For all of you Violists (not Violinists, as I'm sure to point out so I'm not eaten in this forum), I have one question to ask. I want to try out the viola, and I've already had practice with the clarinet for about 3 or 4 years. I want to know if there's a place where I could get a cheap viola that I could just buy to practice a little on and find out if I like it... Any one know the place?

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After reading that thread about how violas don't get large parts, would a violin be better?

Hi theperson108

I really understand your situation, because I was in a similar one some years ago. At that time I have already been playing the flute for in about 5 or 6 years at our local music school. Then I wanted to start to play the viola. I was not allowed to start with a string instrument when I was younger, but I alwys dreamed of doing it.
First I was also not sure if I should start with the viola or the violin. My arguments were the same that you have: I thought that violas do not have important parts p.e. in an orchestra. My arguments for the viola were its very warm tone and I also knew that it would be much harder to start with the viola than with the violin. So I wanted to try it.
Now I am already playing the viola for five years and I know that it was the right decision for me. I do also play in an orchestra at the music school. Ok, the notes are not as interessting and important as those of the first violins, but they are not more unimpotant than those of the second violins.
In addition I have got a fantastic teacher who has showed me a lot.

So I can only advise you to start with the viola, you won't regret it.
I do not know where you are from, but in my region (North- West Germany) you can rent an instrument at the music school for just 10 Euro or something like that, also if you do not take leesons there. Perhaps you could also ask for such an offering at a music school in your region?

Maiksch

PS: I hope you can understand my miserable English!!!

Thanks so much!
Unfortunatly, I can't rent a viola, because there isn't one at my school.... Only a broken violin. Maybe I'll think about buying one... Wel, anyways, thank you so much, I think I've made my decision for viola now.

Ps: Your english is fine!

I'm not sure if this helps, but my friend who isn't real serious about the viola and who wanted a cheep one just got one off ebay. it's not *too* expensive, $200 for an outfit. www.musiciansfriend.com also has some nice deals. Oh, and you are *amazing* for choosing the viola. it's the best instrument *ever*

If you want a cheap viola try a Stentor the are around 200$.
Do a google shearch on them...

Gliga instruments at violinslover.com are pretty good from what I've heard. The lesser expensive ones are around $200-250 or so. I got one myself a little over a year ago (17") and with the little time I have to practice around work, I enjoy it very much.

Good luck

yeah im a violinist too, and its not all about the orchestra! violas have major parts in chamber music, and you can play anything classical on them, or anything you can think of. plus they are a bit nicer on the ear sometimes! its about the music, not how "important you are" without the rest of the orchestra, the violin would be nothing!

i played violin for 3 years and have now played viola for 6 years. i find viola generally better than violin, it can go lower lol.

you can always buy acheap violin and change the strings, you need only buy one extra.

naomi