From beginners to intermediate

Please read our Setting up for success article.

At Cardiff Violins, we believe that a careful selection of a beginner's first instrument is crucial for the future enjoyment of music making.
It has always been our policy to supply instruments that work well at affordable prices. For these reasons, we upgrade inexpensive Chinese instruments that will end-up cheaper than non-upgraded European instruments, yet work much better than a lot of them!

The following instruments are listed in order of price. It is difficult for us to tell you exactly when to change to a new instrument, because it depends on what the player wants to do with their music, how enthusiastic they are, if they or they parents feel they deserve another one, if their teacher thinks they need to upgrade, if they are going through the grade system, or if they just want to treat themselves to a better one! So all the following instruments are very suitable for beginners, and as you go up in price, they also fit their needs as they get better. And, rather than rigidly say “you need to change your viola by grade 3”, we prefer leaving the decision to the players, so that whenever the time or circumstances feel right for them, they can come back and enjoy selecting their next instrument.

Please do not forget that we can take your first instrument in part-exchange (if you have bought it from us), so do bring it along! If your first instrument was purchased somewhere else, we will try and help you buy your next one, by part-exchanging it, but cannot promise to do so, as it depends on the make and condition.

Andantino Complete with a Brazilwood viola bow and shaped viola case with blanket and 2 shoulder straps, it looks and sounds beautiful! Subject to condition, this viola can be part-exchanged when you need the next size or quality up. SIZE 12’’ | 13’’ | 14’’ | 15’’ | 15 ½’’ | 16’’     PRICE £ 325

Vivace This viola is a step-up again from the Andantino. Complete with a better quality brazilwood bow and a ply-wood shaped case, it produces a very commanding sound, with clear projection. This viola has been partly upgraded, as the manufacturer's set-up was more advanced that for the Minuet and Andantino outfits. This viola is part-exchangeable when you need the next size or quality up! SIZE 15’’ | 15.5’’ | 16’’     PRICE £ 325 (without case) £ 380 (with case)

Con Amore This is an up-graded version of the Vivace with a red-brown antique finish. Again, as the manufacturer's specifications are quite high, we only needed to partially upgrade it. This viola sounds as good as it looks, and comes with a brazilwood bow and a ply-wood viola case. SIZE 1/2 | 3/4 | 4/4     PRICE £ 575 (without case) £ 630 (with case)

FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS : If you order online, one of our assistants will select the best viola available on the day of your order.