r/Viola • u/dc-viajera-1 • 6d ago
Free Advice Used viola shop recommendations
Hello!
Looking for recommendations on where to buy a used viola. This is for my 10 year old. Thank you!
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u/kongtomorrow 6d ago
Any place called a violin shop. The majority of violas are used.
If you're trying to get a particularly good deal though, that's different. For that you need to cut out the dealer, which means Facebook marketplace, craigslist, etc. but it's much harder than going to a dealer.
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u/dc-viajera-1 6d ago
Thanks. I found a DZ strand online shop- are they reputable?
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u/Epistaxis 6d ago
That's not a shop that trades in used instruments, it's a workshop that sells news ones they made themselves, and it's not clear from the website that they have any physical locations near you (usually workshops are just suppliers to shops that carry many different makers). You should go to a physical shop for sizing.
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u/hlt32 6d ago
Where are you? The answer will vary a lot by location.
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u/dc-viajera-1 6d ago
MD/DC Area
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u/No_Resolution_1260 6d ago
Brobst is good
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u/altoclf 6d ago
Second Brobst, but primarily if your child is already committed to playing the viola. If they are starting out, I’d recommend renting from Music and Arts, or buying of FB marketplace. If there’s commitment and willingness to spend some good money, Brobst is good. I got my current viola from them 22 years ago
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u/tokoloshe62 6d ago
How long has your daughter been playing? Are you committed to buying over renting?
I ask because I’m a big fan of the rental instruments from Bethesda Violins. The viola I’m renting from them now is a really really well made and setup student instrument. I imagine the instruments they sell will also be good, but I can’t share any personal experience of purchasing from them. It is definitely worth getting one from an actual luthier rather than a general music store.
If you are looking for an investment piece, Potter Violins is the go-to in the area. Also strongly recommend getting your daughter’s teacher involved in any purchase.
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u/dc-viajera-1 6d ago
Son has been playing for 3 years
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u/tokoloshe62 6d ago
See what his teacher says, as they’ll have a good idea of what he specifically needs given how he plays. A lot of teachers I know have a preferred luthier they suggest working with. But, if the teacher doesn’t have any advice, I’d recommend Bethesda Violins over a Facebook marketplace or Amazon special. And most of the people I know go to Potters.
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u/AnAmericanJewel 6d ago edited 6d ago
My daughter started at 9 or 10 and is now a senior in high school and playing in 3 orchestras... Unless he is exceptionally good, I would strongly recommend renting until he is ready for his final full size. We went through Music&Arts and were able to size up when needed, repair if needed, and it's rent to own so you build some equity. We used her rental instrument to offset the cost of the one she has today.
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u/Protowhale 6d ago
First choice is a string store, not a general music store, that you can go to for advice and trying out various instruments. If you have no reputable string shops in your area, stick with a reputable shop that has an online presence. Some possibilities are sharmusic.com, swstrings.com, quinnviolins.com.
Stay far away from Amazon and eBay. Most of what you find there is junk.
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u/Maximum_Fighter_2501 6d ago
I got mine from Facebook Marketplace, but I’ll add that I started on viola after playing classical guitar for a few years so I had an understanding of what a VSO is. Find someone you know who plays violin/viola/cello/bass and ask for their input. Don’t buy blind. And get a decent student model, like a stentor. Nothing in a weird colour.
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u/1NativeMama 5d ago
As a parent, I would highly recommend renting an instrument. The instrument that will suit your child at 10 will no longer suit him/her at 12. And when you're ready to upgrade, selling an instrument can sometimes take months.
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u/tea_trousers 6d ago
Don't buy online if you can help it, bring your child to a local violin shop to find something they like, feels comfortable, and receive expert help. You can often rent starter instruments from these places too.