VIOLAS - RANGE UP TO $5000
If you're on the hunt for a quality viola, you can find many options for under $5,000. In this price range, you can expect to find instruments that are well-crafted, with decent tonal projection, and a nice playability. It's important to note that while a high price tag does not necessarily guarantee exceptional sound, investing in a well-made instrument can make a huge difference in your playing experience and performance. When selecting a viola, it's always best to test out a few different options to find one that you feel comfortable with and that suits your playing style.
Please note that this is not necessarily a complete list of all the violas we have in stock. If you are interested in a specific price range, please email kathy@vermontviolins.com or call (802) 862-0349 or set up an appointment.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN STORE
Images for illustrative purposes only. Experience a rich, clear, and projective tone with the West Coast Strings Paolo Lorenzo 17-inch viola. As a top choice for advancing students and serious musicians, this instrument is a testament to quality and performance. The Paolo Lorenzo viola features a stunning, evenly flamed back and a well-seasoned spruce top, all meticulously finished with an attractive golden-brown varnish. Its larger 17-inch size provides a deep, resonant sound, making it a perfect upgrade. With its expert craftsmanship and superior tone, this West Coast Strings viola offers exceptional value and a professional feel.
Labeled Franz Kunst, Geigenbauer und Reparateur, Dresden, anno 1927, Nr. 59
This 15-inch viola, made in 1927 by Franz Kunst in Dresden, is a well-preserved example of traditional Saxon craftsmanship. The original label—Franz Kunst, Geigenbauer und Reparateur—confirms its origin and authenticity, and the instrument is numbered 59.
Finished in a rich, dark varnish that enhances the natural beauty of the flamed maple back and spruce top, this viola offers a classic appearance with understated elegance. Though compact in size, it delivers a warm, balanced tone with clear articulation, making it an ideal option for advancing students.
With its historical charm, solid construction, and approachable price point, this Franz Kunst viola represents an excellent value for those seeking a reliable and characterful student instrument with European heritage.
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest
• Otto tailpiece with four fine tuners
• Set-up with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Durable hand-applied ruby red varnish
• Fully hand-carved with seasoned spruce top and maple back
• Outfit includes brazilwood bow and embroidered No. 1001 case
Viola 11” – 16.5”
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest
• Otto tailpiece with four fine tuners
• Set-up with D’Addario Prelude stings
• Durable, hand-applied, golden-brown varnish
• Fully hand-carved with seasoned spruce top and maple back
• Outfit includes brazilwood bow and embroidered No. 1001 case
Viola 11” – 16.5”
• Ebony fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest
• Wittner tailpiece with four fine tuners
• Violas set up with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Professional quality hand-applied spirit varnish
• Fully hand-carved with seasoned spruce top and flamed curly maple back
• Outfit includes graphite composite bow and embroidered No. 2001 case
Viola 11” – 16.5”
• Parisian eye pegs and end button with ebony Guarneri chinrest
• Wittner tailpiece with four fine tuners
• Violas set up with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Professional quality hand-applied spirit varnish
• Fully hand-carved with seasoned spruce top and flamed curly maple back
• Outfit includes graphite composite bow and embroidered No. 2001 case
Viola 14” – 16.5”
• Boxwood fittings, Wittner tailpiece with a single fine tuner and Aubert 7 bridge
• D’Addario Helicore strings
• Fully hand-carved medium figure Grade A seasoned spruce top and flamed curly maple back that have been dried for 4-5 years
• Premium advanced student graduation pattern
MLS450
Viola 15”-16.5”
• Decorated Boxwood pegs, guarneri chinrest, and tailpiece with a single fine tuner and Aubert 7 bridge
• D'Addario Helicore strings
• Professional quality hand-applied spirit and oil mixed varnish
• Fully hand-carved medium figure Grade A seasoned spruce top and flamed curly maple back that have been dried for 4-5 years
• Premium student Stradivarius graduation pattern
Available with standard or carved fittings.
MLS500
Viola 14” – 16.5”
• Ebony fittings, with a single Wittner fine tuner and Aubert 7 bridge
• D'Addario Helicore strings
• Professional quality hand-applied spirit and oil mixed varnish, shaded with a defined edge color pattern with a textured antique style defined by craqueler
• Fully hand-carved highly figured Grade AA seasoned spruce top and flamed curly maple back that have been dried for 4-5 years
• Advanced graduation pattern
Available in Strad or Tertis pattern.
