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Viola Strings — Buy in Kyiv | Pirastro, Thomastik, Larsen, Warchal
Viola strings — a specialised category for the middle-register instrument tuned C-G-D-A. At SoundsGood — the full range of viola series from world manufacturers: Pirastro (Evah Pirazzi, Evah Pirazzi Gold, Tonica, Obligato, Passione, Eudoxa, Oliv, Chromcor, Perpetual, Chorda), Thomastik-Infeld (Dominant, Vision Solo, Alphayue), Larsen (Original, Magnacore, Il Cannone, Soloist), Warchal (Brilliant, Karneol, Amber), D'Addario (Helicore, Prelude), Jargar. For music schools — Pirastro Chromcor, D'Addario Prelude (from $46). For orchestra — the Thomastik Dominant Viola standard (~$118). For solo — Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, Larsen Original (~$174-222). For baroque — gut Pirastro Eudoxa, Chorda. All sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5", 17". Individual strings or full sets. Violists often also browse violin strings, cello strings and double bass strings.
Standard and Long variants
Pirastro, Thomastik, Larsen, Warchal
Larsen, Jargar, Evah Pirazzi separately
From 1 day across Ukraine
🎼 Viola String Specifics
📐 Viola size range
Viola has no standard 4/4 like the violin. Children's: 12", 13" (1/2, 3/4 equivalent). Adult: 15" (38 cm body), 15.5", 16" (40 cm — most common), 16.5", 17" (43 cm). Most series are made in two variants: Standard (up to 16.5") and Long (16.5-17"). Before ordering, always measure your viola's mensur.
📐 Viola tuning C-G-D-A
Viola is tuned a fifth lower than violin. C (low C, 130.81 Hz) — thickest, most difficult string to manufacture. G (196 Hz). D (293.66 Hz). A (440 Hz) — thinnest, wears first. This defines special string requirements — you need balance between dense bottom (C/G) and singing top (A/D).
📐 Why viola strings cost more than violin
The C-string is the thickest among classical bowed instruments. Thick synthetic core, special silver or tungsten winding, handmade. This adds 60-80% to the cost compared to a violin G. So a viola Dominant ~$118 vs a violin Dominant ~$71. On Evah Pirazzi and Larsen the difference is even larger.
📐 A-string — a separate story
The viola A-string is the most problematic. Even professionals often combine Larsen A or Jargar A with a full set of Pirastro or Thomastik. The viola A wears out in 2-3 months for a professional; 70% of solo passages are played on it. So it's bought individually most often.
🎓 Budget Viola Strings (Music School and Beginners)
🎻 Pirastro Chromcor Viola ⭐⭐
Budget steel classic. Chrome-steel Pirastro strings, stable, hold pitch for months, not affected by humidity. Ideal for music schools (grades 1-3), children's orchestras. Sizes 15"-16.5". ~$55 per set.
🎻 D'Addario Prelude Viola
American budget standard. Steel core, soft attack, stable pitch. Popular in US schools. ~$46 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Piranito Viola
Budget steel series from Pirastro for beginners. Slightly softer tone than Chromcor. Suitable for school orchestras. ~$62 per set.
🎻 Thomastik Alphayue Viola
New synthetic budget series from Thomastik (introduced in the 2010s). More affordable than Dominant, but with better tone than steel Chromcor. For grade 4-7 music-school students, orchestra. ~$66 per set.
🎻 D'Addario Helicore Viola
Multi-strand steel core, softer than monolithic. Stable, with good tonal balance. For orchestra and senior music-school students. ~$84 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Tonica Viola ⭐⭐
Synthetic alternative to Dominant. Softer, warm tone, accessible price. Available in fractional sizes (1/2, 3/4). For grade 4-7 music-school students, school orchestra. ~$87 per set.
🎼 Standard Orchestra and Teaching
🎻 Thomastik Dominant Viola ⭐⭐⭐
"Reference standard" — the orchestral standard for viola. Perlon core, warm and balanced tone, holds pitch 4-6 months. The most common choice of symphonic violists worldwide. Available in Soft, Medium, Strong tensions. ~$118 per set.
🎻 Warchal Brilliant Viola ⭐⭐
Modern Slovakian brand with excellent reputation. Bright, projecting tone, fast break-in. An alternative to Dominant for those who want a little more brilliance. ~$102 per set.
