Instrument Overview
The Viola is the Alto Voice of the orchestra and second smallest member of the violin family of instruments. Violas are usually made with a spruce top with maple back and sides. The pegs, tailpiece, fingerboard, and chinrest are usually made of a hardwood such as ebony or boxwood. Electric violas are also available. Violas are pitched in the key of C, as are all the members of the violin family. Its music is read on the rarely used alto clef. Though primarily a classical instrument, the viola is also present in many other genres, including jazz and rock.
Taylor’s carries a full line of violas ranging from student level through professional including such brands as,
- Beck
- Darche
- Doestch
- Garfiano
- Hans Weller
- John Juzek
- Eastman La Scala
- Prager
- Yamaha
as well as many other brands and privately made instruments. We have instruments in the German, French and Italian Tradition. The expert staff at Taylor’s can help you choose your instrument or place a special order for an instrument to fit your needs.
For more information, email band@taylorsmusic.com or call 1-800-291-9700, extension 104