Best Viola Strings of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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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 Gold Viola String Set Cover #TOP 2
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Gold 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
Silver
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 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 3

Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Synthetic Core Viola Strings

Metallic
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

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 5

Pirastro Obligato Viola String Set - Medium Gauge

Pir-4788
Silver
Pirastro Obligato Viola String Set - Medium Gauge Cover
Pirastro Obligato up to 16.5" Viola String Set - Medium Gauge

The Pirastro Obligato Viola String Set - Medium Gauge is a full set that includes all ball-end steel winding/aluminum core A, aluminum winding/synthetic core D, silver winding/synthetic core G, tungsten-silver winding/synthetic core C, suitable for up to 16.5" viola. The medium gauge ensures a balance between projection and playability.

What We Like
Full set for easy replacement
Synthetic core enhances stability and durability
Ball-end design makes installation simple
#TOP 6

Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Viola String Set DP200 4/4

636872
Silver
Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Viola String Set DP200 4/4 Cover
THOMASTIK Viola Strings DOMINANT PRO Dominant Pro 4/4 DP200 A Line, D Line, G Line, C Line 4 Types Set

The Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Viola Strings are an innovative string set designed for advanced violinists. These strings, with their carbon steel core A and synthetic D, offer a broad color range and a dark warm sound. They are well-balanced and easy to play, making them perfect for chamber and orchestral violists as well as soloists. The smooth transition between the strings creates a harmonious overall sound picture. These strings have a reliable structure, providing clear and loud voice with high sustain and superior tuning stability. Made by Thomastik-Infeld, a trusted leader in string technology for over 100 years, these Viennese strings are played by musicians of all genres around the world.

What We Like
Well-balanced
Easy to play
Broad color range
#TOP 7

Pirastro Tonica Viola String Set Medium

Pir-4790
Silver
Pirastro Tonica Viola String Set Medium Cover
Pirastro Tonica up to 16.5 inch Viola String Set Medium

The Pirastro Tonica Viola String Set Medium is designed for violas up to 16.5 inches. This full set includes four strings: A, D, G, and C. The A and D strings are made with a synthetic core and wound with aluminum, while the G and C strings are wound with silver. With a medium gauge, these strings offer a balanced and warm tone. The synthetic core provides stability and durability, making them suitable for both practicing and performing. The ball-end design ensures easy installation and secure fitting. Whether you are a beginner or a professional violist, the Pirastro Tonica Viola String Set Medium will enhance your playing experience with its reliable performance and excellent sound quality.

What We Like
Up to 16.5 inch violas
Full set with 4 strings
Synthetic core for stability
#TOP 8

Thomastik-Infeld Rondo Viola Strings RO2001

637943
Chrome,Silver
Thomastik-Infeld Rondo Viola Strings RO2001 Cover
Thomastik-Infeld Rondo Viola Strings RO2001, Synthetic Core Set for Advanced and Pro Players – Chrome A, D, & G, Tungsten/Silver C – Maximum Power – Tonal Warmth - Vast Dynamic Range - Made in Vienna

Thomastik-Infeld Rondo Viola Strings are the perfect choice for advanced players and professionals. With their tonal warmth, wide dynamic range, and vast palette of colors, these strings adapt well in any musical setting. The A string responds quickly to the bow and provides enough resilience for players to sustain pressure when needed. Additionally, it offers a powerful, balanced projection to the back of the hall. Made in Austria by Thomastik-Infeld, a trusted brand with over 100 years of experience, these Viennese strings impress musicians worldwide and are durable and corrosion-resistant.

What We Like
Warm tonal balance
Quick response to the bow
Powerful projection
#TOP 9

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Viola String Set

Pir-4781
Silver
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 10

Thomastik-Infeld 4125 Dominant

4125.0
Silber
Scale 395mm/15.5"
Thomastik-Infeld 4125 Dominant Cover
Thomastik-Infeld 4125 Dominant, Viola Strings, Complete Set, 16-Inch

The Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Viola Strings are a complete set of strings designed specifically for violas. With a synthetic core, these strings offer a warm and rich tone that is perfect for both solo and ensemble playing. The aluminum and silver winding provides excellent projection and durability. The Dominant Viola Strings are known for their quick response and stable pitch, allowing you to play with precision and confidence. Whether you are a professional musician or a student, these strings will enhance your playing experience and bring out the best in your instrument.

What We Like
Warm and rich tone
Excellent projection and durability
Quick response and stable pitch
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 7,864 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 $81.62.

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. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.