Violas For beginners ($495-$595)

We stock several different models of violas for beginners including the very popular Kreisler #120 series. In addition we also have some second-hand and ex-rental stock. For the latest list of these instruments please contact us.

Choosing Your First Viola

Choosing your first viola can be a little confusing but our aim is to make it as simple as possible.

1.Choose Your Size

If you are a parent buying for your son or daughter, the first thing to work out is the size that your child needs. It is very difficult to do this without some experience so we would suggest getting advice from either your teacher or from one of our friendly staff. It is equally difficult to give advice about size over the net so we would suggest coming into our store with your child. Violas are particularly difficult as there is no 'full-size' viola. Rather there are several sizes that are suitable for adults. In the past, it was difficult to find smaller sized violas for children. These days however we can offer violas as small as a 12" size (The same length as a half size violin).

2. Choose The Quality

Once you have worked out what size you need, you will next need to decide what quality viola you want. You may have noticed on ebay and some other sites that there are some very cheap violas on the market. In our experience it can be false economy to spend less, especially if it is your first viola. Cheap violas are plagued with problems such as bridges and soundposts that aren't fitted properly, pegs that don't stay in tune and bows that aren't straight and don't tighten just to name a few. We therefore don't sell any violas that don't at least meet our minimum requirements. Also rest assured that all our violas have been professionally set-up. A set-up involves reshaping the bridge, fingerboard nut and sound post so that they fit and function correctly, servicing the pegs for ease of tuning and generally testing the playability and functionality of the viola to ensure that you wont have any problems.

As a rough guide we recommend the Kreisler #120 violas as ideal for absolute beginners up until approximately an AMEB or trinity 3rd to 4th grade standard. The Kreisler #55c and Raggetti violas have a much more rich and powerful sound and are also ideal for begginers but we feel they are capable of performing up to approximately an AMEB or trinity grade 5 or 6. If you have already passed beyond an AMEB/Trinity grade 5 or 6, or if you think that you're after something a little better, then we would recommend looking at our range of intermediate and advanced instruments.

3. Choose Your Accessories

Its important to have everything you need to start playing. Unless otherwise stated, all our student outfits come as a package with the instrument, bow, case and rosin. In addition to this we recommend you also purchase a shoulder rest. We stock all the popular brands including Kun, Wolf and Fom. You will also of course need music! We stock many different tutors as well as instructional DVDs and other learning tools to get you started. Having difficulty tuning? These days electronic tuners are available, relatively inexpensive and take the hassle out of learning to tune.

Kreisler #120 Viola Outfit (Beginners)
An ideal instrument for beginners or school programs, the Kreisler #120 series is well-built, reliable, and produces a bright tone. Each instrument is hand selected and set up by us ensuring consistency of quality. Its boxwood pegs and modern tailpiece makes tuning easier, eliminating the hassles normally associated with cheaper violins. Made in China.		$495.00 (12"-14" sizes) $550.00 (15"-16" sizes)
Outfit includes: Ebony pegs and chinrest Ebony fingerboard Tailpiece with fine adjusters in-built Dominant Strings	Inlaid purfling Bow - wood with horsehair Lightweight shaped case
Back To Top
St Antonio Viola Outfit (Beginners)
Made by the Korean company 'Shimro' who pioneered the production of quality student instruments in Asia using German-built violin making machinery and methods. Today, Shimro has a strong reputation with Australian teachers and music educators. The 'St Antonio' model is made in Shimro's factory in China. All instruments pass a stringent quality control by Shimro and are personally selected by us. Ideal for beginners.		$495.00 (12"-14" sizes) $595.00 (15"-16" sizes)
Outfit includes: Ebony pegs and fingerboard Tailpiece with fine adjusters in-built Dominant strings	Inlaid purfling Bow - carbon fibre Woodshell shaped case
Back To Top