13 best 12 violas

12 violas refer to a collection of 12 individual viola instruments, which are a part of the orchestral strings family.Violas are slightly larger than violins and have a deeper and mellower sound. They typically have four strings tuned to the pitches C-G-D-A, with C being the lowest string.

Here are some key points about 12 violas:

  1. Ensemble Use: A collection of 12 violas is often used in orchestras and chamber music ensembles to add depth and richness to the string section.

  2. Sound: Violas have a warm and expressive tone, and having 12 of them can create a lush and harmonically rich sound when played together.

  3. String Materials: Viola strings can be made from various materials, including gut, synthetic, or steel core. The choice of strings can significantly impact the instrument's tone.

  4. Bowing Technique: Violas are played with a bow, and skilled players use various bowing techniques to produce different articulations and dynamics in the music.

  5. Repertoire: Violas have a wide range of music written for them, from solo pieces and concertos to chamber music and orchestral compositions.

  6. Sizes: Violas come in different sizes to accommodate players of various ages and sizes. The most common sizes are 15 to 16.5 inches.

  7. Accessories: Viola players use various accessories, including rosin to enhance the bow's grip on the strings, shoulder rests or chin rests for comfort, and fine tuners to adjust string tension.

  8. Maintenance: Like all string instruments, violas require regular maintenance, including tuning, string replacement, and occasional adjustments by a luthier to keep them in optimal playing condition.

  9. Historical Significance: Violas have a long history and have been a vital part of Western classical music for centuries. They are known for their versatile and expressive capabilities.

  10. Players: Many renowned musicians are known for their proficiency in playing the viola, and it continues to be a popular instrument for those who appreciate its unique timbre.

In an ensemble setting, 12 violas can contribute to the overall richness and depth of the music, enhancing the sonic palette of the orchestra or chamber group. They play an essential role in creating a balanced and harmonious sound in orchestral compositions.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best 12 violas on the market
  

Mendini 12-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola with Case, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings

Mendini

Based on 918 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mendini viola is completely hand-carved with a solid spruce top and maple back and sides. It is fitted with a maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest, and an alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners. This viola includes a lightweight form fitting hard, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and a bridge making this package a great deal for beginners.

  • Size 12" natural varnish viola
  • Hand-carved solid spruce top with maple back & sides
  • Maple fingerboard, pegs, and chin rest with an alloy tailpiece with four integrated fine tuners
  • Includes: lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and bridge
  • 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

User questions & answers

Question: When will you get a 14inch white viola?... how often do you restock
Answer: Yes, you can slice zucchini length wise. Most of this application is done when you want to grill or roast zucchini.
Question: Is this a 1/32 violin
Answer: This Mandoline set does not Crinkle cut.
Question: Is the brown a brown paint or a stain on the viola
Answer: If you squeeze the top of the blade guard together and pull them up away from the blade it should come off easily. There is also an oval tab you can grab on to and slide the guard up and away from the blade.
Question: Will you have a 15" black vioila before Christmas
Answer: Yes perfectly, just use the 3.5mm Slicing Insert that is included!

Product features

Mendini Viola

The Mendini viola has an impressive quality for the price, and is a remarkably affordable option for students who have never played the viola before and want to try it out for the first time. Here at Cecilio Musical Instruments, we understand that students have unique and diverse preferences. To better serve this diversity, our Mendini MA series of violas offers a wide variety of colors to choose from at exceptionally affordable prices. Both of our Mendini MA250 and Mendini MA350 violas have the same specifications and quality, but they differ in the type of finish used and the character of sound each one produces. The MA350 has a mellow and warm tone with a soft satin varnish finish to match, and the MA250 has a bright and vibrant tone and finish. Mendini viola includes a lightweight form fitting hard, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and a bridge making this package a great deal for beginners.

How to choose viola sizes

Our violas are available in 7 different sizes: 16.5", 16" (also known as full size), 15.5", 15", 14", 13" and 12". 16.5" viola is the biggest and 12" viola is the smallest. Most adults use 16" violas.

To measure what size viola best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The viola size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The viola size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.

The following table lists the length of each viola size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of viola to get.

Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola with D'Addario Prelude Strings, Size 12-Inch

Cecilio

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Teacher approved Cecilio CVA-500 viola features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Finished with a beautiful satin antique finish and inlaid purfling. The CVA-500 viola is strung with a set of D'Addario Prelude Strings and is fitted with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with nickel plated fine tuners. Viola package includes Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a lightweight form fitting hard shell case with pockets and strap (making it convenient to carry to school or orchestra), a Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.

