Best Electric Violas
4 String Solid-body electric viola with Polar pickup system, dual mode preamp. Solid Maple Body and neck with figured maple top.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"NS Design CR4 Violin and CR4 Viola. I had been reluctant to buy such an expensive electric violin... in a world where for the same money one could get a stellar first rate premium signature edition electric guitar. I heard of people stringing violins for viola tuning (CGDA instead of GDAE) and was fascinated with the idea. I ordered a C string and strung it on the end of my FV3 and ran the other strings over a slot, leaving the E string off when I got to the end. I loved the viola tuning, but couldn't find a C string that sounded quite right with the other strings. Usually one has to toss that the strings that come with these things, But NS Design used what sound like premium steel chrome wound strings. I had complained of the WAV4 being stiff and inflexible... not giving much of a sense for player `feel', but the CR4, at least the Viola (I haven't played the CR4 Violin but imagine it is quite similar in all regards), seemed to have flexibility... that when using some strength and force in modulating the strings, the violin actually bends in a bit... a great perception of playability and control... a rewarding `feel' to the instrument. Well, my Fender FV3 Violin measures from the nut to the bridge for a string length of 12 7/8 inches, while my Viola measures 14 1/4. Anyway, after having played both Viola and Violin, and not to sound condescending, but the Viola seems more fit for men, while the violin seems better suited for the smaller hands of boys and girls. Oh, and as far as trading the Violin's high E String for the Viola's low C String ( violins are tuned to GDAE while violas are tuned down to CGDA ), while occasionally the lilting and ethereal E string has its valued uses, particularly when clustered together with other violins in concert, still in most cases that really piercing high string is used only because it is there, and the results are shrill and often clash with the other instrumentation. Bands are often afraid of including an Electric Violin, and only because they fear those wildly high E Strings stabbing into their brains by way of the ears. The Viola, however, with that C String on the low end, can reach some real bassy lows, and one can still finger far enough down on the high end A string to suggest the musical mood and intensity of Going High without actually going so high as to be positively annoying."
The Epiphone Viola Bass is voiced by two bass Mini-humbucker pickups and comes with Chrome hardware. Laminate Maple body.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Now that I got this bass, I really need to put into a lot of time practicing and getting better."
"I think there are fair comments suggesting that $800 or $1500 or $2000 guitar made by master craftsman will perform better. I loved the way SG feels in my lap (compared to strat, les paul & casino)...so when the time came - I bought a cheaper gibson sg...and man....what a difference....now that I had some idea of appreciating the difference. I still like it and would proudly give it away to a serious student (in my circle of family & friends).....OK so today - I picked up this viola (my first bass). The construction was flawless - the woodwork in excellent - nice grain that compliments the instrument - front & back."
"The best bass guitar ever!"
"Great deal."
"Excellent look."
"Great sound; best viola bass out there."
"Couldn't push my high quality cord in.Tried another cord and was really hard to push in finally went after pushing with all my might."
Dual under-bridge piezo pickups and a studio-quality preamp faithfully deliver acoustic tone that's fully tweakable with the onboard EQ system. The electric viola's unfinished neck offers the feel of an acoustic instrument and the full 16" scale is easy to play. Dual piezo pickups and EQ dial provides a rich, warm tone.
Find Best Price at AmazonBest Acoustic Violas
This viola includes a lightweight form fitting hard, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and a bridge making this package a great deal for beginners. Includes: lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and bridge.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Seldom will instrument be shipped with the bridge and strings on. To add more friction, usually a rosin dust is applied to pegs or holes."
"For less than $100, you get a nice looking playable viola with a bow, 2 sets of strings, rosin, and a sturdy case. I'd recommend a set of D'Addario Prelude strings for much better sound and playability."
"I'm a violinist and was interested in playing viola and so I looked to this as an option to have one for my own to play on during the summer, as I am glad I got it for such a price, I am disappointed that the bow bends backwards when tightening to the point where I had to check if I received a baroque bow of some sort."
"Great viola, I really like the look and the sound is great, I just wish it came with a better rossin, mine broke into pieces as soon as I opened it for the first time."
"Our daughter literally cried when she oped the box!"
"Amazing quality and awesome sound!"
"Was nervous buying without seeing it in person."