Sometimes, you can’t find your one true match right away with musical instruments. Often, a minor tweak here and there or trying out multiple devices can do the trick too. Stringed instruments such as the violin and viola are no different. Even though they have a few similarities and distinctions, people often face dilemmas in choosing one.
The good news is that I can show you how Can You Turn A Violin into A Viola? if you want the best of both worlds. But hold on, before you jump in on this opportunity, let me put a disclaimer that there are quite a few limitations that you must abide by. With that being said, let’s get onto it!
It’s not a good idea to turn a violin into A viola in my opinion. In all honesty, you can play the violin as a viola. But, it should be your last resort as it doesn’t provide the same results and limits the purpose. This technique is never recommended unless you have no other choice and it’s temporary.
Let’s understand why by understanding the difference between them.
Differences Between Violins & Violas
| Violin | Viola |
| Average body length 15.5 to 16.5 inches | Average body length 13 to 14 inches |
| The Violin bow has a straight edge | Viola bow is curved and chunkier |
| Violin strings lowest to highest are G, D, A and E | Viola strings lowest to highest are C, G, D and A |
| Violin strings are thinner | Viola strings are thicker |
| Violin sounds are more mellow | Viola sounds are louder |
Weight
Violas are larger; thus, they contain more materials and are heavier than the weight of a violin. A violin’s average weight is around 460g whereas, a viola could weigh about 580g.
Size
A full-sized viola will be somewhere around 15.5 to 16.5 inches or 39 to 41 centimeters. In contrast, violins are approximately 14 inches or 3 centimeters.
Finger spacing
The positioning and the placement of the fingers vary significantly in both instruments. The fingers are set apart in violas, and gaps are more significant than one might have on a violin. Therefore, the dexterity of the player’s fingers varies too.
Clef
The viola is played on the C clef or Alto clef whereas, the violin is played on the treble clef. This is why the violin poses the highest place as an instrument in the stringed family.
Strings
The viola string from lowest to highest is C, D, G, and A, whereas in violins the strings from lowest to highest are G, D, A, and E. The notes on each of these instruments differ greatly. Violas are tuned as one-fifth lower than that of the violin.
Why some Violinist Consider turning Violin into Viola
Viola and violins are tuned differently as violas have a fifth that’s lower than the violin’s settings. Some users crave that lower-ranged sound and tune that can’t be otherwise achieved in a violin. So, if you’ve ever wondered why do violinists switch to viola or turn violins into the latter, this is one of the most important reasons.
The overall lower sound appeals to most as the viola’s massive size can produce a deeper sound too. The mid-alto-voiced instrument might take quite some time to get used to; however, the sound can resonate with your interests once you do.
How to Turn A Violin into Viola
To turn your violins to viola, all you have to do is buy a viola C string and shift the strings down. This means that you would either have to stop using the E string or take it out altogether.
Technically you can turn a violin into a viola. however, In my opinion, turning a violin into a viola is not worth your time. Unfortunately, the results aren’t always praise-worthy either. You can try this modification with a Chinese Skylark to acquire results better than your expectations.
For instance, when it comes to more petite violas, which are 30cm, they are considered half-sized violins for children. Thus, for these fractional-sized violins, the strings of violas should work just fine.
Moreover, you can also turn a full-sized violin into a 3/4 sized viola by simply stringing them with viola strings. Rather than spending an arm and a leg purchasing new violins, this modification is a cheaper and temporary alternative utilized by many experts.
Some Techniques to Turn Violins into Violas
Here’s the most used technique for turning Violin into Viola you can try:
- Feed the peg end of the string through the hole of the corresponding peg. Rotate the peg towards the scroll, so the string comes over the top. Create an ‘X’ on the peg as you rotate the string.
- Keep going until the windings are neat and don’t cross one another.
- Secure the end of the string to the tailpiece. Maintain some tension within the strings.
- Ensure that the string goes through the correct slot within the bridge and in the nut.
- Tune your violin turned into viola, and you’re done!
