The price of a viola can vary greatly. The most expensive violas are those made by Stradivari, Guarneri and Amati, but even these instruments rarely exceed $1 million.
The average price of a new viola is between $3000 and $10,000. Used instruments can be purchased for significantly less; however, they are more likely to have defects that need to be repaired or replaced.
The price also depends on the quality of the wood used to build the instrument. Fine woods such as spruce and maple can be used to make violas with exceptional tone quality and projection; however, they are more expensive than cheaper woods such as pine or poplar.
The type of strings you use will affect how much your instrument costs as well. The best strings for violas cost $25-$50 per set; however, if you want them to last longer than a few months, it’s best to purchase two sets at once ($50-$100 total).
Last modified: October 2, 2022