7 best 13 inch violas
A 13-inch viola is a musical instrument that belongs to the family of orchestral strings. It is specifically designed for players who require a smaller-sized viola to accommodate their physical build or playing preferences. Here are some key points about 13-inch violas:
Size: A 13-inch viola is smaller than the standard-sized violas, which typically have a body length of around 16 inches. The size is measured from the bottom of the viola's body to the top, excluding the neck and scroll.
Purpose: 13-inch violas are often used by young or petite musicians, as well as individuals with smaller hands who find it more comfortable to play a smaller instrument. These violas are also suitable for beginners or those transitioning from a smaller instrument like the violin.
Tone: The size of a viola can affect its tone. Smaller violas may produce a brighter and more focused sound compared to larger ones. The specific tone can also vary depending on the materials used in construction and the skill of the luthier.
Accessories: Like all string instruments, 13-inch violas are typically played with a bow, which is used to produce sound by drawing it across the strings. Viola bows come in various materials, such as wood, carbon fiber, and pernambuco, each offering distinct playing characteristics.
Strings: Violas are strung with four strings, usually tuned to C, G, D, and A. The choice of strings can significantly impact the instrument's sound quality and playability.
Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep a 13-inch viola in good condition. This includes regular cleaning, tuning, and occasional visits to a luthier for adjustments and repairs.
Price Range: The cost of a 13-inch viola can vary widely depending on factors such as the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and brand. Entry-level models are more affordable, while professional-grade instruments can be quite expensive.
Usage: 13-inch violas are commonly used in school orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber music ensembles. They provide a suitable option for younger or smaller musicians who are still developing their skills.
Sizing Guidelines: When selecting a viola size, it's essential to consult with a music teacher or a luthier. They can help determine the appropriate size based on the player's age, arm length, and physical characteristics.
Playing Technique: Playing a smaller viola may require some adjustments in playing technique, as the shorter scale length can affect finger placement and bowing.Proper training and practice are essential to adapt to the instrument's size.
In summary, a 13-inch viola is a smaller-sized instrument designed to accommodate players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact instrument. It serves as an excellent choice for beginners and young musicians, allowing them to explore the world of orchestral strings while maintaining comfort and playability.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best 13 inch violas on the marketProduct features
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Product description
Katie Miner, a shy accountant at the local newspaper in the seaside village of Bellport, begins penning the advice column “Dear Viola” after the writer retires. Sifting through the mountain of letters, Katie finds one from a widower named Russ , who can't seem to move past the loss of his wife five years earlier. Through correspondence, Katie begins to fall for Russ, but when he starts dating the knockout new girl in town at “Viola's” advice, Katie has to decide if it's really in her best interest to keep her identity and feelings secret.
Product description
Teacher approved Cecilio CVA-400 viola features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Finished with a beautiful satin varnish and inlaid purfling. The CVA-400 viola is strung with a set of D'Addario Prelude Strings and is fitted with maple fingerboard, boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with nickel plated fine tuners. Viola package includes Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a lightweight form fitting hard shell case with pockets and strap (making it convenient to carry to school or orchestra), a Brazil wood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.
- Size 13 inch viola, solid hand-carved spruce top, flamed maple back & sides, beautiful inlaid purfling & finish
- Strung with D'Addario Prelude Strings (Note: Does not include extra set of strings.)
