm, clear tone. Our beginner violas are carefully selected to give new students the best possible start. We only carry hand-carved violas with solid tonewoods and expert setup that make learning enjoyable from the first lesson. Starting at $595.
Choosing Your First Viola
Finding the right beginner viola is crucial for a positive start on this beautiful instrument. Unlike violins, violas come in a wider range of sizes, and finding the proper fit is essential for comfortable playing and good technique development.
Our beginner violas start at $595 and feature hand-carved solid wood construction with professional luthier setup. We carry violas in the most common sizes: 13", 14", 15", and 16" (body length), and our staff can help you determine the right size based on arm length and playing comfort. Proper sizing prevents tension and allows for natural, relaxed technique.
Many beginner violas on the market are laminate instruments with factory setup, making them difficult to play and producing a harsh, unpleasant tone. At StringWorks, we never carry these "viola shaped objects." Every beginner viola in our collection features hand-carved tonewoods and our 3-5 hour expert setup process that produces the warm, rich tone students need to develop proper ear training and musicianship.
What Makes a Good Beginner Viola?
A good beginner viola should have several key characteristics:
- Proper Size: Correct sizing prevents tension and allows for proper technique development
- Hand-Carved Construction: Solid wood produces warmer, more resonant tone than laminate
- Professional Setup: Proper bridge height, soundpost placement, and string selection make the instrument easy to play
- Fitted Pegs: Smooth-turning pegs and a well-fitted tailpiece ensure stable tuning
- Comfortable String Height: Strings that aren't too high make shifting and vibrato easier to learn
- Expert Adjustment: Our 3-5 hour setup process ensures every detail is optimized for playability
At StringWorks, every beginner viola undergoes our comprehensive setup process before it reaches you. Our luthiers spend hours ensuring your viola is comfortable to play, stays in tune, and produces a beautiful tone from the first note.
Getting Started with Your Beginner Viola
If you're not sure which size viola is right for you, we have resources on StringWorks University and our staff is always available to help with sizing questions. Many music teachers can also help determine the proper size for their students.
When you purchase a beginner viola from StringWorks, you receive free 14-day home trial, professional setup, and our lifetime trade-in guarantee. As you advance, you can trade up to our intermediate violas or professional violas, with full credit for your original purchase.