MLS505-S Strad 14” – 16.5”
MLS505-T Tertis 15” – 16.5”
• Ebony fittings, with a single Wittner fine tuner and Aubert 7 bridge
• D'Addario Helicore strings
• Professional quality hand-applied spirit and oil mixed varnish, shaded with a defined edge color pattern with a textured antique style defined by craqueler
• Fully hand-carved highly figured Grade AA seasoned spruce top and flamed curly maple back that have been dried for 4-5 years
• Advanced graduation pattern
Available in Strad or Tertis pattern.
MLS505-S Strad 14” – 16.5”
MLS505-T Tertis 15” – 16.5”
Please Note: The photo is for representation purposes only. This particular image is a stock photo.
The Ernst Heinrich Roth Viola represents the legacy of the renowned Roth family of luthiers. Crafted with precision and artistry, these violas are celebrated for their exceptional tonal richness and timeless design, embodying a tradition of excellence that spans generations.
West Coast Strings presents a Viola in the style of Maggini, meticulously crafted to echo the essence of the classic Italian maker Giovanni Paolo Maggini. Known for their attention to detail, these violas offer musicians an authentic experience, combining historical influence with modern craftsmanship to produce a resonant sound and elegant aesthetic.
The Camillo Callegari Viola embodies the artistry of Italian maker Camillo Callegari. Crafted with precision and tradition, these violas are revered for their exceptional tonal qualities and timeless design, reflecting the legacy of a skilled luthier dedicated to musical excellence.
West Coast Strings presents a Viola in the style of Maggini, meticulously crafted to echo the essence of the classic Italian maker Giovanni Paolo Maggini. Known for their attention to detail, these violas offer musicians an authentic experience, combining historical influence with modern craftsmanship to produce a resonant sound and elegant aesthetic.
The Hornsteiner Viola is a distinguished instrument created by the renowned Hornsteiner family of German luthiers. Known for their legacy of craftsmanship, the Hornsteiner Violas offer musicians a blend of artistic design and exceptional tonal qualities.
The Erdesz Viola is a distinctive modelled instrument (inspired by the Original Erdesz that is crafted by Hungarian luthier Gabor Erdesz). This Erdesz viola offers a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and innovative design, resulting in instruments prized for their tonal richness and visual elegance.
V. Richelieu viola are 100% made in Vermont. Hand-split spruce tonewood is imported from Italy and Switzerland; maple comes to us from Bosnia. Together, these woods form a viola of unique distinction offering fine instrument quality at very affordable prices.Our child-sized violas are true violas: modeled after a 16” model, scaled down for children. Finally, a fractional viola that actually sounds like a viola! Most small violas are modeled after violins, and the resulting instruments never perform…our V. Richelieu violas sing with the resonance a viola is meant to have: from the soaring highs of the A string to the haunting lows of the C.Each instrument is hand-graduated by our senior luthiers. The oil-based varnish is hand painted by an accomplished oil portrait artist. Each instrument is unique, but each offers a tonal quality perfect for the advancing student, conservatory student or professional player.
Sean Peak is a well-known brand name for advanced-level viola players. This Tertis-based model has a big sound, and projects in a hall. The viola speaks easily with an even, tenor voice and good ringing tones. It is not a good fit for small hands, but could work well for someone with large hands or long fingers. The back is a lovely, tightly curled maple. The top has fine-grained spruce. The price is very reasonable due to a professionally repaired saddle crack on the bass side.
Eastman 305 - Eastman company
EASTMAN 405 - EASTMAN COMPANY
CALLEGARI - CHINA (15 3/4”)
Ivan Dunov - Romania
Rudolf Doetsch - Germany (15” - 16 1/2”)
Sean Peake Illinois, USA
Matthias Hornsteiner, 16” Mittenwald Germany
In the style of Otto Erdesz 15.5”
Camillo Callegari 15.5”
Callegari 16”
Ernst Heinrich Roth, Marchneukirchen Germany
In the Style of G Maggini 15”
West Coast Stings SX03 China 16”