  • Size 12 inch viola, solid hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back & sides, beautiful inlaid purfling & satin antique finish
  • Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings (Note: Does not include extra set of strings.)
  • Ebony fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel plated fine tuners
  • Includes: Cecilio chromatic tuner, a lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge
  • 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

User questions & answers

Question: My son's viola has lost the top screws for two of the fine-tuners. Do you know where I can get replacement screws
Answer: The brown is a spray paint finish.
Question: Our bow is defective - does anyone know if this is covered under the 1-year warranty and how to get it replaced
Answer: 15"MA-Black has been discontinued.

Product features

Cecilio CVA-500 Viola

Teacher approved Cecilio CVA-500 viola features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Finished with a beautiful satin antique finish and inlaid purfling. The CVA-500 viola is strung with a set of D'Addario Prelude Strings and is fitted with ebony fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with nickel plated fine tuners. Viola package includes Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a lightweight form fitting hard shell case with pockets and strap (making it convenient to carry to school or orchestra), a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.

How to choose viola sizes

Our violas are available in 7 different sizes: 16.5", 16" (also known as full size), 15.5", 15", 14", 13" and 12". 16.5" viola is the biggest and 12" viola is the smallest. Most adults use 16" violas.

To measure what size viola best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The viola size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The viola size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.

The following table lists the length of each viola size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of viola to get.

Cremona SVA-130 Premier Novice Viola Outfit - 12"

Cremona

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

While focusing primarily on quality and value, and the idea that viola holds a respected place in school orchestra’s throughout the country, the Cremona Premier Novice Series the SVA-130 12" viola was developed. Whether the student is in the earliest stages of the learning process, or well on the way to more advanced training, these violas will perform well beyond the expectations of both students and teachers. So if you are looking for an economical line of violas that has all the ingredients necessary for good performance, look no further than Cremona

  • Every Cremona student viola comes with US-made Prelude strings, the educator's preferred strings for students
  • Properly fitted Swiss-style ebony pegs and quality lightweight composite tailpiece with 4 smooth fine tuners for easy tuning
  • Low profile Kaufman-style chinrest, oiled neck for better feel and well balanced bow for ease of playing
  • Correct string height and string spacing for accurate finger positioning and intonation
  • Ebony fittings, ebony fingerboard, hand carved solid spruce and solid maple body, lightweight construction means quality workmanship
  • To learn more about the fantastic features of this product, see Product Description below

User questions & answers

Question: What is included with the istrument? Case? Bow? Rosin
Answer: 14"MA-White viola has been discontinued.
Question: Does the instrument come with a shoulder rest
Answer: No It's 13 in MA250 viola mendini.

WITTNER 251231 Chinrest for Viola, Hypoallergenic, Side Mount

Wittner

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

WITTNER Chinrest for Viola. Side Mount. Anatomically designed. Easy secure fitting. Material: Plastic. Hypoallergenic. Dimensions Chinrest 4.21x2.24x0.91inches (10.7x5.7x2.3cm).

  • WITTNER Chinrest for Viola.
  • Side Mount
  • Anatomically designed
  • Easy secure fitting
  • Made in Germany

User questions & answers

Question: Does this fit a 14" viola? The violin version was not big enough
Answer: I would check local music stores some guitars have similar fine tuners you might start there.
Question: I need one for a 12" viola. Will this work? Someone suggested a 13" violin if we couldn't find a small enough viola size
Answer: Yes, just contact the seller

D Z Strad Viola Model 101 with Case, Bow, Shoulder Rest and Rosin (15")

D Z Strad

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A favorite among Suzuki and other private teachers Each viola is made from a two piece maple back and solid carved spruce top Beautiful and dependable Viola 15" Setup with Wittner-style tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners. Warm and round tone, playability, hand-feel and consistency will keep you motivated The outfit include a viola case and Brazilwood Viola Bow While buying a viola online can be challenging, we are so confident in the extremely high quality of D Z Strad instruments that we decided to list these instruments anyways knowing that you will be thrilled with your purchase. These are top of the line violas made by incredibly talented luthiers especially for discerning string players.Each viola is made from a two piece maple back and solid carved spruce top. The outfit include a viola case and Brazilwood Viola Bow.Warm and round tone, playability, hand-feel and consistency will keep you motivated. The outfit include a viola case and Brazilwood Viola Bow.

  • The outfit include a viola case, Rosin, Shoulder rest and Brazilwood Viola Bow
  • A favorite among Suzuki and other private teachers
  • Each viola is made from a two piece maple back and solid carved spruce top
  • Beautiful and dependable Viola 15" Setup with Wittner-style tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners.
  • Warm and round tone, playability, hand-feel and consistency will keep you motivated

Cremona SVA-150 Premier Student Viola Outfit - 12"

Cremona

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Now anyone can afford a fully handcarved professional sounding viola. The SVA-150 12", that looks just as good as it plays! Quality ebony fingerboard, boxwood fittings, and a high-quality bow and bag are just a few of the selling points of this outstanding Cremona value!

