RENT AN INSTRUMENT
GEWA Student AU1 Beginner Viola Outfit 15" Size
FREE STANDARD SHIPPING
Instruments are packed securely so they arrive safely to you! Check out our shipping info here
The GEWA Student AU1 Viola is an excellent choice for beginners and school programs. German-engineered and professionally set up by our onsite luthiers here in Sydney, the AU1 produces a “Goldilocks” tone that is neither too bright nor too dark. The sound leans warm while retaining clarity, helping students achieve stronger projection and play louder dynamic markings with greater ease.
The AU1 is crafted from aged European spruce and maple tone woods and is finished with a medium-brown varnish. Each instrument is beautifully handcrafted in China to GEWA’s exacting standards, before receiving a professional setup by our team of on-site luthiers in Sydney. Unlike many entry-level instruments, the GEWA AU1 is fitted with ebony pegs and a tailpiece with built-in fine tuners. This makes tuning easier and more reliable, allowing students to spend more time learning and playing. The viola is strung with Larsen Aurora Viola Strings, offering an excellent balance of warmth, clarity, and performance for developing players.
The GEWA AU1 is most suitable for students up to a third grade AMEB standard.
Features
+ Handcrafted in China, professionally set up in Sydney
+ European spruce top
+ European maple back, sides, and scroll
+ Medium brown varnish
+ Inlaid purfling
+ Ebony pegs, fingerboard and chinrest
+ Wittner Tailpiece with in-built fine tune adjusters
+ Fitted with Larsen Aurora Viola Strings
What's included
+ GEWA AU1 Viola
+ Kreisler Student Viola Bow
+ Kreisler Arrow Adjustable Viola Case
+ Kreisler Student Rosin
NOT SURE WHAT SIZE TO GET?
Playing on the correct size instrument is crucial to a players development and affects their ability to learn and have fun. Check out our size guide here.
Why aged tone woods and ebony are important
All string instruments, whether for a beginner or a professional, should be made from aged tone wood. The top of the violin is made from spruce, while the back, sides and scroll are made from maple. The aging process helps dry the wood out, creating better stability in the timber, increasing the durability, whilst also enhancing the resonance and acoustics of the instrument.
Ebony is a dense yet lightweight wood that is extremely durable. These qualities are essential for high-wear areas such as the pegs, nut, and fingerboard, as they won’t wear down or groove over time. Cheaper hardwoods used in many entry-level instruments don’t offer the same level of durability and hardness needed for playing the violin, and can lead to issues with tuning and playability.
Our Professional Instrument Set Up
Our beginner instruments are professionally set up by our experienced luthiers and workshop technicians right here in Sydney.
A string instrument that hasn’t been properly set up can be hard to play, difficult to keep in tune, and often produces a poor sound — which can be especially discouraging for beginners. A correct setup ensures the instrument is comfortable, responsive, and enjoyable to play.
A professional setup includes shaping and fitting the bridge, preparing the fingerboard, fitting the soundpost and pegs, and sculpting the nut to ensure correct string spacings. For more information on a professional setup, click here.
Free Servicing + 2 Years Instrument Warranty
String instruments require regular maintenance - we recommend every 6 to 12 months - to keep them sounding their best, and in optimal playing condition. At The Sydney String Centre, we offer free standard servicing for all instruments purchased from us, for as long as your own the instrument. For details on servicing, click here.
Plus, all new instruments purchased from us are covered by a 2 year limited warranty, covering materials and workmanship. Conditions apply. For more information about our instrument warranty, click here.
Why shop with us
For 35 years, The Sydney String Centre has been a trusted source in the music community. It is our mission to provide the best quality violins, violas, cellos and double basses for all who wish to learn, play and perform music.
Established in 1991 by David and Carmel Glanville, The Sydney String Centre started in the family garage, evolving over time into the space it is today, with David and Carmel’s three kids - Douglas, Libby and Max - all involved in the business.
From beginners looking to rent, to seasoned professionals looking for fine instruments, our team of teachers, players and luthiers are all passionate about helping customers find their perfect instrument and be a source of knowledge for anything string instrument related.
For more information about us, click here.