🎻 Warchal Karneol Viola
Premium synthetic from Warchal. Warm tone with gut-like complexity. For chamber violists. ~$114 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Obligato Viola ⭐⭐
Synthetic Pirastro string with warm, gut-like tone. For chamber and orchestral violists seeking the "colour" of gut without their instability. ~$174 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Perpetual Viola
New Pirastro series (2018+) — increased longevity and stability. Balanced tone, suitable for orchestral violists playing many hours a day. ~$210 per set.
🎼 Solo and Concert Stage
🎻 Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola ⭐⭐⭐
Pirastro's flagship for viola. Intense, powerful, projecting string — for large halls. Especially rich middle register (where viola lives). A — chrome steel, D/G — silver on synthetic, C — silver/tungsten on synthetic. ~$186 per set.
🎻 Thomastik Vision Solo Viola
Premium synthetic Thomastik for solo violists. Fast break-in (1-2 days instead of a week), stable pitch, expressive soloist tone. ~$198 per set.
🎻 Larsen Viola Original ⭐⭐⭐
The Danish premium standard for viola. Especially singing Larsen A-string — the standard among solo violists worldwide. Often combined with D/G/C of another brand. ~$174 per set.
🎻 Larsen Magnacore Viola ⭐⭐⭐
Larsen's premium flagship — powerful, focused tone for solo career. Magnetic metallic core. For top-tier solo violists. ~$222 per set.
🎻 Larsen Il Cannone Viola
New Larsen series (2020+). Named after Paganini's violin "Il Cannone". Powerful direct tone — for solo violists who want maximum projection. ~$204 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola
Pirastro's newest series specifically for viola (2015+). Special golden tone in the middle register, softer than the original Evah Pirazzi. ~$222 per set.
🌿 Gut Strings for Viola (Baroque and Romantic)
🎻 Pirastro Eudoxa Viola ⭐⭐⭐
Classic gut string since 1919. Natural sheep gut + silver / aluminium winding. Warm, intimate tone — for baroque, orchestra with historical instruments. A=440 Hz. Sensitive to climate. ~$174 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Passione Viola
New-generation gut string from Pirastro. Holds pitch longer than classic Eudoxa, but retains the warm organic gut tone. For baroque with improved stability. ~$198 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Oliv Viola
Premium gut strings from Pirastro. Rich overtone spectrum, for top solo and concert stage with historically informed performance. ~$288 per set.
🎻 Pirastro Chorda Viola — true baroque
Unwound sheep gut on A and D, wound on G and C. The most authentic baroque string — as played by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi. Tuning A=415 Hz (baroque) or 392 Hz (French pitch). For viola da gamba consorts, baroque orchestras. ~$222 per set.
🏭 Viola String Brands
🌟 Pirastro (Germany, since 1798) ⭐⭐⭐
The world's oldest string manufacturer. Viola series: Evah Pirazzi/Gold (solo flagship), Passione (next-generation gut core), Eudoxa/Olive (classic gut), Tonica (mid-level), Chromcor/Piranito (budget), Obligato (synthetic with gut tone), Perpetual (long-lasting), Chorda (baroque). The standard for the world's solo violists.
🌟 Thomastik-Infeld (Austria, since 1919) ⭐⭐⭐
Viennese manufacturer. Viola series: Dominant (orchestral reference standard), Vision Solo (premium soloist), Alphayue (new-generation budget). Dominant Viola — the most common choice of symphonic violists.
🌟 Larsen (Denmark) ⭐⭐⭐
Specialty — singing A-strings. Viola series: Original (A — the benchmark), Magnacore (premium flagship), Il Cannone (new powerful), Soloist (for solo). Larsen A — part of classic combinations with Pirastro or Thomastik.
🌟 Jargar (Denmark)
Classic Danish manufacturer. Jargar viola A-strings — softer and warmer alternative to Larsen. For chamber violists seeking a less brilliant top.
🌟 Warchal (Slovakia)
Modern brand with excellent reputation. Viola: Brilliant (bright), Amber (baroque-style), Karneol (premium synthetic). Innovative developments at an accessible price.
🌟 D'Addario (USA)
The largest American string manufacturer. Viola: Helicore (steel core, orchestra), Prelude (music-school budget), Kaplan Forza/Amo (premium synthetic), Zyex. Standard in American schools.
🎵 A-Strings Individually — The Most Common Replacement
🎵 Larsen Original A Viola ⭐⭐⭐
The standard among solo violists worldwide. Chrome steel, especially singing tone in the upper register. Often bought individually to complement a full set of another brand. ~$40.
