Best Viola Strings of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Viola strings are an essential component of any violist's toolkit. High-quality strings can significantly improve the tone and projection of the instrument, making it easier to produce a rich, full-bodied sound. Viola strings come in a range of materials, including gut, steel, and synthetic, each with its unique properties and benefits. Some strings are designed for specific playing styles, such as those suited for orchestral or solo performance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, investing in a set of quality viola strings can make a world of difference in your playing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set Cover #TOP 1
D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set Cover #TOP 2
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings Cover #TOP 3
Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Viola Strings

#TOP 1

D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set

J910 MM
Full Set
D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set Cover
D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set, Medium Scale Medium Tension – Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – Sealed Pouch to Prevent Corrosion, 1 Set

The D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set is designed for a medium-scale viola with a playing length of 14 1/8 inches and medium tension. These student strings are made with a solid steel core that produces a warm tone, making them a preferred choice for educators. They are also affordable and durable, making them perfect for students. D'Addario takes pride in designing, engineering, and manufacturing all its strings in the USA to meet the highest quality standards.

What We Like
Warm tone
Affordable
Durable
#TOP 2

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set

Pir-4781
Silver
16-17
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set Cover
Pirastro Viola Evah Pirazzi String Set, Medium Gauge Premium Strings Made With Fine Flexible Synthetic Core, Ball End, Replacement Accessory for Professional and Student Viola Players

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set is a versatile and high-quality set of strings designed for violas up to 16.5". This medium gauge set includes all ball-end strings, featuring Chromesteel/Steel A, Silver/Synthetic D, Silver/Synthetic G, and Tungsten-Silver/Synthetic C. The Chromesteel/Steel A string provides a bright and focused sound, while the Silver/Synthetic D and G strings offer a rich and warm tone. The Tungsten-Silver/Synthetic C string delivers a deep and powerful sound. These strings are perfect for violists looking for a balanced and expressive sound across the entire range of their instrument. With the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set, you can expect excellent projection, responsiveness, and durability, making it an ideal choice for both professional and amateur musicians.

What We Like
Versatile and high-quality
Bright and focused sound
Rich and warm tone
#TOP 3

Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings

Metallic
Set 141
Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings Cover
Thomastik-Infeld 141 Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings, Medium Gauge, 4/4 Scale, Set of 4

The Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings are developed and produced in Vienna, Austria since 1918, ensuring 100% constant quality and absolutely reliable performance. The breathable leather lining adds convenience and comfort to the players. With 1,300 strings for every playing style, the set of 4 medium gauge strings is suitable for all 4/4 scale violas.

What We Like
Developed and produced in Vienna, Austria since 1918
100% constant quality and absolutely reliable performance
Breathable leather lining adds convenience and comfort to the players
#TOP 4

Thomastik-Infeld Peter Infeld Viola Set

PI200
Nylon
Thomastik-Infeld Peter Infeld Viola Set Cover
Thomastik Peter-Infeld Viola Strings - Durable Carbon Steel A String For Articulation And Synthetic Core D, G, And C Strings For Flexibility - String Set Includes PI21 PI22A PI23 PI24 - Made in Vienn

The Thomastik-Infeld Peter Infeld Viola Set offers reliable and high-quality performance as it has been developed and produced in Vienna, Austria since 1924. With breathable leather lining, the set is comfortable to use for every playing style. Thomastik-Infeld also offers a wide range of 1,300 strings to cater to different playing styles.

What We Like
Reliable and high-quality performance
Comfortable to use with breathable leather lining
Wide range of 1,300 strings available for different playing styles
#TOP 5

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola String Set

EVA425021
Silver
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola String Set Cover
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Viola Gold String Set, Medium Gauge Premium Strings Made With Fine Flexible Synthetic Core, Ball End Strings, Replacement Accessory for Professional and Student Viola Players

The Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold Viola String Set is designed for 4/4 violas and features a tailpiece end with gold and black silking, peg end silking, ball end strings, and a removable ball for the A string. The A string has a steel core with chrome-steel winding, providing a clear and powerful sound.

What We Like
Designed for 4/4 violas
Tailpiece end with gold and black silking
Ball end strings with removable ball for A string
#TOP 6

D'Addario Helicore Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension

H410 MM
Clear
Full Set
D'Addario Helicore Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension Cover
D'Addario Helicore Viola String Set, Medium Scale, Medium Tension

D'Addario Helicore Viola Strings are designed specifically for medium-scale violas with a playing length of 14 1/8 inches. These medium tension strings provide optimal playability and produce a clear, warm tone. The stranded steel core ensures excellent pitch stability and longevity, making them perfect for a wide variety of playing styles and instruments. The smaller string diameter allows for quick bow response, giving you greater control over your sound. Packaged in sealed pouches, these strings are protected from corrosion and will last longer. Made in the USA with premium quality materials, D'Addario Helicore Viola Strings are trusted by musicians worldwide for their unmatched performance and consistency.