- Maple fingerboard, boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with 4 detachable nickel plated fine tuners
- Includes: Cecilio chromatic tuner, a lightweight hard case, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge
- 1 Year Warranty Against Manufacturer's Defects
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it come in a true left handed version |
Answer: | Cecilio does not carry left handed viola. |
Question: | Is this a good viola for advanced players |
Answer: | In my opinion, yes, it's beautiful instrument, my kid has been playing for over 5 yrs and she has had some crap instruments, this one she was extremely happy with, she pointed out numerous items of quality that I can't remember, but was quite happy. |
Question: | Is the bridge installed |
Answer: | Our Quality Control department will double check, set up the string and bridge before it ships. Since the bridge is not permanent glued on, and it is held down by the tension of the strings, it might have a chance to dislocate during shipping. If that happen, you will have to set it up yourself or you may contact us at 909-243-7068 for assistant |
Question: | How do i get replacement strings |
Answer: | You may contact us at 877-232-4545 for further assistance with the replacement strings. |
Question: | What Is The Smalles Size Available |
Answer: | The smallest size available for this model is 12". |
Question: | where is this item made |
Answer: | The company is based in California, BUT they have their instruments manufactured in China. I am considering buying a viola from them, but I will not buy a horn from them again. They won't sell you replacement parts and the valves went bad just after the 1-year warranty expired. :-/ It's a risk, but the instruments are so inexpensive, might be worth it. |
Question: | How long should your arm be to play this? my arm is 22 in |
Answer: | I am not sure. My son is 5"2 if that helps any. It is one size too big for him. I got it big so he will grow into it |
Question: | Does the case come with a strap |
Answer: | It comes with back straps to be used as a backpack. After a months use, the straps broke. Not very sturdy. The instrument itself is a good starter instrument. |
Question: | Is this a 1/32 violin |
Answer: | No It's 13 in MA250 viola mendini. |
Question: | Is the brown a brown paint or a stain on the viola |
Answer: | The brown is a spray paint finish. |
Question: | Will you have a 15" black vioila before Christmas |
Answer: | 15"MA-Black has been discontinued. |
Question: | Does it com with a tuner |
Answer: | It doesn't matter. You can't actually tune it anyway. With or without a tuner. |
Question: | Is the C string tungsten or chromium |
Answer: | Cromo |
Question: | Do these fit a 17" viola |
Answer: | Yes they do. |
Question: | Is this de S23 set for a 4/4 viola |
Answer: | Yes. |
Question: | Is this set suitable for a 16" Viola |
Answer: | Yes, this is a set of full-size strings and will fit your 16" viola. They are good strings and, after a day or two, should hold their tuning. |
Product features
Mendini Viola
The Mendini viola has an impressive quality for the price, and is a remarkably affordable option for students who have never played the viola before and want to try it out for the first time. Here at Cecilio Musical Instruments, we understand that students have unique and diverse preferences. To better serve this diversity, our Mendini MA series of violas offers a wide variety of colors to choose from at exceptionally affordable prices. Both of our Mendini MA250 and Mendini MA350 violas have the same specifications and quality, but they differ in the type of finish used and the character of sound each one produces. The MA350 has a mellow and warm tone with a soft satin varnish finish to match, and the MA250 has a bright and vibrant tone and finish. Mendini viola includes a lightweight form fitting hard, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and a bridge making this package a great deal for beginners.
How to choose viola sizes
Our violas are available in 7 different sizes: 16.5", 16" (also known as full size), 15.5", 15", 14", 13" and 12". 16.5" viola is the biggest and 12" viola is the smallest. Most adults use 16" violas.
To measure what size viola best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The viola size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The viola size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.
The following table lists the length of each viola size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of viola to get.
Cecilio CVA-400 Viola
Teacher approved Cecilio CVA-400 viola features a hand carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. Finished with a beautiful varnish and inlaid purfling. The CVA-400 viola is strung with a set of D'Addario Prelude Strings and is fitted with maple fingerboard and boxwood pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece with nickel plated fine tuners. Viola package includes Cecilio chromatic tuner with metronome, a lightweight form fitting hard shell case with pockets and strap (making it convenient to carry to school or orchestra), a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, quality rosin cake, and a bridge. Buy with confidence as it comes with a 1- year warranty against any manufacturer's defects.
How to choose viola sizes
Our violas are available in 7 different sizes: 16.5", 16" (also known as full size), 15.5", 15", 14", 13" and 12". 16.5" viola is the biggest and 12" viola is the smallest. Most adults use 16" violas.
To measure what size viola best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The viola size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The viola size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.
The following table lists the length of each viola size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of viola to get.
Product description
The D'Luca CA400VA model is a great fine handmade viola; Crafted with selected flamed maple and aged solid spruce with professional workmanship, inlaid purling, ebony fingerboard, pegs, nut, saddle and composite tailpiece and chinrest. Exceptional value and superior performance; this D'Luca Viola is crafted to reflect the essential qualities - ease of tuning, practical playability, tone quality and structural integrity - that offer the opportunity for the student or player to earn and own the pleasure and satisfaction of making music. Whether for a beginner or seasoned player, our instruments reflect D'Luca's commitment to unparalleled quality and exceptional value. Included in this Package: D'Luca Viola CA400VA. Brazil wood Bow With Ebony Frog and Genuine Horsehair. Lightweight case with two bow holders. Quality Rosin Cake. Extra Set of Viola Strings. Adjustable Shoulder Rest. Chromatic tuner Features: Selected flamed maple. Aged solid spruce. Inlaid purling. Ebony fittings. Brazil wood Bow With Ebony Frog and Genuine Horsehair. Lightweight shaped case with two bow holders
- Selected flamed maple
- Aged solid spruce
- Ebony fittings and Inlaid purling
- Lightweight case with two bow holders
- Adjustable Shoulder Rest, and FREE tuner included.