  • Select tonewoods for the finest possible sound
  • Every Cremona student viola comes with US-made Prelude strings, the educator's preferred strings for students
  • Properly fitted Swiss-style boxwood pegs and quality lightweight composite tailpiece with 4 smooth fine tuners for easy tuning
  • Correct string height and string spacing for accurate finger positioning and intonation
  • Boxwood fittings, ebony fingerboard, hand carved solid spruce and solid maple body, lightweight construction means quality workmanship
  • To learn more about the fantastic features of this product, see Product Description below

Cecilio CVA-400 Solidwood Viola, Size 14-Inch

Cecilio

Based on 212 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cecilio violas are carefully hand carved. Each viola is meticulously graduated to exact specifications, ensuring a consistency of tone between individual pieces. The CVA-400 model features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides. It has a beautiful inlaid purfling satin finish and flamed back and sides. This is a complete set and comes with natural color rosewood pegs, chinrest, tailpiece and rosewood fingerboard. The rosewood tailpiece has 4 fine nickel plated tuners which is found in very expensive violas. Viola comes with a Brazil wood bow with ebony frogged and unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, a lightweight form fitting hard case with pockets and strap, extra set of strings, quality rosin cake and extra bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.

  • Size 14 inch viola, solid hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back & sides, beautiful inlaid purfling & finish
  • Maple fingerboard, boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel plated fine tuners
  • Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair
  • Includes: lightweight hard case, quality rosin cake, bridge, & extra set of strings
  • 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

User questions & answers

Question: What Is The Smalles Size Available
Answer: I have a 16" viola, and it fit fine.
Question: where is this item made
Answer: No, it will not fit a 12" viola. For 12" viola, you can use 1/2 violin chin rest.
Question: How long should your arm be to play this? my arm is 22 in
Answer: Case, Bow, Rosin included with instrument
Question: Does the case come with a strap
Answer: No it doesn't. You can order it separately.

Cecilio CVA-400 Solidwood Viola Strung with DAddario Prelude Strings, Size 14-Inch

Cecilio

Based on 100 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Teacher approved Cecilio CVA-400 viola features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Finished with a beautiful satin varnish and inlaid purfling. The CVA-400 viola is strung with a set of D'Addario Prelude Strings and is fitted with maple fingerboard, boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with nickel plated fine tuners. Viola package includes Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a lightweight form fitting hard shell case with pockets and strap (making it convenient to carry to school or orchestra), a Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.

  • Size 14 inch viola, solid hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back & sides, beautiful inlaid purfling & finish
  • Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings (Note: Does not include extra set of strings.)
  • Maple fingerboard, boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel plated fine tuners
  • Includes: Cecilio chromatic tuner, a lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge
  • 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come in a true left handed version
Answer: The smallest size available for this model is 12".
Question: Is this a good viola for advanced players
Answer: The company is based in California, BUT they have their instruments manufactured in China. I am considering buying a viola from them, but I will not buy a horn from them again. They won't sell you replacement parts and the valves went bad just after the 1-year warranty expired. :-/ It's a risk, but the instruments are so inexpensive, might be worth it.
Question: Is the bridge installed
Answer: I am not sure. My son is 5"2 if that helps any. It is one size too big for him. I got it big so he will grow into it
Question: How do i get replacement strings
Answer: It comes with back straps to be used as a backpack. After a months use, the straps broke. Not very sturdy. The instrument itself is a good starter instrument.

Product features

Cecilio CVA-400 Viola

Teacher approved Cecilio CVA-400 viola features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Finished with a beautiful varnish and inlaid purfling. The CVA-400 viola is strung with a set of D'Addario Prelude Strings and is fitted with maple fingerboard and boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with nickel plated fine tuners. Viola package includes Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a lightweight form fitting hard shell case with pockets and strap (making it convenient to carry to school or orchestra), a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.

How to choose viola sizes

Our violas are available in 7 different sizes: 16.5", 16" (also known as full size), 15.5", 15", 14", 13" and 12". 16.5" viola is the biggest and 12" viola is the smallest. Most adults use 16" violas.

To measure what size viola best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The viola size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The viola size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.

The following table lists the length of each viola size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of viola to get.

