Would You Like to Try Playing the Viola?

What kind of instrument is the viola? I think it is difficult to imagine that there are many people who can immediately imagine what kind of instrument the viola is. There are fewer viola players than the violin, and many people have the image that the viola is a minor instrument. In this blog, I will tell you about the charm of the viola, including my own experiences and impressions of actually playing the viola!

So uh…What is a Viola?

The viola is the middle part of the violin family of stringed instruments. The stringed instruments in order from the treble to the bass registers are: violin, viola, cello, and contrabass.
The viola has a lower register of 5 degrees compared to the violin and a larger body, which gives it a thicker lower sound. As a comparison, the table below shows what makes the viola different from the violin.

As you can see from the table, the viola has a C line, which is not found on the violin. This C line allows the viola to play in the lower register, which is unique to the viola. The overall length of the instrument is also approximately 10 cm longer than that of the violin, which gives it a thicker sound and a deeper bass tone.

The viola is an instrument that all experienced string players should try out at least once.

I would very much like to encourage a variety of people, from beginners to experienced players, to become interested in the viola, so I would like to take a moment here to share some of my experiences so far.

I have been learning the violin since I was a child, but I never touched the viola, and during my school days I was occupied with practicing the violin. So, unfortunately, I did not have many opportunities to play the viola. However, as I grew up and started listening to classical music and orchestras, I suddenly thought, "If I can play the violin to some extent, maybe I can play the viola, too.” I impulsively bought a cheap used viola. When I actually tried to play it, I felt that the fingerboard was wider than that of the violin and that it was difficult to play. But, I was very impressed by the richness of the sound, which I didn’t have on the violin. I realized once again that the larger the body of the instrument, the louder the sound and the greater the sound pressure, and the deeper the sound.
The width of the fingerboard became less difficult once I got used to it, and even though I had only played the violin before, with practice I was able to play simple tunes on the viola!

New Viola from PLAYTECH!

In April 2023, PLAYTECH introduced their Viola! A spruce veneer is used for the front board, and a maple veneer for the back and side boards. The PVA200 series has a glossy finish, and the PVA300 series has an antique matte finish. Both violas are available in two sizes, 15.5" and 16", respectively, and both provide pleasantly thicker lower tones and a gorgeous treble!

The PVA200 series features a beautiful gloss finish!

PLAYTECH / PVA260 Viola 16-inch

PLAYTECH / PVA255 Viola 15.5-inch

The case that comes with the viola is a shaped case. It can hold two bows and comes with bows, pine rosin, shoulder pads, and a tuner. It has a good balance of low and high notes and a bright tone. It is a well-balanced viola that is easy for beginners to handle. This viola set is recommended for those who are just starting to play the viola!

List of Accessories Included with the PVA260 Series

The PVA300 series features an antique matte finish for a relaxed feeling!

PLAYTECH / PVA360 Viola 16-inch

PLAYTECH / PVA355 Viola 15.5-inch

This viola also comes with a shaped case, bow, pine rosin, shoulder pad, and tuner! If you are looking for a good sound, this series is recommended!

Recommended for nighttime practice! YAMAHA Silent Viola SVV200

YAMAHA / SVV200 Silent Viola

If you are concerned about the volume of your practicing at home, this is the one for you! The volume is only 1/10 of an acoustic viola (measured by YAMAHA). The neck, fingerboard, strings, bridge, etc. are the same as those of an acoustic viola, so you can play the instrument without any discomfort.

What do you think? Whether you have never played a viola before or you are an experienced player, we hope this article has sparked your interest in the viola. We hope you enjoy your music life.