🎵 Larsen Magnacore A Viola
Premium A from Larsen — focused, powerful tone. For solo violists. ~$54.
🎵 Jargar A Viola
Classic Danish A. Softer and warmer than Larsen. For chamber playing. ~$36.
🎵 Pirastro Evah Pirazzi A Chrome Viola
Chrome-steel A from Pirastro — long-lasting (4-6 months), compatible with the full Evah Pirazzi set or other series. ~$47.
🎵 Pirastro Passione A Viola
Gut A from Pirastro Passione — for baroque or those seeking the warmest possible tone. ~$49.
🎵 Thomastik Dominant A Viola
Aluminium-wound synthetic core. The classic Dominant A — for standard orchestral sound. ~$31.
🎯 How to Choose Strings for Viola
📐 1. Measure your viola size
Mensur (distance from nut to bridge) is the key metric. Body 38-39 cm (≈15") → short strings. 40 cm (≈16") → standard size. 41-43 cm (≈16.5-17") → Long variant. Most series (Pirastro Tonica, Dominant, Evah Pirazzi) are made in Standard and Long. Tell us your size before ordering.
📐 2. Player level
Beginner (music school grades 1-3) → Pirastro Chromcor, D'Addario Prelude. Grade 4-7, school orchestra → Thomastik Alphayue, Pirastro Tonica. Graduate, conservatory candidate → Thomastik Dominant Viola. Conservatory student, orchestral player → Dominant or Pirastro Obligato. Soloist → Evah Pirazzi Gold, Larsen Magnacore, Vision Solo.
📐 3. Repertoire type
Classical / romantic → synthetic (Dominant, Tonica, Evah Pirazzi). Baroque (HIP) → gut (Eudoxa, Chorda, Passione) with A=415 Hz. Contemporary / solo → intense (Evah Pirazzi, Larsen Il Cannone, Magnacore). Orchestra / chamber → Dominant, Obligato.
📐 4. Tension
Weich/Soft/Light — easier to press, softer tone, for beginners. Medium/Mittel — standard, optimal balance. Stark/Heavy/Strong — more powerful tone, requires stronger bow pressure. For beginners and children we recommend Medium; do not experiment with Heavy without your teacher's advice.
📐 5. Instrument type
Powerful, brilliant viola → softer strings (Tonica, Obligato, Larsen Virtuoso). Quiet, dark viola → powerful (Evah Pirazzi, Magnacore) — boost projection. Old Italian / French master instrument → medium-tension synthetic to preserve the wood.
📐 6. Budget
Under $66 per set → Pirastro Chromcor, D'Addario Prelude, Thomastik Alphayue. $66-110 → Pirastro Tonica, D'Addario Helicore, Warchal Brilliant. $110-175 → Thomastik Dominant Viola, Pirastro Obligato, Larsen Original. $175-220 → Pirastro Evah Pirazzi, Vision Solo, Larsen Magnacore. $220+ → Evah Pirazzi Gold, Pirastro Oliv, Larsen Il Cannone.
📊 Price List — Viola Strings
Currency: $ × 45 = ₴ (1 EUR ≈ $1.08). Prices indicative, for a full set (4 strings) of a standard 16" viola. Long (16.5-17") and fractional (1/2, 3/4) — on request.
