Best Acoustic Violas for Intermediate 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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

⭐ 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

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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

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

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

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

Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte Vitale - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte Vitale

by Scala Vilagio

Classical Orchestra String Quartet

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Less popular than violin

Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte VitaleViolaBuilt in the style of the Andrea Guarneri ‘Conte Vitale’ viola...

⭐ 4.9/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588223

$16,390

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

Hidersine Venezia Ant. Viola Set 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Hidersine Venezia Ant. Viola Set 15,5"

by Hidersine

Orchestra Chamber Music Baroque Music

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Less popular than violin

Hidersine Venezia Ant. Viola Set 15.5"Viola Set 15.5"Solidhandcrafted spruce topSolid handcrafted maple back...

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610968

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 15,5'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

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

#12

⭐ 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

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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 for Intermediate 2026

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

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari Viola

Scala Vilagio F.H. Gasparo da Salo Viola WN

Luca Zerilli Viola Guarneri Trieste 15,5"

Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte Vitale

Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15,5"

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16"

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 15"

Hidersine Venezia Ant. Viola Set 15,5"

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

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

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' RB

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16,5"

Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Violas

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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