Yamaha VA 5S 165
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Yamaha
VA 5S 165
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Yamaha VA 5S 165 is a really solid entry-level viola – well-made for the price. It offers a surprisingly mature sound and comfortable playability, making it ideal for student violists or players seeking an affordable, reliable instrument to get started.
Product Description
- Yamaha VA 5S 165
- Viola
- Size: 16.5" (41.91 cm)
- Hand-made viola made of hand-selected wood
- Solid spruce top
- Solid maple back
- Ebony fingerboard
- Ebony pegs
- Ebony chin rest
- Tailpiece with fine tuners
- Daddario Prelude strings
- Incl. case
- bow and rosin
PROS
- • Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant and clear tone.
- • Hand-selected maple back provides warmth and excellent projection.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and good response.
- • Included bow and case make this a complete, ready-to-play package.
CONS
- • The included bow is a basic student model, upgrade recommended for serious players.
- • Solid maple back, while good, may lack the complexity of more seasoned tonewoods.
- • The D’Addario Prelude strings are serviceable, but benefit from a higher-quality set.
Product Video
Key Features
Size
16.5in (41.91 cm)
Top Wood
Solid Spruce
Back & Sides
Solid Maple
Fingerboard
Ebony
Bow Included
Yes, student-grade bow
Case Included
Yes, padded case
Similar Products
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Flamenco Sabicas C3-F
Flamenco Guitars
$957
Flamenco Guitar, Top: Solid European Carpathian spruce, Back and...
Alpengold Tirol 2 Macassar G/C/F/Bb
Diatonic Harmonica Accordions
$9,458
*Note:* This instrument can also be ordered in other keys. If you are interested, please contact <a...
Ibanez GRG320FA-TVT
ST Style Guitars
$439
Electric Guitar, Body: Poplar, Top: Basswood with Art Grain in flamed maple look, Bolt-on neck:...
Kawai K-200 ATX 4 WDB Piano
Pianos
$9,119
Piano, With AnytimeX-4 equipment, Millennium III mechanics with ABS carbon parts of...
Roth & Junius Stroh Violin New Edition 4/4
Acoustic Violins
$934
Roth & Junius Stroh Violin New Edition 4/4, Stroh Violin
Alpengold Tirol 1 Limba G/C/F/Bb
Diatonic Harmonica Accordions
$10,228
*Note:* This instrument can also be ordered in other keys. If you are interested, please contact <a...
Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally brighter and more focused than many other student violas, with a clearer projection due to the solid spruce top.
While playable, a professional setup – particularly bridge adjustment and string height – will significantly improve its performance and comfort.
The craftsmanship is quite good for this level; the seams are clean, the varnish is even, and it feels sturdy, though it’s not a concert-level instrument.