| Brand / Series | Core Type | Level | EUR (~) | USD (~) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUDGET — MUSIC SCHOOL AND BEGINNERS | ||||
| D'Addario Prelude Viola | Steel | School | 38 € | ~$46 |
| Pirastro Chromcor Viola ⭐⭐ | Steel | School | 45 € | ~$55 |
| Pirastro Piranito Viola | Steel | School | 52 € | ~$62 |
| Thomastik Alphayue Viola | Synth | School+ | 55 € | ~$66 |
| D'Addario Helicore Viola | Steel | Orchestra | 70 € | ~$84 |
| Pirastro Tonica Viola ⭐⭐ | Perlon | Standard | 72 € | ~$87 |
| STANDARD — ORCHESTRA AND TEACHING | ||||
| Warchal Brilliant Viola ⭐⭐ | Synth | Standard+ | 85 € | ~$102 |
| Warchal Karneol Viola | Synth | Chamber | 95 € | ~$114 |
| Thomastik Dominant Viola ⭐⭐⭐ | Perlon | Orchestral standard | 98 € | ~$118 |
| Pirastro Obligato Viola ⭐⭐ | Synth | Chamber+ | 145 € | ~$174 |
| Pirastro Eudoxa Viola | Gut | Baroque | 145 € | ~$174 |
| Larsen Viola Original ⭐⭐⭐ | Synth/Steel | Solo standard | 145 € | ~$174 |
| PREMIUM — SOLO AND CONCERT STAGE | ||||
| Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola ⭐⭐⭐ | Synth | Solo flagship | 155 € | ~$186 |
| Thomastik Vision Solo Viola | Synth | Solo premium | 165 € | ~$198 |
| Pirastro Passione Viola | Gut+ | Baroque premium | 165 € | ~$198 |
| Pirastro Perpetual Viola | Synth | Long-lasting premium | 175 € | ~$210 |
| Larsen Il Cannone Viola | Synth | Solo powerful | 170 € | ~$204 |
| Larsen Magnacore Viola ⭐⭐⭐ | Synth | Top solo | 185 € | ~$222 |
| Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola ⭐⭐ | Synth | Top premium | 185 € | ~$222 |
| Pirastro Chorda Viola (gut) | Gut | True baroque | 185 € | ~$222 |
| Pirastro Oliv Viola | Gut | Top premium gut | 240 € | ~$288 |
| A-STRINGS INDIVIDUALLY (most common replacement) | ||||
| Thomastik Dominant A Viola | Perlon | Standard | 26 € | ~$31 |
| Jargar A Viola | Steel | Chamber | 30 € | ~$36 |
| Larsen Original A Viola ⭐⭐⭐ | Steel | Solo standard | 33 € | ~$40 |
| Pirastro Evah Pirazzi A Chrome | Steel | Premium standard | 39 € | ~$47 |
| Pirastro Passione A Viola | Gut | Baroque | 41 € | ~$49 |
| Larsen Magnacore A Viola | Steel | Top solo | 45 € | ~$54 |
Single-string price — approximately 25-35% of the set (A — cheapest, C — most expensive due to thickness and manufacturing complexity).
💡 Classic Viola String Combinations
🎵 Larsen A + Pirastro Evah Pirazzi D/G/C
The most popular solo violist combination. Singing Larsen A + powerful middle and bass register of Evah Pirazzi. ~$230. If A wears first — replace just it (~$40).
🎵 Jargar A + Thomastik Dominant D/G/C
Classic orchestral combination. Soft warm Jargar A + balanced Dominant standard. ~$155. For chamber violists who play long on a single set.
🎵 Pirastro Evah Pirazzi A + Thomastik Spirocore G/C + Pirastro D
For violists seeking maximum bass power. Spirocore G/C provide symphonic bass register. Especially useful for violas with quiet C-string. ~$215.
🎵 Larsen Magnacore A + Pirastro Passione D/G/C
For baroque with solo top. Magnacore A — focused, powerful; Passione D/G/C — warm gut with improved stability. ~$255.
🎵 Larsen Il Cannone A/D + Evah Pirazzi Gold G/C
Top premium for solo career. Maximum projection in all registers. ~$315. For violists playing in large concert halls.
💰 Budget orchestral combination
Thomastik Dominant A/D + Pirastro Chromcor G/C. Balanced top Dominant + stable long-lasting bottom Chromcor. ~$80. For school and youth orchestras.
⭐ Top Viola Strings — Choose a Specific Model
Quick navigation to popular string pages. See all viola strings →
Dominant 141 Viola
Details → LarsenLarsen Original Viola
Details → PirastroEvah Pirazzi Viola
Pirastro flagship for viola. Intense projecting tone, rich middle register — for large halls.
Details → PirastroTonica Viola
Details → Thomastik-InfeldSpirocore Tungsten Viola C
Single C string with tungsten winding. Standard in mixed-set combinations for powerful bass.
Details → PirastroObligato Viola
Details → Thomastik-InfeldVision Solo Viola
Premium synthetic for viola. Fast break-in (1-2 days), brilliant soloist tone.
Details → PirastroEvah Pirazzi Gold Viola
Premium series with golden tone in middle register. For top instruments and chamber performance.
Details → JargarJargar Superior Viola
Classic Danish manufacturer. Soft tone, accessible price, often used in mixed-set combinations.
Details → D'AddarioD'Addario Helicore Viola
Multi-strand steel core. Soft attack, stable pitch — for orchestra and senior students.
Details →🔥 Popular Searches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do viola strings differ from violin strings?
Viola strings are thicker and longer, tuned a fifth lower (C-G-D-A vs G-D-A-E). Viola body size varies 15-17 inches — unlike the standard 4/4 violin. The viola C-string (low C) is the thickest among classical bowed instruments, most difficult to manufacture — explaining the higher set cost.
