Best Acoustic Violas for String Quartet 2026

Perfect acoustic violas for string-quartet - easy to play and learn on

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

Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte Vitale - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Scala Vilagio R.O. A. Guarneri Conte Vitale

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
Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 16" / 40,5cm

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
Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Hidersine Espressione Viola Set 15,5"

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
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
Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 15,5"

Baroque Music Classical String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Stentor SR1876 Elysia Viola 15.5"ViolaSize: 15.5"Excellent craftsmanshipFinished in EnglandSolid spruce...

4.5/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Scala Vilagio Scuola Italiana Viola S2 16,5"

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
Scala Vilagio R.O. Stradivari Archinto 1696 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 15" / 38cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Walter Mahr Viola Quinton 15" / 38cm

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
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Linea Macchi Viola 16'' - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
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
Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari Viola - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Bernd Hiller & Sohn Antonio Stradivari Viola

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
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16,5'' RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16,5'' RB

Chamber Music Orchestra Classical
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16.5'' RBConcert ViolaSize: 16.5'' / 42.0 cmHand-selectedbeautifully...

4.9/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' RB

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
Edgar Russ - Sound of Cremona Scala Perfetta Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Stentor SR1866 Messina Viola 16,5"

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

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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