AudioFu

Best Acoustic Violas for Beginner 2026

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

Last updated: January 28, 2026 • Next update: February 4, 2026

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 Hidersine Scala Vilagio Stentor Karl Höfner Yamaha Alfred Stingl by Höfner
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 15,5'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Luca Zerilli Viola Guarneri Trieste 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Luca Zerilli Viola Guarneri Trieste 15,5"

by Luca Zerilli
String Quartet Orchestra Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Luca Zerilli Viola Guarneri Trieste 15ViolaSize: 15.5"Solid top made of Alpine spruceBeautifully flamedsplit and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 577913
$14,080
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15,5"

by Hidersine
Chamber Music String Quartet Classical
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15.5"Viola SetSize: 15.5"Completely made of solid wood Stradivari...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 610984
$1,364
Buy at Thomann View Details
Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 16,5"

by Stentor
Orchestra String Quartet Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 16.5"ViolaSize: 16.5"Excellent craftsmanshipFinished in EnglandSolid spruce...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 613386
$868
Buy at Thomann View Details
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 16'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' GB

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

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15.5'' GBConcert ViolaSize: 15.5'' / 39.5 cmHand-selectedwell flamed back...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 547548
$1,924
Buy at Thomann View Details
Walter Mahr Viola Jacobs Model 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Walter Mahr Viola Jacobs Model 15"

by Walter Mahr
Classical Chamber Music String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality instruments
  • • Less popular than violin

Walter Mahr Viola Jacobs Model 15"ViolaSize: 15"x 38 cmJacobs ModelThe wider lower bout of the viola provides...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 572670
$3,729
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' RB

by Gewa
Orchestra Baroque Music Classical
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Important orchestral section
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Larger size than violin

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 155'' RBConcert ViolaSize: 15.5'' / 39.5 cmHand-selectedwell flamed back...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 547541
$1,924
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' GB

by Gewa
Chamber Music Baroque Music Classical
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' GBConcert ViolaSize: 16'' / 40.8 cmHand-selectedwell-flamed back made...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 547549
$1,924
Buy at Thomann View Details
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' RB

by Gewa
Baroque Music Orchestra String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality instruments
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' RBConcert ViolaSize: 16" / 40.8 cmHand-selectedbeautifully flamed European...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 547544
$1,924
Buy at Thomann View Details
Bernd Hiller & Sohn Paolo Testore Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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

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

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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