Best Viola Strings of 2026

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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Viola strings are an essential component of any violist's toolkit. These strings are designed to produce a rich, warm tone that complements the unique sound of the viola. They come in a variety of materials, including gut, steel, and synthetic, and can be tailored to suit the individual player's preferences. Whether you're a professional musician or a beginner, investing in high-quality viola strings can greatly enhance the sound and playability of your instrument.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Thomastik Dominant Nylon Core Viola Strings Cover #TOP 1
Thomastik Dominant Nylon Core Viola Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Dominant Aluminium Wound Viola A String 4/4 Cover #TOP 2
Dominant Aluminium Wound Viola A String 4/4
ftb score rating icon 9.8
D’Addario Prelude Medium Tension Viola Strings Cover #TOP 3
D’Addario Prelude Medium Tension Viola Strings
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Viola Strings

#TOP 1

Thomastik Dominant Nylon Core Viola Strings

Metallic
Thomastik Dominant Nylon Core Viola Strings Cover
Thomastik Strings for Viola Dominant Nylon Core Set 141 4/4 Medium

The Thomastik Viola Strings are designed for optimum performance, featuring a medium tension set that balances playability and sound. With aluminium wound A and D strings, and silver wound G and C strings, you can expect a rich tonal quality. The flexible multifilament synthetic core ensures that you won’t have to worry about humidity changes affecting your performance. Enjoy a warm, soft sound, reminiscent of gut strings, allowing you to express your musicality with ease.

What We Like
Rich, warm sound quality
Stable under humidity changes
Excellent playability
High-quality materials
#TOP 2

Dominant Aluminium Wound Viola A String 4/4

15, 15.5, 16, 16.5
Dominant Aluminium Wound Viola A String 4/4 Cover
Dominant Strings 136 4/4 Aluminium Wound Viola A String

The Dominant Viola A String is designed for artists who prefer a softer touch than steel strings. Its highly flexible, multi-strand nylon core ensures comfort during play. This string excels in producing a radiant sound that projects beautifully, enhancing both Arco and pizzicato techniques. You will appreciate its ability to deliver a warm tone without metallic overtones, making your performances more enjoyable and expressive.

What We Like
Comfortable for nylon string users
Excellent sound projection
Warm, non-metallic tone
Versatile for different playing techniques
#TOP 3

D’Addario Prelude Medium Tension Viola Strings

J910 MM
Silver
Full Set
D’Addario Prelude Medium Tension Viola Strings 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 Strings are expertly designed for medium-scale violas, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. You will appreciate the warm tone, which adds richness to your music without breaking the bank. Made with a solid steel core, these strings remain stable regardless of temperature and humidity changes, providing excellent bow response for a smooth playing experience. Additionally, their unique sealed pouches offer exceptional protection against corrosion, keeping your strings fresh and ready to play whenever you are.

What We Like
Warm, rich sound
Stable under various conditions
Excellent bow response
Corrosion-resistant packaging
#TOP 4

Thomastik Viola Strings Peter Infeld Set

PI200
Silver
Thomastik Viola Strings Peter Infeld Set Cover
Thomastik Strings for Viola Peter Infeld Synthetic Core Set 4/4 Medium

The Thomastik Viola Strings offer a high-quality option for players seeking a reliable sound. With a medium tension of 5.6kg, these strings provide the perfect balance between comfort and projection. The A-string features a steel core wound with chrome, allowing for bright and clear tones, while the D-string uses a synthetic core combined with chrome winding for warmth. Both the G and C strings are made with synthetic cores and silver winding, delivering a rich, resonant sound that enhances your music. Enjoy the improved playability and tonal versatility these strings bring.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Rich, resonant sound
Medium tension for comfort
Bright and clear tones
#TOP 5

Thomastik Spirocore Medium Tension Viola Strings Set

Thomastik Spirocore Medium Tension Viola Strings Set Cover
Thomastik Saiten für Viola Spirocore Spiralkern Satz 4/4 mittel Chromstahl

The Thomastik Spirocore Viola Strings offer a 4/4 set made from chrome steel, providing medium tension of 28.3kg (62.4lbs). This tension level helps you achieve a balanced sound and comfortable playability. Each string (A, D, G, C) is wound with chrome steel, ensuring durability and a bright tone. The flexible spiral rope core extends the vibration time of each note, so you get a richer, longer-lasting sound with less inertia. These strings are versatile, suitable for both plucking and bowing, giving you flexibility in your playing style.

