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Best Acoustic Violas Under $2,000 2026

Affordable acoustic violas under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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
Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 13" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 13"

by Karl Höfner
Classical Baroque Music Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Important orchestral section
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 13"Viola SetConsists of the H11-VA violathe H6/5-VA wooden bowand the...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 464959
$1,408
Buy at Thomann View Details
Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16"

by Scala Vilagio
Orchestra Chamber Music Classical
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Less popular than violin

Scala Vilagio Bohemia Concert Viola 16"ViolaSize: 16"Selected solid spruce topBeautifully flamed solid maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 546456
$1,199
Buy at Thomann View Details
Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 16,5"

by Karl Höfner
Orchestra Classical Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Important orchestral section
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Less popular than violin

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 16.5"Solid ViolaSize: 16.5"Solid spruce topBody and sides made of flamed...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 256457
$1,077
Buy at Thomann View Details
Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15,5"

by Franz Sandner
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
Art. 464928
$1,616
Buy at Thomann View Details
Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 16"

by Karl Höfner
Chamber Music Classical String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 16"Viola SetComprises H68HV-VA ViolaH7 / 13-VA wooden bow and AS-90/165-VA shaped...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 464964
$1,924
Buy at Thomann View Details
Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Franz Sandner 902A Viola 15"

by Franz Sandner
Orchestra Baroque Music Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Limited solo repertoire
  • • Requires specific viola technique

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 464930
$1,616
Buy at Thomann View Details
Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15,5"

by Franz Sandner
Classical String Quartet Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Warm, mellow middle register
✓ PROS
  • • Unique tonal character
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific viola technique
  • • Larger size than violin

Franz Sandner 902 Viola 15Viola Made Completely of Solid WoodSize: 15.5"Solid flamed maple backTop: Solid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 464923
$1,538
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 16'' GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14"

by Karl Höfner
Chamber Music Orchestra String Quartet
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Important orchestral section
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Limited solo repertoire

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 14"Viola SetConsists of the H11-VA violathe H6/5-VA wooden bowand the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 464958
$1,408
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Germania Viola Prag A. 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Gewa Germania Viola Prag A. 16"

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

Gewa Germania Viola Prag A. 16"Concert Viola 16" / 40.8 cmSelected European sycamoreSelected spruce top...

⭐ 4.4/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 512369
$1,419
Buy at Thomann View Details
Gewa Georg Walther Viola 15,5'' GB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
Gewa Germania Viola Berlin A. 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Gewa Germania Viola Berlin A. 16,5"

by Gewa
Classical Chamber Music Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Important orchestral section
✓ PROS
  • • Essential chamber music voice
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Larger size than violin
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Gewa Germania Viola Berlin A. 16Concert Viola 16.5" / 42.0 cmSelected European sycamoreSelected spruce top...

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 512361
$1,428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 15"

by Karl Höfner
Chamber Music Orchestra Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Important orchestral section
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive quality instruments
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 15"Solid ViolaSize: 15"Solid spruce topBody and sides of flamed mapleWittner...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 256460
$1,066
Buy at Thomann View Details
Karl Höfner H11A-VA Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Karl Höfner H11A-VA Viola 16,5"

by Karl Höfner
Orchestra String Quartet Chamber Music
Key Feature:
• Unique tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Warm, mellow middle register
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Expensive quality instruments

Karl Höfner H11E-VA Viola 16.5"ViolaFull solidSolid spruce topBack and sides made of lightly flame veneer...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 547489
$1,208
Buy at Thomann View Details
Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 15,5"

by Karl Höfner
Orchestra String Quartet Baroque Music
Key Feature:
• Essential chamber music voice
✓ PROS
  • • Important orchestral section
  • • Unique tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Less popular than violin
  • • Requires specific viola technique

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 15.5"ViolaBuilt completely out of solid woodSolid spruce topBody and sides of better...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 256459
$1,066
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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