A group to discuss and share info and music specific to the viola.

43 Members, Created 8/27/2011 -

Administrators: mudbug (owner)

Couldn't resist

From elf1654 on 12/31/2012 5:34:21 PM

I been playing the fiddle for a few years now not very well mind you but the dog don't go running away every time I pull the bow out now. :)

Not too long after I started learning the violin  I began eyeing the viola. The deep bellows that could be coaxed from the viola always seem to garner my interest.

Like it is for many folks, money is a bit tight around the house now in days. So the idea of spending any real money on a viola to see if I would like it just isn't in the cards.

I've seen the name Shar Music bandied around a few times. The other week. I decided to take a look see. Surprisingly enough they had a 16 inch blemished viola for 90 bucks. 90 DOLLARS. With free shipping. Dang I just can't find a better deal than that. The normal price is about 140 dollars.

I've often heard good things about the Shar company and decided to take a chance. I could not be happier.

Yes, it's a factory viola made for students and yes its blemished. The sound I'm sure could not be compared to a high end instrument. The bridge was nicely prepared. It appears to have been thinned and shaped by someone who has been taught well. The bridge also appears to be of decent hardwood. The rest of the setup itself was surprising decent. Overall it has been one of the best deals I lucked into in recent years

Even though the strings supplied seemed to be alright, I up the ante and purchased a new set of Preludes (I know big spender, right?) from a local music store. The strings added a warm and even tone to the big fella. I LIKE THIS GUY! The size is quite something, 16 inch for those interested, when a person is used to a 4/4 violin.

The bellowing sound when I draw the bow across the strings makes me smile. I was afraid when I bought the viola that I would have to start learning a new instrument all over again. I quickly found many of the slow tunes (D and G) I generally play on the fiddle rolled out quite nicely with the viola albeit a lot deeper of course.

I'm a happy camper and honestly glad I took a chance with this one.

Rusty

1 Comments
	mudbug says: 1/26/2013 4:28:49 AM Nice deal! I did the same in buying an inexpensive one and putting good strings on. I found that good strings and a good bow made a world of difference.
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