Violin vs Viola?

Question

I bought a violin or viola at auction. How can I tell which it is?

Answer 1

A viola is slightly larger, thicker, and lower in sound. A violin is slightly smaller, thinner, and has a higher sound. If you are not sure, take it to any music store that sells stringed instruments and they will tell you. Alternatively, you can look inside at the label. If it says 4/4, 3/4 or 1/2 it is a Violin and that is the size. If it says 13" 14" 15" or 16" it is a viola. If it just gives you the brand name and serial number, be sure and record the serial number while you are looking at it. Many shops are taking instruments and substituting similar (less valuable) ones, thinking that their customers will never know the difference.

You can also hold the instrument up against another that you already know about. If you have a friend who has either a violin or viola, just bring it over to their place and hold it up against theirs. Chances are they will know anyway.

You will probably need new strings. (or at least ask a friend how to inspect and clean off the ones that are on there) You should probably get the bow re-haired as well. Buy a new cake of rosin, and a shoulder rest if it isn't too expensive. If it is, go get one of those bone shaped sponges they use to clean cars with. Cut the sponge in half, and put a large rubber band around it. Put the sponge underneath the instrument and stretch the rubber band over it. If it's too thick, cut it down a bit.

While you are there, get some kind of a pitch pipe or electronic tuner. There are online sites that will sound the notes for you as well

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Viola Vs Violin Size

Answer 3

None of these answers tell you how to tell the difference given a violin and a viola of the same length. Obviously if it is bigger than a 4/4 violin it has to be a viola, but what about when it is the same length as a 4/4 or smaller size violin? It is actually very easy, all you need to do is measure the height of the ribs. Violins will all be 31mm or lower and violas will all be above around 33mm. So a 14" viola which has the same body length of a 4/4 violin will have a rib height of around 35-36mm while a 4/4 violin will only be 30-31mm.

Answer 4

The way they are measured helps, if you were told it was a 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 sized instrument, it's a violin. Violas are measured in inches (15", 16" etc). If you have a viola, you can measure it using a typical measuring instrument and measure from the bottom (fatter part) to the base of the neck. So, just the main body of the instrument.
If that doesn't help at all, look at the strings. If the smallest string looks to be about the same width as a SMALL sewing needle. This would mean that you have a violin. A viola's BIGGEST string, on the other hand, would be about the size of a dull pencil head.
It's kind of hard to explain, but looking at my viola and violin, my 4/4 violin is only about 23" (from the bottom to the very top of the instrument), my 16" viola is about 16.5".
If all else fails, bring it into a music store and they'd be able to tell you.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Violin vs Viola?
I bought a violin or viola at auction. How can I tell which it is?

Answer 6

It's probably a violin, but if the lowest string is the C below middle C on the piano, it's a viola. I think this is the best way to tell, since both violins and violas come in fractional sizes, and the 14" violin is the same size as a full size violin.

I'd take it to a string teacher or player; they can help you.

Answer 7

The Violin has these strings : E,A,D,G.
Viola has : A,D,G,C.
Violas are always larger and longer.
on all the way to the right if it has a really thin high pitch string then its a violin. if the string all the way to the right is descent the it an A and a Viola.
I play Violin and if yours is over 2 feet long from head to tail then it should be a Viola.

Answer 8

If it is a Viola it's lowest string will be C but if it's a Violin the highest string will be E.

Answer 9

A viola is larger, and has a lower pitch than a violin.
I used to play both.
One old gentleman saw me carrying a violin case, and told me he been playing the fiddle for 50 years. Oh, I cried in amazement, isn't your arm tired YET?

Answer 10

Violin is bigger and higher than the viola