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Best Acoustic Violas for Beginner 2025

Perfect acoustic violas for beginner - easy to play and learn on

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
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''

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
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 16'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona
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
Art. 584084
$13,189
Buy at Thomann View Details
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 15,5'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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

by Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona
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
Art. 584078
$13,189
Buy at Thomann View Details
Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 15" / 38cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 15" / 38cm

by Walter Mahr
String Quartet Classical Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 15" / 38cm, 5-String Viola, Size: 15" x 38 cm, Made in Germany in the workshop of...

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 573292
$3,146
Buy at Thomann View Details
Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 16"

by Stentor
Classical Baroque Music Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Less popular than violin

Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 16"ViolaSize: 16"Excellent craftsmanshipFinished in EnglandSolid spruce topSolid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 613385
$868
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hidersine Venezia Antiqued Viola Set 14" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Hidersine Venezia Antiqued Viola Set 14"

by Hidersine
Orchestra Chamber Music Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Essential chamber music voice
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Hidersine Venezia Antiqued Viola Set 14"Viola Set 14"Solidhandcrafted spruce topSolid handcrafted maple back...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 610970
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 15"

by Stentor
Orchestra Classical String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Less popular than violin

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 15"15" ViolaMade completely out of solid wood handcrafted violaFinished in...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 613376
$846
Buy at Thomann View Details
Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16,5"

by Stentor
Baroque Music Classical String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Less popular than violin

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16.5"ViolaSize: 16.5"Made completely out of solid wood handcrafted violaFinished...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 613380
$846
Buy at Thomann View Details
Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696

by Scala Vilagio
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
Art. 588231
$14,190
Buy at Thomann View Details
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16"

by Scala Vilagio
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
Art. 569064
$3,839
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.

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