Violas come in different levels for players on different stages of their learning journey. Many students start out by renting violas for practice until they are ready to own one. If you’re looking to buy a new viola, you’ll want to know how much to spend. We’ve summarized our findings below, but you can read our full article about buying a viola.
Generally, violas fall under three categories for pricing:
- Student Violas: These are for beginners. Young students or players at the early stage of learning the viola are constantly working on the basics of playing, tone production, fingering, bowing etc. Hence, maple (dyed black to resemble ebony) is sometimes used for the pegs and fingerboards, areas that are exposed to more friction. Student violas are mostly machine-made to keep costs low while maintaining tone consistency. Quite affordable. Prices range from $200 – $2,500.
- Intermediate to Advanced Violas: With higher workmanship, the sound of an intermediate viola is also much better. There are more dynamics and stronger projection. The pegs and fingerboards are crafted with ebony and most of the instrument is handcrafted. Prices range from $500 – $10,000.
- Professional Violas: Pure craftsmanship using the finest quality of wood, professional violas exude a rich tone and wide dynamics. Masterpieces like these are expensive. Prices go from $10,000 onwards.
I have a 1987 Mathias Thoma 16.5 viola made in west germany. I can’t find any information on it at all like where it came from or who made it. Model 32 and serial number 21795. Its in good used condition, I like it, but was wondering what it was worth.
I have a 1964 Scherl and Roth viola, serial number 64-2900 with the case and bow. In good repair, its small though, 13″. Maybe 12″. Could anyone point me in the direction of an online appraisal place or just tell me, roughly, how much it might be sold for. Originally I wanted to trade for a viola my size but now I am reconsidering because this baby may be worth some dough. Thanks.