What We Like
Optimal playability
Clear, warm tone
Excellent pitch stability
#TOP 7

LARSEN Viola Strings (LVA-AMEDB)

LVA-AMEDB
LARSEN Viola Strings (LVA-AMEDB) Cover
LARSEN Viola A String, Ball End, Medium

The LARSEN Viola Strings (LVA-AMEDB) are designed for viola players who prefer medium tension and ball end strings. The strings are made of high-quality materials and are suitable for violas of all sizes. The A string is included in this package.

What We Like
Designed for medium tension and ball end preferences
High-quality materials
Suitable for all sizes of violas
#TOP 8

JYsun Viola Strings - High Quality Full Sets

2V70
Clear
2 sets
JYsun Viola Strings - High Quality Full Sets Cover
JYsun Viola Strings 2 Full Sets A D G C with Stainless Steel Core Nickel-Plated Ball-End Nickel Chromium Wound

The JYsun Viola Strings 2 Full Sets come with high quality steel core, nickel chromium wound, nickel-plated ball end, and are well-manufactured with 15+ years of experience. These strings can produce a clear warm tone and beautiful sound, making them a great choice for learners, players, and performers of the viola. Additionally, the product comes with excellent customer service and technical guidance for users.

What We Like
Comes with 2 Full Sets of Viola Strings
High Quality Materials for Durability
Produces Clear Warm Tone and Beautiful Sound
Excellent Customer Service with Technical Guidance
#TOP 9

D'Addario Helicore Medium Tension Viola Strings

H410 LM
Clear
Full Set
D'Addario Helicore Medium Tension Viola Strings Cover
D'Addario Helicore Viola String Set, Long Scale, Medium Tension

The D'Addario Helicore Viola Strings are designed specifically for long-scale violas, ensuring a perfect fit for instruments with a body length of 16 to 16 1/2 inches. With medium tension, these strings offer a balanced feel that suits many playing styles, providing you with comfortable playability. The strings feature a multi-stranded steel core, which helps produce a warm, clear tone while allowing quick response to bowing, making your playing more expressive. Packaged in special sealed pouches, these strings are protected from moisture and corrosion, so you can trust they will last longer and maintain their sound quality over time.

What We Like
Long-scale fit
Medium tension balance
Clear, warm tone
Quick bow response
Corrosion-resistant packaging
#TOP 10

Alice Viola 4/4 Full String Set Steel Core

A905
A905-Beginner
Alice Viola 4/4 Full String Set Steel Core Cover
Alice Viola String 4/4 Full Strings Set Steel Core with Ni-Fe Winding, Nickel Plated Viola String with Ball End for 16" Viola

The Alice Viola String Set is designed mainly for beginners who want reliable strings for practice. This set includes all four strings—A, D, G, and C—so you get everything needed for a complete viola setup. Made with a steel core wrapped in a nickel-iron alloy, these strings are built to last and offer a warm, rich sound that helps your playing stand out. The nickel-plated ball ends make installation easy and secure. If you have a 16-inch viola, this set fits perfectly and can help you improve your tone and confidence during practice sessions.

What We Like
Complete 4-string set
Durable steel core
Warm, rich sound
Easy-to-install ball ends
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of strings does a viola use?

There are three main types of viola strings to choose from: steel core, synthetic core, and gut core. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Gut core strings produce a warm sound with rich overtones but require frequent tuning. Steel core and synthetic core strings offer more stability and durability.

2. Why is the viola easier than the violin?

Comparing the viola and violin, many consider the viola to be harder to play. This is due to its larger size, heavier weight, and the use of alto clef notation. However, some people find the viola easier because the music is often less complex, as it usually has a supporting role in ensembles.

3. What happens if you put violin strings on a viola?

While it is possible to put violin strings on a viola, it is unlikely to produce a good sound. The length and gauge of the strings, as well as the body depth and setup of the instrument, all contribute to the sound and playability. It is important to choose strings that are specifically designed for the size of the viola for optimal performance.

4. Which is harder to play, viola or violin?

Both the viola and violin have their own challenges, but many consider the viola to be harder to play. The larger size and heavier weight of the viola, as well as the use of alto clef notation, can make it more challenging. However, some people find the viola easier because the music is often less complex, as it typically plays a supporting role in ensembles.

Editor's Notes

During our viola string research, we found 24 viola string products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,859 customer reviews through our big data system to write the viola strings list. We found that most customers choose viola strings with an average price of $52.94.

The viola strings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of viola strings, including D'Addario, Pirastro, Thomastik-Infeld, LARSEN STRINGS, JYsun. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.