Viola Prices: What Affects a Viola’s Cost?

Materials to make the Viola

Low cost violas are often made from green wood which has not gone through the proper seasoning process. This immature wood produces a tight, shrill sound. It will not be as durable, and as the wood dries, the instruments will come apart.

Tonewood should always be aged for at least ten years, and it should come from a carefully selected tree with the proper age, grain, and climate. This long process creates the richest sound.

Condition Of The Viola

Although an instrument’s pedigree often denotes quality, you should still review the viola carefully. No matter your budget, you should always look for an instrument in excellent condition. Check for cracks or an inconsistent grain. The viola should also be finished with an attractive, uniformly applied varnish.

Because of lower construction and material quality, low price violas are often less durable. Parts frequently break, and the cost of maintaining or replacing that cheap viola will quickly make it more expensive than investing in a better instrument in the first place.

Condition is another factor that your local violin shop can help you assess. Dolce Violins carefully selects and play-tests every instrument to ensure that it reaches our high standards, regardless of the price point.

Your Skill Level

Are you just beginning your viola study, about to enter your undergraduate music performance degree, or auditioning for professional orchestras? Your viola skill level matters when it comes to your instrument’s cost. A good quality beginner viola is much cheaper than an advanced viola, but the beginner instrument will not work for a college-level musician.

When purchasing a viola, look for an instrument you are going to grow into. For example, a dedicated adult returning to music after a long break may want to invest in an intermediate or even an advanced viola, as the instrument will be able to suit their needs better and for longer.

If you are shopping for a child, unsure about whether you will remain dedicated to your study, or on a tight budget, consider renting a viola. Most violin shops will have viola rentals, and some have rent-to-buy options. Dolce Violins offers affordable rentals at varying price points, and you can apply up to 50% of your rental equity towards the purchase of any of our instruments.

Who Is Selling The Viola

While a Facebook Marketplace listing might have an attractive price for what seems like a high-quality viola, you are taking a gamble if you buy that instrument. Whether you are a beginner or a professional violist, a trusted violin shop is always your best resource. They will help you pick your instrument, and they will provide the support you need for fine-tuning, repairs, and upgrades over the course of your entire musical journey.

No matter your budget, Dolce Violins has an expert staff that can help you find the right viola for you. All of our violas represent the best of their categories, with high tone quality, playability, and durability, and we can also provide you with the best accessories, such as bows, strings, and cases. Our staff luthiers will also perfect your setup to make your viola truly sing!