Thought it was cool to see this group spring up here. Ive had viola on my mind since I started fiddlin'. Shortly after I started playing a violin player said I should try viola with my long fingers and arms. Ive messed with a few at the store and my arm is definitely more comfortable holding a viola. Im looking at one here locally (student outfit) thats reasonable. Im thinking of going with the 16.5. Im 6'1 ,210 lbs.
12 Comments |
 | TimK says:
9/5/2011 11:11:46 AM
Well, I'm new to the viola myself so I'm not an expert. I have a 16.5" and find it easy to switch from fiddle scale to viola. I'm guessing that it would be just right for you.
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 | FireandAir says:
9/5/2011 11:13:59 AM
16", 14.75" nut-to-bridge. I've just ordered and will be receiving a pochette from a luthier dude in Georgia with the same specs.
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 | Barry1963 says:
9/5/2011 12:45:42 PM
Thanks guys, not sure yet when the money Gods will allow it, but hopefully soon.
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 | edkarch says:
9/5/2011 2:39:03 PM
16" I have no problem switching back and forth with the fiddle. Did notice the big boy can get kind of heavy after a couple hours of jamming.
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 | Diane in Chicago says:
9/5/2011 3:46:52 PM
I have a 14", and even that feels bigger and heavier. But I am a gal with small hands, so that's about as big as I think I'd want to go. I feel like I borrowed my big brother's instrument.
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 | transplant says:
9/5/2011 7:36:03 PM
Yup, a 14" viola might feel bulkier under your chin, but the scale length should be pretty similar to a violin.
My main viola is 16.5" and feels fine. Not quite six feet tall, me, with long fingers. Left hand spans ten inches, but didn't always. Years of stretching, I guess. Right is more like nine and a half.
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| Barry1963 says:
9/7/2011 11:27:43 AM
Do the larger ones carry (sound) better ?
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 | mudbug says:
9/9/2011 2:51:09 AM
Mine is 16", and after fiddle I find I have to consciously stretch for fourth finger. Technically, the bigger the body, the better the sound, but they're all too small (technically speaking) and I played a 15 1/2 that sounded grand.
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| transplant says:
9/12/2011 12:19:44 PM
Can't really generalize, Barry. Violas are way more individual than violins, from what I can tell, not just size, but sound.
What to do? Best way is to find a place with a row or two of them on the wall, and try out as many as you can. Whichever one wants to come home with you the worst, well, there you go.
As if I ever take my own advice... I ordered one sight unseen from SW Strings four or five years ago, and took the one they picked out in the warehouse. No regrets there; either I got lucky, or they are all good, or something in between.
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| Barry1963 says:
9/14/2011 4:15:22 AM
Transplant,Which model did you get from Southwest Strings? Just curious
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| transplant says:
9/14/2011 8:12:19 PM
It was their Etude model, which at the time was second from the bottom of the lineup. Since then I've put on a Pusch-type tailpiece, new bridge and post, and done some other work on it, but it was pretty much OK right out of the box.
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 | 16inchviola says:
8/31/2012 8:58:09 AM
16 inch, El-ccheepo Ebay special. Very loud viola, I normally play it with a small mute so I don`t drown everyone else out. Finger spacing very close to my mandolin which makes it easy to switch back and forth between them.
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