Hi, I have had a strong interest in playing the viola for quite some time now, and I have been doing some research on violas. I was planning to buy a viola, and I checked out some "sizing charts" for violas. I am slightly confused.

According to these "sizing charts," I am supposed to buy a 16" viola (smaller could work too, I guess). On another website, I read that the viola that fits me is one that I can comfortably grasp the scroll without stretching my arm. I went to the music shop, but the violas they had were "larger than full size." (I think they were 16"-17".) I tried touching the scroll of the viola, and it could reach it comfortably. I'm pretty short (5' 2" to be exact), so I'm a bit skeptical about the sizes. Any advice?

Thanks for the information!

I also have another question about viola/stringed instruments. As a beginner student, should I invest in a Chinese manufactured viola? I heard that the quality of Chinese manufactured string instruments in far greater than the Chinese wind instruments.

Im not sure, i really don't think that matters...maybe you should invest in that later on when u get a little better. But about the sizes you should call up ever music store that has viola's and make sure they fit you (the people at the store can help you or have ur teacher come with you) Make sure the viola has a nice sound as in its loud ans it has a good sound quality. Its hard to find a viola with that. I live in maryland and my friend traveled out to Pennsylvania to buy her Violin, so you can travel out of state to get it if you feel like it.

Also...The best sound quality strings to get are called Dominates....they are in a brown box...they run up to like $70

always great to have a new violist!!

make sure the instrument is perfect for your size or smaller! not bigger take this advice from me =)

also if you're new dont spend a lot of money on ur first viola1