Hi,

Anybody got any suggestions on what would make a good first time viola for someone starting off with no musical experience? Money is an object but i dont want over cheap.

Thanks,

Matt!

I started with a Westbury (and I'm still playing it). It cost about £400 I think, and I really like the sound it makes. (I tried cheaper violas in the shop, but they didn't sound as good).

I'm playing a Stentor , all I can say about them is: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. I don't like them, they are truly evil, mine cost about £150, bow and case included, and I guess I was lucky due to the fact that I didn't need to get it re-bridged or re-stringed, although I wish I did now because my fingers are now constantly numb! But not long now, getting my handmade one in a few weeks to a month, once the man has set it up and my nans sent down the money!

Matt,

Get a Gliga Gems II from Elidatrading.co.uk based in Huddersfield. They have an absolutely gorgeous tone and are beautifully made. Price varies slightly depending on size, but my wife's is a 15' Gems II and cost £285 including a nice glasser composite bow and plush case. I believe they are the best in the world for the price and not by a narrow margin. Read the info and links on the other gliga thread on this site. Also do a google search on "time gliga" and follow the link to an article in Time magazine on these violins. They are made from the same carpathian maple forests that Stradivarius used although Stradivarius and others travelled a long way to get this wood, whilst Gliga has it on his doorstep. Gliga also made a violin for Yehudi Menuhin, which was warmly received by Menuhin.

Happy viola playing!

Hi Zoda, and thanks for the vote of confidence!

It's amazing what one finds on a google search: I was just looking up Westbury viola prices and came across this thread, i didn't even know this forum existed. We've had a Westbury viola we have been trying to get rid of for months and months and we can't shift the blasted thing even at cost because everyone keeps buying ... you know what

Liz

Hi Liz!

Got back from a week in North Wales to rip open an envelope containing: 3 new E strings! I love the Zyex G, D and A so much I'm not even going to try anything else, but the Zyex E in higher positions isn't quite as nice as for instance the G, and I'm putting it to the test against: Evah Pirazzi, Obligato and Eudoxa. I meant to get Pirastro Olive Gold as well but I forgot the name just as I was talking to the salesman on the phone. I've just put the Eudoxa on- gorgeous sound all the way up. Don't know how long it will last though since I've just read you're not supposed to fit them with an adjuster- oops. Because the E strings always seem to be about 2 squid I get to be a connoiseur without forking much out. By the way I hope people don't think all Gligas are that bright blue colour! Perhaps you should follow it up with some nicely flamed maple!

David

I haven't used Eudoxas for years because of the cost (it wouldn't be so bad if they didn't break every five minutes!) but perhaps one day I should try them again just to see what they are like.

Liz

Well i'd like 2 tell u 2 get a viola like mine but as i bought it second hand i have no idea as 2 what make it is! it's got a really lovely tone and warmth about it tho.
jess

I'm getting a new viola soonish, the person who's setting it up is just making several adjustmants. It's beautiful, German circa 1880!

matt 4504 why have u decided to start playing the viola? (apart from the fact that its a fantastic instrument of course!)
jess

Everyone should play the viola. It's a great instrument.
I've got a Zeller viola (Roumanian), lovely tone, beautiful instrument, that I picked up for £300. I don't get much opportunity to play it though everyone seems to prefer my violin... *sigh*

[QUOTE]Everyone should play the viola. It's a great instrument.[QUOTE]
Totally agree with that!
jess

Me too! Then us viola players wouldn't feel so lonely in orchestras!

QUOTE (cheeble @ Sep 15 2004, 04:52 PM)

I don't get much opportunity to play it though everyone seems to prefer my violin... *sigh*

Enjoy it while it lasts: usually the instant you admit you play viola you can say goodbye to ever playing violin again

Liz

I wish that was the case! Unfortunately there's a good strong fleet of violists round where I live and a distinct shortage of violinists!

oh yeah forgot to mention... people would actually rather i played my french horn than my viola!! i've played the horn in more orchestras than i've played the viola, which is really really odd considering i've only been playing the horn for a year, and i've been playing the viola for aaages! am i a freak or something?

No of course you're not a freak!!!