Best Acoustic Violas 2025

Top-rated acoustic violas 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Classical For Chamber Music For Orchestra For String Quartet For Baroque Music

BRANDS: Gewa Stentor Scala Vilagio Hidersine Karl Höfner Yamaha Alfred Stingl by Höfner

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16"

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona

Orchestra Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Requires specific viola technique

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16"ViolaSize: 16" / 40.5 cmInstrument with excellent...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584074

$5,478

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 15,5''

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona

Baroque Music Classical Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Important orchestral section

✗ CONS

• Less popular than violin
• Limited solo repertoire

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 15.5"ViolaSize: 15.5" / 39.5 cmInstrument with excellent...

⭐ 4.8/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584069

$5,478

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola

by Bernd Hiller & Sohn

Orchestra Baroque Music String Quartet

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Larger size than violin

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore ViolaViola 16" / 41.5 cmModel according to Paolo TestoreCompletely handmade...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585834

$10,780

Buy at Thomann View Details

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari Viola

by Bernd Hiller & Sohn

Orchestra Chamber Music String Quartet

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Larger size than violin
• Limited solo repertoire

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari ViolaViola 16" / 41 cmModel according to Antonio StradivariCompletely...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585832

$10,780

Buy at Thomann View Details

Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15,5"

by Franz Sandner

Classical String Quartet Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Important orchestral section

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Larger size than violin

Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15Viola Made Completely of Solid WoodSize: 15.5"Solid flamed maple backTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 464923

$1,538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14"

by Karl Höfner

Chamber Music Orchestra String Quartet

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Important orchestral section
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Less popular than violin
• Limited solo repertoire

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14"Viola SetConsists of the H11-VA violathe H6/5-VA wooden bowand the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 464958

$1,408

Buy at Thomann View Details

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 15"

by Karl Höfner

Baroque Music Chamber Music Classical

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Less popular than violin
• Limited solo repertoire

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 15"Viola SetComprises H11-VA ViolaH7/10-VA wooden bow and AS-90/165-VA shaped...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 464957

$1,408

Buy at Thomann View Details

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 16"

by Franz Sandner

Orchestra String Quartet Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential chamber music voice

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Less popular than violin

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 16"Viola Made Completely of Solid WoodSize: 16"Imitated antique styleSolid flamed...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 464927

$1,616

Buy at Thomann View Details

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 15"

by Alfred Stingl by Höfner

Classical String Quartet Baroque Music

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Important orchestral section

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Requires specific viola technique

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 15"Viola SetSize: 15"Full solid violaLightly flamedGold-brown...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 547456

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16"

by Scala Vilagio

Orchestra Chamber Music Classical

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Warm, mellow middle register

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Less popular than violin

Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16"ViolaSize: 16"Selected solid spruce topBeautifully flamed solid maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 546456

$1,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola

by Scala Vilagio

Chamber Music Orchestra Baroque Music

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Limited solo repertoire

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola, ViolaGasparo Bertolotti ‘daSaló’ is one of the most successful violin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588345

$7,689

Buy at Thomann View Details

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16,5"

by Scala Vilagio

Baroque Music Chamber Music String Quartet

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Essential chamber music voice

✗ CONS

• Larger size than violin
• Limited solo repertoire

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16.5"Orchestra ViolaModel StradivariSize: 16.5" x 42 cmSolid spruce...

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 569066

$4,169

Buy at Thomann View Details

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 13" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 13"

by Alfred Stingl by Höfner

Orchestra Baroque Music String Quartet

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Larger size than violin

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 13"Viola SetSize: 13"Solid violaLightly flamedGold-brown spirit...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 547462

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola WN

by Scala Vilagio

String Quartet Orchestra Baroque Music

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Expensive quality instruments
• Less popular than violin

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola WN, ViolaGasparo Bertolotti ‘daSaló’ is one of the most successful violin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588783

$9,889

Buy at Thomann View Details

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm

by Walter Mahr

Classical Orchestra Baroque Music

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Essential chamber music voice

✗ CONS

• Limited solo repertoire
• Expensive quality instruments

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40.5 cm5-String ViolaModel StradivariSize: 16 x 40.5 cmSolidevenly-grained spruce...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 573295

$3,289

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Violas

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced acoustic violas typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best Acoustic Violas 2025

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16"

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 15,5''

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari Viola

Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15,5"

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14"

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 15"

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 16"

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 15"

Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16"

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16,5"

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 13"

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola WN

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Violas

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying acoustic violas?

How much should I spend on acoustic violas?

Are expensive acoustic violas worth the investment?

What are the best brands for acoustic violas?

Should I buy acoustic violas online or in-store?

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