This has undoubtedly been asked before, but finding old threads is a nightmare so ...

The scenario is finding an instrument for adult beginner - someone with a good grounding in music theory and reasonable aural skills, already quite competent on piano, and with experience of a couple of other instruments (no longer played) - now looking for a second instrument that will provide more opportunities to play with other musicians, that will allow total concentration on a single melodic line and shaping a phrase, and will improve his ability to discern pitches accurately. The possible student has quite large and flexible hands (though not enormous) and long arms (so a 16" instrument or even bigger would be quite comfortable). It needs to be suitable to go to Grade 8 standard and beyond.

What are the makes to look at?
What defects should you look for?
Is it possible to assess the quality of the instrument if you don't play it - or do you need an expert to help?
Are second hand instruments better value than new?
What is the least you should expect to pay for a "good enough" instrument?

Excellent choice. As far as new instruments are concerned, let me be the first (probably of many) to suggest a Gliga Gama. A good place to get one would be www.elidatrading.co.uk. I will let others comment on second-hand options.

100%

W

One thing I've noticed is the high proportion of German (and Eastern European) violas in comparison to violin.

Anybody care to comment? German violins tend (oinly tend...) to lack brilliance up top - what about violas - what's the ideal sound?

Son is plannning to go and play a Gliga during summer holidays, BUT while they are now available in Japan, they are about twice the price they are in other countries.

I agree - a gliga gama will do nicely or also the excellent Yitamusic chinese violins - the T20 series are played by professional orchestral players, so are a cut above most instruments in the price range.

In both cases you'll need to allow extra cash for a good set up.

Another vote for Gliga Gama - I've got one too (16") and have been very pleased with it.

Come on Tom, don't keep us in suspense. Is this a friend of yours, or are you planning to get to grade 8 on the viola while waiting to get back to your piano?

I suppose I am my own best friend

Perhaps - but I've decided that a second instrument might well do me some good - that is to say, develop aspects of musicianship that will eventually make me a better pianist. And I'll still average close to 4 hours/day on piano. I don't fancy picking up clarinet again, or any other woodwind ... all that messing about with reeds and cork wax, and cleaning "moisture" out of the instrument. I am going to try to borrow a Viola before buying.

I expect it to take a little longer than 5 weeks! It can take me that long to get two bars right on an instrument that I already play pretty well

/ <-- Madder than ever

p.s Thanks for the advice. Gliga Gama and Yitamusic T20 - similar price - similar spec. Oh dear

But instead you have to mess about with strings and rosin! And cleaning rosin of the strings and the fingerboard!

I know someone with a Gliga Gem viola, it sounds so nice and deep, makes me want to learn the viola instead of the violin! I guess getting a Gliga might be less risky cos it's based in the UK?

Have fun! You should try to get a teacher to teach you the techniques.

Tis a tricky one to be sure. If it were violins; I'd say get the Yitamusic - they're much better than the gligas, but gliga do make truly gorgeous violas...

Still, nice decision to have to make, eh?

Has anyone tried a Yitamusic viola? If so, how do they compare with Gligas? I'm not really hijacking Mad Tom's thread, because I expect he'd like to know too.

I've had their violins and they're exceptional - way beyond the quality of the gligas, if their violas are anything like similar in quality, I'd think that they must be amazing.

Basically, you have a great deal of string players in the ENO playing with Yita music violas and violins with a high quality set up - I haven't met a professional player who would use a gliga as a primary orchestral instrument.

That said, one critique that is often levelled at gliga violins is that they aren't made like violins, but more like violas, so the sound is too deep and muffled (often translated as 'warm' by people who want a forgiving tone) - this however, is a great thing when it comes to their violas - they're exceptional sounding instruments.

Honestly, in this case, unless someone who has a yita viola appears, I'd go with the gliga, because you're on safe, well-known ground.

Trust me - it takes MUCH longer to thoroughly wipe all moisture from the inside of my flute, dry the pads, wipe all marks off the outside of my flute and then polish it all from head to toe, than to wipe the rosin off my strings and bow Sometimes to the point where i'll think 'i want to play my flute but i SO cant be bothered to clean it when i'm done... i'll play violin instead'

I agree about Gliga - my Gliga Gama violin was lovely and I only parted with it because I needed a full-size instrument.

What about asking to see if there are any young or amateur luthiers in your area who might have an instrument you could try (or let someone experienced try on your behalf). I've picked up a new instrument very reasonably and it's fantastic (my teacher would have bought it if I hadn't!).

Or try the violin-making school. Luthiers don't charge a fortune when just starting out and you might pick up something unique and fantastic value.

I have a Gliga Gama viola and I absolutely love it it was worth every penny!

I have a Yitamusic T20 which my luthier just tweeked the existing setup and changed the strings for dominants. It is absolutely remarkable for the price (I am a professional violinist and teacher) - I've heard it suggested here and elsewhere that you can improve them still further by having a better bridge and soundpost but, for now at least there is no need with mine. I first came across them when a pupil turned up with a second hand T19 viola and I have been happy to recommend them since.

I am, however looking to upgrade the bow it came with - with Yita instruments in general, the bow that comes with it is fairly basic and unremarkable. It would be fair to say that it is probably no better or worse than you would expect for the price...... only that the instruments themselves are so much better that they deserve (and indeed benefit still further from) a stronger, better bow.

I don't have any personal experience of the Gligas but know that they are well regarded here. On a practical level, do the Gligas come with a case and bow included, like the Yitamusic instruments, or do you have to buy those separately?

Depends on the model.

Liz