Best Acoustic Violas 2026

Top-rated acoustic violas 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 7, 2026 • Next update: January 14, 2026

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 15,5'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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

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
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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

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
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 16'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 16''

Chamber Music Classical Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality instruments
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 16''ViolaInstrument with excellent Italian soundSize:...

4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 15,5'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 15,5''

Baroque Music String Quartet Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 15ViolaInstrument with excellent Italian soundSize: 15.5" / 39.5...

4.6/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S1 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S1 15,5"

String Quartet Classical Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality instruments
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S1 15ViolaSize: 15.5" (39.5 cm)Stradivari modelSolid spruce topSolid flamed...

4.6/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 16"

String Quartet Classical Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 16"Viola SetSize: 16"Solid violaLightly flamedGold-brown spirit...

4.4/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Scala Vilagio F.H. Maggini Viola 1610 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Scala Vilagio F.H. Maggini Viola 1610

Orchestra String Quartet Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Scala Vilagio F.H. Maggini Viola 1610, ViolaMaggini's viola model from 1610 is one of a kind. Violinmakers in...

4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15,5"

Baroque Music Classical Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15Viola Made Completely of Solid WoodSize: 15.5"Imitated antique styleSolid flamed maple...

5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696

Chamber Music String Quartet Classical
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Essential chamber music voice
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696ViolinR.O. Antonio Stradivari "Archinto" Viola 1696Built in the...

4.5/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola

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
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16"

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
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S1 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S1 16"

Baroque Music Orchestra Classical
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Important orchestral section
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S1 16"ViolaSize: 16" (40.5 cm)Stradivari modelSolid spruce topSolid...

4.5/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-170-VA Viola Set 13" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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

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
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16"

Orchestra Chamber Music String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Larger size than violin

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16"Orchestra ViolaModel StradivariSize: 16" / 40.5 cmSolid spruce...

4.8/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 15"

String Quartet Classical Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Larger size than violin

Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 15"Viola SetComprises H68HV-VA ViolaH7 / 13-VA wooden bow and AS-90/165-VA shaped...

4.6/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10

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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more