What to look for Before Turning Violins Into Violas
Since now we how to change a violin string, let’s talk about a few restrictions and considerations that you must abide by before you opt for the modification.
Size
Firstly, your violin to viola revamp will be weaker in comparison to an original viola piece. This is because violas are bigger, and hence, the C string requires more power which can be provided with a larger body. On the contrary, perhaps adults can come around and find a way to fix the issue, but children will face exceptional difficulties in succeeding.
Price
Another catch that people often forget to look into is the prices. Even though turning violins into violas might seem like a viable option, in reality, larger violas cost lesser than those that have smaller bodies. This is simply because fewer people opt for them; hence, you get to save more!
Warm-up
Since a violin turned into a viola isn’t an original piece, you will require more time to warm up the instrument, especially in the scales department.
Purpose
Generally, even professionals opt for turning violins into violas for the short run or in an orchestral emergency. The demerit is that violins turned into violas will not deliver the same results in the long run. Hence, learning the viola can only be beneficial and fully efficient when an original piece is used.
Why You Shouldn’t Turn Violins Into Violas
It is almost guaranteed that no matter how meticulously you interchange your violins into violas, it will never sound the same or close to how you want it. Can you string a viola as a violin? As we’ve already seen that it is a possibility and has been an ongoing practice for many.
On the contrary, though, the resonance and acoustics go in vain when the strings are changed. The sound comes out floppy, muffled, and out of tune when the C string is included.
Some even say that this practice should be a ‘last resort for everyone and the best option is not to meddle with both instruments. It will work; however, the downfall is that the instrument’s worth and capacities get cut in half.
Therefore, it’s always better to buy a new viola and it’s not that costly. we have a few recommendations that will prove worthy, even in the long run.
Cecilio CVA-500
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Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola with D'Addario Prelude Strings, Size 14-Inch | Check price on Amazon |
So, is the viola harder than the violin? Truthfully, it will be if you don’t have the correct device. Worry not; our first recommendation is a 14-inch sized viola hand-carved to perfection with flamed maple and an antique finish.
The sturdy piece also comes with a chin rest, pegs, tailpiece, and fingerboard of ebony wood. It’s super lightweight, and the Brazilian bow also features authentic Mongolian horsehair. Whether it’s for learning or excelling in a musical career, this Cecilio piece will win your heart.
Cecilio CVA-400
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Cecilio CVA-400 Solidwood Viola Strung with DAddario Prelude Strings, Size 14-Inch | Check price on Amazon |
The Cecilio CVA-400 is yet another solid piece carved with flamed maple and a beautiful finish. It also comes with four detachable fine tuners made from nickel-plated and a tailpiece, chinrest, and fingerboard made of Maple wood.
Needless to say, its robust and sturdy construction also speaks volumes while playing. You can spend an entire lifetime with this trusted piece without breaking the bank.
Mendini 14-Inch MA250
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Mendini 14-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola with Case, Bow, Rosin, Bridge and Strings | Check price on Amazon |
The Mendini comes in 5 different sizes for greater user-friendliness. You can also choose from the five different colors that they offer.
Along with its diverse range, the Mendini is hand-carved with solid spruce tops and other components made from Maple. The unbleached Mongolian horsehair, lightweight case, and rosin finish are just a few more reasons why users have been opting for this piece so often.
Mendini By Cecilio Violin
Cecilio CVN-300 shows excellent promise for beginners. It’s an ideally stringed musical instrument that any student would need to jumpstart their learning and career. The viola comes in an astonishing design, completed with spruce tops and ebony wood.
Moreover, it comes with the learning kit and basic technique set that has been generously helpful to children as well. Thus, it’s a dream come true for all ages and beginners.
Final Words
Still, wondering about Can You Turn A Violin into A Viola?? Yes, but you should not do it. However, there are multiple options I laid out for you.
As a temporary measure, turning violins into violas are great alternative. However, in the long run, they will not suffice your soul and musical ears. Having said that, now you know what to do best. So, get on with it!
