9 Best Violas 2025 in the United States

The Mendini by Cecilio 16-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola is an attractive option for beginners and intermediate players. Its 16-inch size is suitable for adults and taller teenagers. The hand-carved solid spruce top and maple back and sides indicate good wood quality, contributing to a warm and resonant sound. The natural varnish finish adds to its aesthetic appeal.

The maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest, along with the alloy tailpiece equipped with four integrated fine tuners, ensure decent durability and ease of tuning. The included accessories such as a lightweight hard case, Brazilwood bow with unbleached Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and bridge are useful additions, making this a convenient all-in-one package for new players.

The sound quality, while adequate for beginners, may not meet the expectations of advanced players or those with professional aspirations. The craftsmanship, though solid, might lack the refinement found in higher-end violas. Additionally, some users may find the strings and initial setup require adjustments for optimal performance. Despite these drawbacks, the Mendini by Cecilio MA250 remains a favored entry-level viola due to its reasonable price, comprehensive accessory bundle, and solid construction.

The D Z Strad Viola Model 120 is a 15.5-inch viola that comes with strings, a case, a bow, a shoulder rest, and rosin. This viola is crafted from supreme-quality tonewood materials, featuring a solid carved spruce top and a maple back, which contributes to its warm response and tremendous tone.

The use of antique varnish and traditional European drying methods adds a touch of old-world craftsmanship to the instrument. The alloy steel strings and setup should provide a pleasant playing experience for both beginners and intermediate players. However, the item weight of 2.43 kilograms might make it slightly heavy for younger players or those who prefer lighter instruments.

The included bow and shoulder rest are useful additions, but some players might want to upgrade these accessories for better performance. Its rank as #21 in Acoustic Violas suggests that it is a popular choice within its category. This viola is best suited for students and intermediate players looking for a well-crafted, reliable instrument at a reasonable price point.

The Mendini 16-Inch MA350 Satin Antique Viola is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a budget-friendly option. One of its standout features is the hand-carved solid spruce top paired with a maple back and sides, which contributes to a warm, resonant sound that many users appreciate. The size of 16 inches makes it suitable for a range of players, especially younger musicians or those with smaller hands. Additionally, it includes essential accessories like a lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with genuine horsehair, rosin, and a bridge, making it a complete package for someone just starting out.

In terms of craftsmanship, the viola’s construction reflects reasonable quality for its price point, with a satin antique finish that is visually appealing. The maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest further enhance its durability.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The alloy steel strings, while adequate for beginners, may not provide the same depth of tone as higher-quality gut or synthetic strings, which more advanced players often prefer. Some users have noted that the setup may need adjustments, such as tuning or bridge placement, before achieving optimal playability.