Collection: 16" + Violas

16-INCH+ VIOLAS

16-INCH+ VIOLAS | VIOLAS FOR STUDENT, ADVANCING, AND PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS

EXPLORE OUR SELECTION OF 16-INCH VIOLAS

At Metzler Violin Shop, we offer a variety of exceptional violas between 16 and 17 inches online and in our store. Explore our distinguished collection of 16-inch and larger violas at Metzler Violins, expertly selected for advancing students, dedicated amateurs, and professional violists seeking instruments with exceptional tone and playability. These medium-sized violas offer the perfect balance between comfortable handling and the rich, resonant sound that defines the true viola character.

 

WHY CHOOSE A 16-INCH VIOLA?

• Comfortable Playability: Violas come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 11 to 17 inches. Violas in the 16-inch range is the common size adults can play with comfort. 
• Variety of Tone: Because this is the most commonly played size, luthiers invariably make violas around 16 inches more than any other size. If you have a particular sound you are looking for, a viola in the 16-inch category is ideal.
• Versatile Performance Range: These violas are ideal for orchestra, chamber music, and solo repertoire alike.
• Professional Craftsmanship: Though this is not only true for our 16-inch violas, each instrument meets our rigorous standards for craftsmanship, materials, and tonal quality.

Overview

Our viola inventory features over 100 instruments from renowned makers including, but not limited to, American, German, Italian, French, and Chinese workshops. Whether you need a student or professional cello, an antique or something fresh from the workbench, we stock instruments from around the world of every grade. For those outside of the Los Angeles area, we also offer immediate shipping.

 

Professional Violas - Concert-Quality Instruments

Our professional violas are of concert quality. Whether you are a soloist seeking an instrument with commanding tonal complexity or a cello with even clarity that blends well with a group, we carry instruments for orchestra members, soloists, and advanced students alike.

Our professional violas feature:

• Professional bridge and soundpost adjustment
• 30-day return guarantee
• Free shipping if not in the Los Angeles area

Student Violas - Outfit Packages

Our student full-size violas provide exceptional value without sacrificing sound quality. These instrument outfits are a package deal that includes everything you need to start playing: bow, case, rosin, and cleaning cloth. Outfits are ideal for high school students, adult beginners, and emerging musicians.

Student viola package includes:

• Instrument
• Carbon fiber, fiberglass, or wood bow (depending on stock, equal quality)
• Lightweight viola case
• Rosin and cleaning cloth
• Setup and adjustment by our experts

Full-Size Viola Accessories & Upgrades Available

Support your playing with our accessories! From carbon fiber bows to premium viola cases, we stock everything you need for peak performance and instrument protection.

Popular accessories in stock:

• Strings (synthetic core, steel, and gut options — learn about the strings we recommend here!)
• Wood and carbon fiber/fiberglass viola bows
• Oblong and shaped viola cases
• Shoulder rests and chin rests for comfort (try our chin rests in store!)
• Electronic tuners and metronomes (more available in store)
• Pickups, amps, and cables (more available in store)ore)
• Electronic tuners and metronomes (more available in store)
• Pickups, amps, and cables (more available in store)

Expert Viola Setup Services - Included with Purchase

Every full-size viola purchased from Metzler Violins receives professional setup and adjustment at no additional cost. Our expert luthiers optimize bridge placement, soundpost position, and string height for ease of play and sound quality.

sound quality.

Setup services include, if necessary:

• Bridge cutting and positioning
• Soundpost adjustment
• Nut and fingerboard height adjustment
• String installation and tuning (learn more about changing your own strings here!)
• Final tone evaluation

Choose the Right Strings for Your Viola

String selection dramatically affects your viola’s sound and response. We stock premium strings from Thomastik-Infeld, D'Addario, Pirastro, and other leading manufacturers. We can help you select the ideal strings for your playing style and musical preferences. Learn about the strings we recommend here!

String options available:

• Synthetic core strings will offer a variety of different tones
• Steel core strings for brilliant projection
• Gut core strings for colorful, complex, full classical sound
• Student-grade strings for durability and value

Why Buy Your Instrument from Metzler Violins

Return/Exchange Policy: Not satisfied with your purchase? Return any instrument within 14 days for a full refund, save for a restocking fee for items over $1,000. You can exchange an item from 15-30 days after purchase. 

Expert Selection: Our team personally evaluates every instrument for sound quality, craftsmanship, and value before adding it to our inventory.

Professional Setup: Every instrument ships ready to play with professional setup included at no extra charge.

Quality Guarantee: We stand behind every instrument with our comprehensive quality guarantee.

Fast Shipping: Most instruments ship safely within 24 hours with tracking provided.

Trade-In Program: We often work with clients to upgrade their instruments, and our trade-in program can go toward new purchases.

 

SHOP OUR ONLINE COLLECTION OF VIOLAS TODAY

Are you ready to add a larger viola to your collection? Here at the shop, we are passionate about connecting musicians with their ideal instrument. Whether you’re a beginner, someone who plays solely for pleasure, or a member of a philharmonic, our inventory includes a wide selection of student, intermediate, and concert violas. Shop our selection of violas below!

 

To try an instrument or a bow (or several!) in person, please make an appointment! This will ensure the instruments and bows you would like to play are in the shop and we have space (and staff) to accommodate you. The best method is to call or text us during business hours. (This is also the case if you need to coordinate shipment to try an instrument.) To text, click the small orange speech bubble on the lower right-hand side of our website. To call, our phone number is 1-818-246-0278. You are welcome to email us, but we respond quickest via phone and text.