User questions & answers
Question: | is it goes with case ore just paper box |
Answer: | It does come with beautiful, strong and quality case. |
Question: | I bought this for a beginner student and it doesn't come with a fine tuner. How important the fine tuner is?Can I buy separately and install with it |
Answer: | Yes, fine tuners are fairly inexpensive and can be installed manually. They make tuning the instrument much easier. |
Question: | what is the overall length of the viola |
Answer: | 15 1/2 inch |
Question: | Where is it made |
Answer: | This item is Made in China, Quality inspected in USA. |
Question: | What Is The Smalles Size Available |
Answer: | The smallest size available for this model is 12". |
Question: | where is this item made |
Answer: | The company is based in California, BUT they have their instruments manufactured in China. I am considering buying a viola from them, but I will not buy a horn from them again. They won't sell you replacement parts and the valves went bad just after the 1-year warranty expired. :-/ It's a risk, but the instruments are so inexpensive, might be worth it. |
Question: | How long should your arm be to play this? my arm is 22 in |
Answer: | I am not sure. My son is 5"2 if that helps any. It is one size too big for him. I got it big so he will grow into it |
Question: | Does the case come with a strap |
Answer: | It comes with back straps to be used as a backpack. After a months use, the straps broke. Not very sturdy. The instrument itself is a good starter instrument. |
Question: | Is this a 1/32 violin |
Answer: | No It's 13 in MA250 viola mendini. |
Question: | Is the brown a brown paint or a stain on the viola |
Answer: | The brown is a spray paint finish. |
Question: | Will you have a 15" black vioila before Christmas |
Answer: | 15"MA-Black has been discontinued. |
Question: | Does it com with a tuner |
Answer: | It doesn't matter. You can't actually tune it anyway. With or without a tuner. |
Product features
Mendini Viola
The Mendini viola has an impressive quality for the price, and is a remarkably affordable option for students who have never played the viola before and want to try it out for the first time. Here at Cecilio Musical Instruments, we understand that students have unique and diverse preferences. To better serve this diversity, our Mendini MA series of violas offers a wide variety of colors to choose from at exceptionally affordable prices. Both of our Mendini MA250 and Mendini MA350 violas have the same specifications and quality, but they differ in the type of finish used and the character of sound each one produces. The MA350 has a mellow and warm tone with a soft satin varnish finish to match, and the MA250 has a bright and vibrant tone and finish. Mendini viola includes a lightweight form fitting hard, a Brazilwood bow with unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair, rosin, and a bridge making this package a great deal for beginners.
How to choose viola sizes
Our violas are available in 7 different sizes: 16.5", 16" (also known as full size), 15.5", 15", 14", 13" and 12". 16.5" viola is the biggest and 12" viola is the smallest. Most adults use 16" violas.
To measure what size viola best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm (when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, just like holding a violin). Most of the teachers prefer students to use the length from the neck to the wrist for measurement instead of the neck to mid-palm approach. The viola size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold. The viola size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.
The following table lists the length of each viola size. Find your length using your preferred approach and use that to determine the size of viola to get.
Product description
Glasser Carbon Composite violas are revolutionary new instruments. Glasser Bows has long been a world leader in developing advanced products with the use of composite materials. Glasser Carbon Composite instruments are the latest development. The success of the violins has encouraged us to add violas, too. Built to last, they look and sound great. Glasser's patent pending design makes for an instrument with a wonderful tonal quality with durability most instruments will never match. The standard Glasser Carbon Composite viola arrives fully set-up with Larsen strings, Planetary Tuning Pegs, and a carbon composite Glasser tailpiece with 4 fine tuners for the ultimate tunability.
Product description
Economical brazilwood bows best suited to beginning players. Half-lined ebony frog, leather thumb grip, three-part button, wire winding.
- Economical bows best suited to beginning players
- Half-lined ebony frog
- Leather thumb grip
- Three-part button
- Wire winding
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