Best Yamaha Acoustic Violas 2025

Premium Yamaha acoustic violas - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Yamaha VA 5S 14 Viola 14" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha VA 5S 14 Viola 14"

by Yamaha

Chamber Music String Quartet Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Rich harmonic content
• Unique tonal character

✗ CONS

• Limited solo repertoire
• Requires specific viola technique

Yamaha VA 5S 14 Viola 14"ViolaSize: 14" (35.56 cm)Handmade viola made from hand-picked woodsSolid spruce...

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 111056

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 7SG 15 Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha VA 7SG 15 Viola 15"

by Yamaha

Baroque Music String Quartet Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Essential chamber music voice

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Essential chamber music voice

✗ CONS

• Less popular than violin
• Expensive quality instruments

Yamaha VA 7SG 15 Viola 15"Viola15" (38.10cm)Stradivari designOil varnishHandmade viola from hand-picked...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 278812

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 7SG 16 Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha VA 7SG 16 Viola 16"

by Yamaha

Chamber Music String Quartet Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Warm, mellow middle register

✗ CONS

• Limited solo repertoire
• Expensive quality instruments

Yamaha VA 7SG 16 Viola 16"ViolaStradivari designOil-lacquer finishHand-made viola made of hand-selected woodSolid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 278815

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 5S 15 Viola 15" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha VA 5S 15 Viola 15"

by Yamaha

Orchestra Baroque Music Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential chamber music voice

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Less popular than violin

Yamaha VA 5S 15 Viola 15"ViolaSize: 15" (38.10 cm)Handmade viola from hand-selected woodSolid spruce topSolid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 111057

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 5S 165 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha VA 5S 165

by Yamaha

Classical Baroque Music Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Warm, mellow middle register

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Warm, mellow middle register

✗ CONS

• Requires specific viola technique
• Larger size than violin

Yamaha VA 5S 165ViolaSize: 16.5" (41.91 cm)Hand-made viola made of hand-selected woodSolid spruce topSolid maple...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 111060

$655

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 7SG 155 Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha VA 7SG 155 Viola 15,5"

by Yamaha

Orchestra Classical Baroque Music

Key Feature:

• Unique tonal character

✓ PROS

• Warm, mellow middle register
• Important orchestral section

✗ CONS

• Larger size than violin
• Expensive quality instruments

Yamaha VA 7SG 155 Viola 15Viola15.5"Stradivari designOil finishHandmade viola from hand-picked woodsSolid spruce...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 278814

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 5S 155 Viola 15,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha VA 5S 155 Viola 15,5"

by Yamaha

Baroque Music Orchestra Chamber Music

Key Feature:

• Important orchestral section

✓ PROS

• Important orchestral section
• Rich harmonic content

✗ CONS

• Less popular than violin
• Larger size than violin

Yamaha VA 5S 155 Viola 15ViolaSize: 15.5" (39.37 cm)Handmade viola from hand-picked woodsSolid spruce topSolid...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 111058

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 5S 16 Viola 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha VA 5S 16 Viola 16"

by Yamaha

Chamber Music Orchestra Classical

Key Feature:

• Rich harmonic content

✓ PROS

• Essential chamber music voice
• Important orchestral section

✗ CONS

• Limited solo repertoire
• Larger size than violin

Yamaha VA 5S 16 Viola 16"ViolaSize: 16" (40.64 cm)Handmade viola from hand-picked woodsSolid spruce topSolid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 111059

$655

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha VA 7SG 165 Viola 16,5" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha VA 7SG 165 Viola 16,5"

by Yamaha

Baroque Music Chamber Music Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Essential chamber music voice

✓ PROS

• Unique tonal character
• Essential chamber music voice

✗ CONS

• Limited solo repertoire
• Expensive quality instruments

Yamaha VA 7SG 165 Viola 16Viola16.5"Stradivari designOil finishHandmade viola from hand-picked woodsSolid spruce...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 278816

$1,098

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 Yamaha Acoustic Violas 2025

Yamaha VA 5S 14 Viola 14"

Yamaha VA 7SG 15 Viola 15"

Yamaha VA 7SG 16 Viola 16"

Yamaha VA 5S 15 Viola 15"

Yamaha VA 5S 165

Yamaha VA 7SG 155 Viola 15,5"

Yamaha VA 5S 155 Viola 15,5"

Yamaha VA 5S 16 Viola 16"

Yamaha VA 7SG 165 Viola 16,5"

How to Choose the Best Acoustic Violas

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying acoustic violas?

How much should I spend on acoustic violas?

Are expensive acoustic violas worth the investment?

What are the best brands for acoustic violas?

Should I buy acoustic violas online or in-store?

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