Fiddlerman Concert Viola Outfit

I recently purchased the Fiddlerman Concert Viola Outfit. First, the interaction with Fiddlershop on this purchase was excellent. You can’t find better customer service. The viola I purchased is the 15.5” size. I purchased a “b” stock. It, supposedly, had a varnish blemish or something on the back. I cannot see where there was an issue at all, and I have looked. Kudos to the workers at Fiddlershop! Being less than 16”, I was not expecting it to be so full bodied with the sound. I should not have been surprised because the video that was made with it had a lovely sound. This viola is wonderful and has lovely rings. I am a student, but very finicky with sound and this viola very much pleases my finicky ears. It is a good fit for me in the 15.5” size. I am happy I was able to find a 15.5” viola with such a wonderful sound. Sound quality was not sacrificed for the smaller size. I would absolutely recommend this instrument. It is so comfortable to hold and to bow. Simply lovely. I would recommend that Fiddlershop be your first stop for bowed string instruments. Fiddlershop never fails.

I had a violin 20 some years ago. At 57 now I decided to start playing again. I chose the Viola because my finger have had 57 years of abuse and damage and I think I'll need the note spacing. I called and asked a bunch of questions and the Concert Viola Outfit was recommended. I received it just a few minutes ago. Packing was excellent, very well protected. Case seems to be well made and holds securely. The bow is pretty light, I'll need to rosin it up and start playing. The Viola itself looks nice, you can tell it's not custom made some of the finish. Wood looks good nice pattern. Check out sheet was complete. Looks to be a great deal/bargain for the Package. It appears to be pretty loud and good tone, it's not a "dead" instrument like my first violin. I consider myself a beginner and am looking forward to practicing 40 hours a day. Thanks for setting me up again, now I need a music stand. John

The best violin shop in USA honestly peoples and professional customer services.

I played viola when I was in 6th grade, but moved to guitar the next year. That was 17 years ago, and I've just picked it back up. From the moment I completed checkout to the moment the package arrived at my door, I waited just three days. The instrument arrived in beautiful condition, with ample protection. On top of that, I only had to fine tune the A string (humidity and temperature changes during shipping) and I was ready to play. That blew me away. This instrument is quite possibly the best value I've ever seen, heard, or felt. She sings like an angel, with no dead notes or harsh sounds anywhere, warm and somber. Incredibly comfortable in the hand. The Fiddlerman carbon fiber bow is very easy to control, with wonderful balance and great craftsmanship. The case is very nice. It has four bow holders, a front zipper pocket for music or whatever you may need to take with you, and two interior compartments for accessories. It has a hygrometer to monitor the temperature and relative humidity inside the case. I would definitely trust this case to protect my viola. You get a cake of quality rosin (I'll touch on that in a bit), a shoulder rest, Fiddlerman polishing cloth, and a very high quality bag for your instrument. Seriously, that is a luxurious bag. They also put some great-sounding strings on the viola (or whichever Fiddlerman instrument you purchase). This brings me to the amazing service at Fiddlershop. Every single Fiddlerman instrument that leaves their shop, is set up and tuned by an experienced luthier. When you receive your instrument, it will have a sheet of paper in the case. This is the inspection and setup checklist, and it is signed and dated by the luthier. A nice touch to give a little piece of mind that my viola was handled by a real, experienced professional. Remember how I said I'd come back to the rosin? Well, I was expecting to get a cheap rosin suited for beginners. Nope. Fiddlershop sent me a cake of their new Holstein Reserve. This stuff is incredible! It gives your bow such a beautiful feel on the strings. The prefect balance between grippy and smooth. This rosin is on par with the priciest examples out there, for literally a fraction of the cost! Fiddlershop did not have to do that, but they did anyway because they care. The viola itself is a work of art, sonically and visually. It hums and sings like it was birthed in the heavens. From the lows to the highs, she will please your ears and eyes. The grain on the spruce top is even and free of blemishes. The maple back, sides, and neck have a beautiful, deep flame. And the oil varnish only enhances everything. This is a fine instrument that I would be proud to play in any ensemble, without hesitation. Hands down, the best value I've ever gotten in any instrument. You would be a fool to pass up a Fiddlerman instrument!

Second time buyer (after OB1 Violin last year), and instrument arrived promptly and ready to play right out of the box...I did not even adjust the fine tuners, much less the pegs. After initial bow rosin, the Concert Viola sang beautifully and the sound resonated out of her 16.5" body like a Met diva. I could not be happier with the purchase. If you've got a great violin shop nearby, of course, patronize them, but otherwise, count on Fiddlershop and its outstanding instrument.