Which viola string size — 15", 16", or 17"?
Look at your viola's body size and mensur. 38-39 cm → 15" (short). 40 cm → 16" (standard). 41-43 cm → 16.5-17" (Long). Most series are made in Standard and Long variants.
Which strings for viola in music school?
Grades 1-3: Pirastro Chromcor (~$55) or D'Addario Prelude (~$46) — steel, stable. Grades 4-7: Thomastik Alphayue (~$66) or Pirastro Tonica (~$87). Graduate, conservatory candidate: Thomastik Dominant Viola (~$118).
How much do 16" viola strings cost?
School-tier steel — $46-62. Mid-tier synthetic — $66-87. Professional standard — $102-133. Solo premium — $174-222. Top premium — $222-288.
Why is Dominant Viola more expensive than violin?
The viola C-string is the thickest among classical bowed instruments and most difficult to manufacture. This adds 60-80% to the cost compared to a violin G. So a viola Dominant ~$118 vs a violin Dominant ~$71.
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi or Larsen Original — which is better for viola?
Evah Pirazzi — powerful projection, brilliant middle register, for solo and chamber. Larsen Original — especially singing A-string, lyrical top. Many players combine: Larsen A + Evah Pirazzi D/G/C.
Can I mix viola strings from different brands?
Yes, especially common on viola. Larsen A + Evah Pirazzi D/G/C; Jargar A + Dominant; Evah Pirazzi A + Spirocore G/C; Magnacore A + Passione. SoundsGood will recommend tested combinations for your instrument.
What's the difference between Larsen viola A-strings?
Original A (~$40) — standard. Magnacore A (~$54) — premium for solo. Soloist A — for solo, darker tone. Il Cannone A — more powerful. Most teachers recommend Original; for solo career — Magnacore.
Which strings for baroque viola?
Gut. Pirastro Chorda Viola (~$222) — unwound gut on A/D. Pirastro Eudoxa Viola (~$174) — wound gut. Tuning A=415 Hz or 392 Hz. Sensitive to climate.
How often should I change viola strings?
Professional — every 2-3 months (especially A). Conservatory student — 4-6 months. Amateur, music-school pupil — once a year. Often you can replace just the A (wears first).
Which A-strings last longest?
Steel: Chromcor, Helicore — 8-12 months. Chrome Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Chrome A — 4-6 months. Larsen Original A — 4-5 months. Aluminium synthetic (Dominant) — 3-4 months. Gut — 4-6 weeks.
Do you sell viola strings individually?
Yes. Most often violists replace A (wears first) or C (most demanding). Individual prices: A ~$33-56, D ~$36-58, G ~$40-67, C ~$49-84.
Do you sell strings for fractional violas (1/2, 3/4, 12", 13")?
Yes. Children's viola: Pirastro Tonica New Formula (1/2, 3/4), For-Tune Opal Green Viola (12-13"), For-Tune Charm Kids. Standard adult range — 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5", 17".
Prozorro tenders for music schools?
Yes. SoundsGood supplies viola strings via Prozorro for music schools, music colleges, conservatories, orchestras. Most popular school package — Pirastro Tonica or Thomastik Alphayue/Dominant Viola in children's and adult sizes.
Where can I buy viola strings in Kyiv?
SoundsGood — 15 Olzhycha St. (Dorohozhychi metro). Most series of Pirastro, Thomastik, Larsen, Jargar, D'Addario, Warchal — for violas of all sizes. Expert string-specialist advice. Nova Poshta delivery. Phone +380 (73) 060 01 01.
🏆 Why SoundsGood for Viola Strings
All viola sizes
12"-17", children's and adult, Standard and Long
World brands
Pirastro, Thomastik, Larsen, Jargar, Warchal, D'Addario
A-strings individually
Larsen, Jargar, Evah Pirazzi separately — most common replacement
String specialist advice
Classic combinations for your viola and repertoire
Prozorro tenders
For music schools, colleges, conservatories, orchestras
Fast delivery
Nova Poshta from 1 day across Ukraine
Luthier workshop
String installation, bridge/soundpost adjustment
Kyiv showroom
15 Olzhycha St. — compare series in person
📞 Contact SoundsGood
📍 Address
15 Olzhycha St., Kyiv, 04116
Metro: Dorohozhychi
🕐 Hours
Mon-Fri: 11:00-18:00
Sat-Sun: closed