There are numerous factors to consider before purchasing a viola. The tone and volume of the instrument, for example, are two of the most important aspects. Other factors to consider include how much you’re willing to pay, the size of the instrument you want to buy, and whether the instrument will appreciate in value over time. The appearance of a viola is probably the least important factor to consider, because an unattractive instrument isn’t always a poorly constructed instrument.
When looking for a viola, the sound it produces is probably the most important consideration. Before you buy a viola, make sure that the tone of each of the strings is consistent. If the tone varies significantly between strings, the instrument is most likely of poor quality. Because the viola is a relatively quiet instrument in comparison to other stringed instruments, a high-quality viola will be loud as well.
The quality of viola available will be influenced by your budget. Violas from Italy, for example, are widely regarded as the best because they are typically handcrafted. This does mean that the instruments are more expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, you might have to settle for factory-made violas. Because the wood becomes harder with age, older violas usually have a better sound, but they are more expensive than new violas.
When it comes to purchasing a viola, the appearance of the instrument is not the most important consideration. People, on the other hand, are prone to selecting attractive instruments, even if the tone isn’t as good. In general, it’s important to try a variety of violas, even if they don’t appear to be particularly appealing, because each will have its own distinct tone.
Because viola sizing is not standardized, it’s critical to pick one that’s comfortable for you to play. The sound of a viola improves with length, but it becomes more difficult to play. The most common viola size is 16.5 inches (around 42 cm), so start there. It’s also crucial to select a string gauge that matches the size of your hands, as a large viola doesn’t always imply long strings.
When looking to purchase a viola, other factors to consider include whether the instrument is a good investment and where to purchase it. Higher-quality instruments, especially those that are handcrafted, may appreciate in value over time. Viola shops that specialize in the instrument are much more likely to provide a high-quality instrument that is properly set up.