How much do violas cost?

Student violas are mostly machine-made to keep costs low while maintaining tone consistency. Quite affordable. Prices range from $200 – $2,500. Intermediate to Advanced Violas: With higher workmanship, the sound of an intermediate viola is also much better.

What is the most expensive viola?

In 2014, the multinational fine art giant Sotheby’s attempted to sell one of the world’s rarest instruments at the highest price of all time—$45 million for the “Macdonald” Stradivarius viola of 1701. The now infamous sealed-bid auction made headlines across classical and mainstream media.

What is the most expensive musical instrument ever sold?

Stradivarius violin
The most expensive musical instrument sold at auction is the ‘Lady Blunt’ Stradivarius violin and was sold at £9,808,000 ($15,875,800) by Tarisio Auctions (USA) in London, UK, on 20 June 2011.

How much does a viola bow cost?

A viola bow starts around $40 to $50. These models are made from wood and may or may not be adjustable. The quality is lower in this price range, as are the materials. Some bows in the mid-range will be of average quality, but there will likely be a few that are poor.

How much is a good quality viola?

The budget for an advanced or professional viola should be at least $5,000 and higher. There are few makers who have a hand-crafted instrument for less than $10,000.

What is the hardest musical instrument to play?

Top 10 Hardest Instruments to Play

• Bassoon – Hardest Woodwind Instrument to Play.
• Organ – Hardest Instrument to Learn.
• Oboe – Hardest Instrument to Play in a Marching Band.
• Bagpipes.
• Harp.
• Accordion.
• Piano.
• Nyckelharpa.

What should I look for when buying a viola?

5 Main Considerations for Buying the Best Viola

1. Player level. The player’s level is the first consideration.
2. Player size. Typically smallest size for a viola is about 12-13 inches in length, just under the size of a full-size violin.
3. Budget. More money will buy higher quality.
4. Looking to the future.
5. Upgrades.

How do I choose a good viola?

When choosing a viola look for specific traits, such as:

1. Quality tonewoods—the viola should feature a Spruce wood belly (top plate), and include other woods like maple and ebony.
2. Tight Construction—Like the violin, the fittings have an influence in the sound quality.

How often should you change your viola strings?

every 9-12 months
Your strings should be replaced, at minimum, every 9-12 months, but there are too many variables to assign an exact timeframe.

What is the history of the viola violin?

The history of the viola closely resembles those other members of the violin family, but finding the right combination of a dark timbre with an ease of playing took some time to develop. You can learn more about this remarkable instrument and other famous violists here.

Is it worth it to buy an antique viola?

This type of viola is worthwhile if you have professional aspirations or a significant interest in the viola. There are many violas that date back decades, each one with its own unique sound and story. If you are a collector, you can purchase antique violas as restoration projects or financial investments.

How did the violin and cello get their names?

Indeed, the violin, viola, cello, and double bass all have their origins from the European “viol,” which consisted of two varieties, the “viola da braccio” (arm viol) and the “viola da gamba” (leg viol), named for the way the instrument was played.

How big is a viola compared to a violin?

See Article History. Viola, stringed musical instrument, the tenor of the violin family. It is built in proportions similar to those of the violin but has a body length of 37 to 43 cm (14.5 to 17 inches), about 5 cm (2 inches) longer than a violin.