Viola Outfits
What Outfit should you choose?
First of all it is important to select the right size of instrument. Follow the next few easy steps to make sure you get it right:
Measure the left arm from the neck all the way to the finger tip of the middle finger.
Then compare to the following chart:
| From 22.5" or 57 cm | 1/2 size violin or 12" viola |
| From 24" or 61 cm | 3/4 size violin or 13" viola |
| From 25.75" or 65.5 cm | 4/4 size violin or 14" viola |
| From 27.5" |
15" viola or bigger |
Next you have a price to decide on. Originally violas are made from:
- Spruce for the front of the instrument,
- Maple for the back, ribs and neck
- Ebony for the fingerboard
Budget instruments might use plywood or painted hardwood parts instead. This keeps the cost down but the instrument doesn't age well. The sound too is in no way comparable to traditionally made instruments.
There are also many variations of woods used for bows. As the bow is the voice of your instrument, the right choice of bow is important as it massively affects articulation and sound. In short, a good bow makes practice a lot easier!
Originally bows were made from aged Pernambuco wood, but as this is now rarely available a lot of alternatives have come up, from plastics and carbon fiber to hardwoods such as Brazilwood. All outfits already have a bow included, but if you would like to discuss options for more advanced outfits, feel free to email me.