Italian Violas for Sale: What to Look out for
The journey of buying a viola is deeply personal. It's about finding an instrument that reflects your musical vision while meeting the highest standards of violin making. We are happy to accompany you in the search for your Cremona viola.
The decision to buy a viola is an important step for any musician. It's not just about an instrument, but about expanding your own musical expression. For connoisseurs who appreciate the nuances and subtleties of music, as well as for beginners, choosing the right viola is of crucial importance.
Important Criteria when Choosing a Viola from Cremona
- Size: Every musician knows that comfort is essential when playing. The size of the viola should match your height and arm length to ensure optimum playing technique. Standard violas are available with a length of 39 to 43.5 centimeters. Most models for adults are around 40 centimeters long. We know from experience: Whether it is 39.5 or 40.5 centimeters can make a decisive difference to the experience of playing the instrument and to the overall performance of the viola.
- Quality: The quality of an instrument is not only reflected in its sound, but also in its longevity. High-quality woods and careful workmanship are crucial for the sound and resonance of a viola.
- Origin: Cremona, the cradle of violin making, is known across the globe for its outstanding string instruments. An instrument from this region promises not only craftsmanship, but also a deep musical tradition.
Our Recommendations depending on experience level:
- Beginners: Even if you are new to the world of violas, you should not skimp on quality. A well-crafted viola from Cremona offers the best introduction for understanding the technique and sound of the instrument.
- Advanced players: As your skills grow, so do your expectations of the instrument. A genuine Italian viola from our hand-picked collection can make all the difference in your musical development.
- Professionals: For those who have perfected their craft, it's the details in sound and performance that matter. A handcrafted viola from Cremona, selected from a collection of masterpieces, may be just the model to perfect your music.

Selecting a High Quality Viola: Old Masterwork or New Piece?
Some musicians swear by an old Cremona viola that was made two hundred years ago in a master workshop. They praise its special sound and exceptional workmanship. They are fascinated by the incomparable way their bow dances across the strings and their fingers fly over the fingerboard. The tradition and the inestimable historical and cultural value of an old viola justify the price and effort required to obtain such a rare instrument. But a good viola does not necessarily have to be old. In the meantime, newly made violas from Cremona have also become established, the price of which is usually significantly lower than that of historical pieces.
Modern violas, cellos and violins from Cremona are built with the same dedication and on the basis of centuries-old knowledge of craftsmanship. At the same time, the Italian violin makers of modern times take into account the latest findings and techniques that give a simple viola or violin that very special something. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern acoustic research, today's violas from Cremona can offer a clear, resonant and balanced sound that can even exceed that of older instruments. While old violas were often optimized for a specific style of playing or a particular historical musical style, modern instruments are more versatile and can support a wider range of musical genres and techniques. Discover the unique touch of each Cremona violin maker while testing our violas.