How to Buy a Viola

The viola is a beautiful instrument, but it’s often misunderstood as just an oversized violin. It is slightly larger than the violin with a deeper, richer sound, tuned a fifth lower. Like the violin, it is played horizontally under the chin. There are many more young students playing viola than 20 or 30 years ago. It has become a more common practice for players to switch from violin to viola. Often teachers see that the violin student has a larger hand and is capable of handling the viola, so they recommend the switch, because the school program needs more violists or does not have any.

Because of its size and difficulty to play, the viola is often the target of many bad jokes. How do you keep your violin from getting stolen? Put it in a viola case. Why do violists play hide and seek? Because no one will look for them. There is even a Web site for viola jokes, mostly from other musicians.

Viola players read the alto clef; the only instrument to use this clef on a regular basis. Orchestral parts are often less challenging than violin parts and tend to be harmony parts. But, violists are no longer violinists who can’t play, as the 20th century saw the viola become a more integral member of the orchestra.

History of the Viola

Most historians believe that the viola evolved as parent member of the violin family, preceding the development of the violin and cello. The word, “viola,” was the original term used in Italy for the entire viol family. Both the violin and viola evolved from the Viole de Braccio, which means “arm violins” in Italian – a family of ornate and often over-sized string instruments. Violas were made as early as the 1500s. Andrea Amati was one of the first luthiers to make violas. He constructed them in small and large dimensions. The viola was considered very clumsy to play. In early orchestra music, the viola’s role was harmony.

The violin family in its present form evolved in the 16th century in Northern Italy where Amati, Gasparo da Salo and other luthiers refined the instruments into their current form. Evidence indicates that the violin, viola and cello evolved together as a family of instruments.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, composers started to recognize the viola as a more important instrument. Telemann, Bach and Stamitz wrote music for the viola. Bach was also an accomplished violist.

Viola Sizes

It is essential that a viola be the correct size for the student. It can be extremely painful to play one that is too large. If it’s too small, it will be uncomfortable and difficult to place fingers in the exact location. To choose the size of the viola necessary for the student, a music teacher or music dealer can measure the student. To determine the size of the viola that a student should be playing, make sure the top of the scroll lies in the end of the fingertips when the instrument is held under the chin.

Putting viola strings on a violin doesn’t make it a viola. The height of the viola ribs is up to a quarter inch different from the violin. As part of their education, it is essential for young viola students to become accustomed to the extra girth under the chin and the extra weight.

Unlike the violin, which comes in five sizes, violas grow in half-inch or one-inch increments. The smallest viola is 11 inches measured along the length of the back, not including the neck and scroll. Next is 12 inches, then 13, 14, 14-1/2, 15, 15-1/2, 16, 16-1/2 and 17 inches (the largest). Unlike the violin and cello, the viola has no definitive “full” size. Full size violas range from 15 to 17 inches. The average full size is a 16-inch viola. To obtain a 17-inch viola, it must be handmade.

At one time, it was believed that the larger the viola, the darker, more cello-like the sound. This is not true; I have heard many beautiful violas that are 15 and 15 1/2 inches in size. In fact, some smaller violas are known to project a bigger sound on the stage.

Viola Craftsmanship

Inexpensive, fully machine-made violas are constructed of plywood with a soft wood fingerboard painted black. You can upgrade them by adding higher-quality strings. They are excellent for beginner viola students and are generally sold at your local music store or mail-order catalog company.

Student-line carved violas are made of maple and spruce with an ebony fingerboard, but the workmanship is rougher. As the cost gets higher, the workmanship becomes greater and the wood of the viola is more aged. Fully hand-made violas are made by one maker. The wood is graduated to exact measurements and the maker blends the thickness of the wood.

The dealer purchases instruments to sell before the final step, which is the set-up. This is a very important step – one that can make or break the sound of the instrument. Set-up includes installing pegs, cutting a bridge, cutting a sound post, replaning and refinishing the fingerboard, finishing the nut, adding a tailpiece, chinrest and strings.

The weight of the viola is very important. Some violas are very heavy and awkward. This depends on the density of the wood and how much graduation has been done by the maker.

Four fine tuners on the tailpiece are excellent for beginner viola students. You have to be careful, though, because they can add a rattle to the viola sound. If this happens, check to make sure they’re secured tightly.

Renting a viola for beginner students is best until the student has stopped growing. You can rent a viola from a local music store or dealer. To find a reputable dealer, ask your music teacher, music store or professional organization.

Viola Bows

There is no standard length for viola bows, although most are violin bow length or slightly shorter. They are approximately 10 grams heavier than violin bows and the dimensions are slightly larger.

Fiberglass viola bows are excellent for beginner students. They’re best when they have real horsehair; they will last longer. Synthetic bow hair does not hold the rosin.

Maintenance and Care

Viola dealers recommend maintenance every year. If you purchase an instrument from a dealer, he or she will often do minor repairs free of charge or charge an optional insurance plan. Strings should be changed between six and 12 months, depending on how often the student plays. Rosin dust will become caked onto the varnish; therefore, wipe the rosin off the viola at least once a week. In the winter, a humidifier in the room where the student practices is recommended due to the dryness in the air. This will avoid cracks in the wood.

When pegs become loose, wrap the string against the side of the peg box and this will fix the problem. When they are tight, peg compound can be rubbed onto the pegs to loosen them. And, never leave a viola in extreme hot or cold weather. The wood can shrink or expand and the glue won’t hold the wood joints together.