Plastic Viola Shoulder Rest, Adjustable Viola Shoulder Parts for Teachers, Students and Professionals

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specification:

Condition: 100% Brand New

Item Type: Viola Shoulder Rest

Material: Plastic + EVA



Package List:

1 * Viola Shoulder Rest

  • 【Hign Quality】Adopt high-strength material, that strong, sturdy and not easy to deform for practice and playing.
  • 【High Performance 】The high-density sponge contact surface, support excellent Support and stability on your shoulder.
  • 【Adustable】You can conveniently adjust the shoulder rest for effective results and better comfort.
  • 【Great Accessory】The comfortable and secure grip of this viola shoulder rest prevents any injuries and makes it great accessory for teachers, students and professionals.
  • 【Guarantee】If you are not satisfied with our product you received, you can send emails to us at any time. We will reply you instantly and help you solve your problem。

User questions & answers

Question: what size is this shoulder rest? I need a Viola size
Answer: You may contact us at 877-232-4545 for further assistance with the replacement strings.

Everest ES2PU VLN SH Rest 3/4-1/2 Size - Purple

Everest

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The same design as the Everest EZ in bright colors! Available for 4/4, 3/4 - 1/2, and 1/4 - 1/10 size violins.

  • Same design as the Everest EZ
  • Bright colors
  • High quality
  • 3/4 - 1/2 size
  • Purple

User questions & answers

Question: My daughter has a size 14 viola. She will be moving up to size 16 soon. Will this rest fit
Answer: Our Quality Control department will double check, set up the string and bridge before it ships. Since the bridge is not permanent glued on, and it is held down by the tension of the strings, it might have a chance to dislocate during shipping. If that happen, you will have to set it up yourself or you may contact us at 909-243-7068 for assistant

Generic Viola Strings Set Aluminum-magnesium alloy Four strings V223

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Viola Strings Viola Strings are suitable for all sizes. It is made of high quality stainless steel core to avoid oxidation and have strong durability. these violin strings are optimized to the needs of a majority of players. Give you a different sound quality to enjoy A_1st High quality aluminum-magnesium alloy D_2nd Stainless steel wire core, aluminum-magnesium alloy wound G_3rd Stainless steel wire core, aluminum-magnesium alloy wound C_4th Stainless steel wire core, aluminum-magnesium alloy wound Package Includes:1 set Viola Strings Packaged in uniquely-designed sealed pouches providing unparalleled protection from the elements that cause corrosion. Warranty:Normally we offer a six-months limited warranty. We will provide professionally technical guidance and perfect after-sales service. Please don’t hesitate to contact with us anytime.

  • viola strings , steel core composite aluminum-magnesium alloy wound with ball end
  • viola strings ,stainless steel core with an aluminum magnesium alloy wire wound offers superior strength & durability
  • viola strings ,flexible and soft to the touch makes playability easy for all player levels
  • viola strings suitable for all sizes Viola.Normally we offer a six-months limited warranty
  • viola strings ,high quality solid steel core for nice warm tone and longevity

NANYI 3PCS Rosin Violin Rosin Light Low Dust Rosin for Bows Violin Viola and Cello

NANYI

Product description

NANYI Rosin Well suited for Violin, Viola and Cello and Perfect for horsehair or synthetic hair bows.



NANYI rosin gives an obvious improvement in the sound quality with its good quality, low dust, great grip and high viscosity.



Strong adhesion, increase friction and make the effect last longer.

Doesn't soften in warm weather.

Box rosin, rectangular in shape, is more convenient and easier to use, store and carry.



Rosin, as an indispensable accessory of violin, cello and viola, is very important but easy to neglect. First of all, all of the sounds are produced by the strings on the instrument and how the bow is pulled across the instrument. The string vibrates and sound is produced when it is rubbed. Therefore, rosin plays a crucial role in this process, and its quality has a strong influence on the violin's sound.

  • 1. Premium Rosin For Violin, Viola and Cello
  • 2. Good quality, low dust, high viscosity is a little bit, make the instrument pronunciation sensitive and timbre.
  • 3. Dust free adhesion not brittle not crack.
  • 4. Low dust rosin protect human body against the harm.
  • 5. A hassle-free 12-month warranty and friend customer service.

Thomastik Dominant Viola D String - 14 size - Medium Gauge

Dominant (Thomastik Infeld)

Product description

Dominant Strings These strings have a highly flexible, multi-strand nylon core. The resounding success of Dominant strings is due to its similarity in tone and response to gut strings, without gut's attendant drawbacks. The sound is full and mellow, yet rich in overtones. Its ability to project sound without being metallic comes to the fore both in arco and pizzicato. Also offers effortless response to intricate fingering and tuning stability even under extreme humidity and temperature conditions. Dominant strings should be changed at appropriate intervals to ensure continuity of tone color. Instrument: Viola String Type: D Size: 14 - 16 1/2 inch Gauge: Medium or Stark D String: Aluminum wound over a perlon core String Tonal Profile:

  • manufacturer model #: 137

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