What We Like
Medium tension for balanced sound
Durable chrome steel winding
Longer vibration with spiral core
Works for plucking and bowing
#TOP 6

Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Viola String Set DP200

636872
Silver
Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Viola String Set DP200 Cover
Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro Viola String Set DP200 4/4 Carbon Steel Core A - D, G, C Synthetic | High Bow Pressure | Dark Warm Sound | Extensive Tonal Colors | For Advanced Violists | Made in Vienna

The Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Pro is an innovative string set designed for advanced violists seeking powerful and easy-to-play strings. Its well-balanced tones provide a wide range of colours, helping you to fill any room with rich sound. Building on the legendary Dominant brand, these strings are ideal for chamber music, orchestral use, and solo performances, offering versatility for various settings. The set features a blend of carbon steel and synthetic cores with chrome and silver winding, giving you smooth tonal transitions and a harmonious overall sound. You will also enjoy clear, loud voices with excellent sustain and instant bow response, aiding dynamic playing from soft to loud.

What We Like
Wide tonal range
Powerful, easy to play
Ideal for chamber and orchestral
Smooth, harmonious sound
Clear voice with good sustain
#TOP 7

Thomastik-Infeld Alphayue Viola Strings

636810
Medium Tension
Thomastik-Infeld Alphayue Viola Strings Cover
Thomastik-Infeld Viola Strings (636810)

The Thomastik Viola Strings are designed with a synthetic core, providing excellent tonal quality and durability for your instrument. The Alphayue series ensures that you can enjoy a warm and rich sound, enhancing your playing experience. The synthetic core also means you can expect greater stability in tuning, making it easier for you to maintain the perfect pitch. These strings are ideal for both beginners and experienced players, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about frequent replacements.

What We Like
Excellent tonal quality
Durable synthetic core
Stable tuning
Ideal for all skill levels
#TOP 8

D'Addario J910 LM Prelude Long Scale Medium Tension Viola Strings

J910 LM
Grey
Full Set
D'Addario J910 LM Prelude Long Scale Medium Tension Viola Strings Cover
D'Addario J910 LM Prelude Long Scale Medium Tension Viola String Set

The D'Addario J910 LM Viola Strings are designed for long-scale violas, fitting bodies between 16 and 16 1/2 inches with a playing length of 15 inches. These strings feature medium tension, offering a balanced feel that is comfortable to play and easy to control. With a solid steel core, the strings produce a warm and inviting tone, ideal for student players seeking quality sound. As a preferred choice among educators, they combine a warm tone, affordability, and durability, making them a practical and reliable option for your viola playing experience.

What We Like
Warm, student-friendly tone
Medium tension for comfort
Durable and economical
Fits long-scale violas
#TOP 9

D'Addario H410 LM Long Scale Viola Strings

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

The D'Addario H410 LM Viola Strings are designed for long-scale violas with a body length of 16 to 16.5 inches and a playing length of 15 inches. With medium tension, these strings offer excellent playability, allowing you to play with ease and comfort. The stranded steel core produces a clear and warm tone, enhancing your sound quality. These versatile strings cater to various playing styles and instruments, ensuring that you can adapt them to your needs seamlessly.

What We Like
Clear, warm tone
Excellent playability
Versatile for various styles
Designed for long-scale violas
#TOP 10

D'Addario Zyex Medium Tension Long Scale Viola Strings

DZ410 LM
Grey
Medium
D'Addario Zyex Medium Tension Long Scale Viola Strings Cover
D'Addario Zyex Long Scale Medium Tension Viola String Set

The D'Addario Zyex Viola Strings are designed for long-scale violas with a body length of 16 to 16 1/2 inches, offering a playing length of 15 inches (380mm). This ensures they fit well and provide the right tension for your instrument. With medium tension, these strings balance playability and sound projection, making it easier for you to control your performance. The Zyex synthetic core produces a rich, warm tone, giving your music depth and character. Additionally, the strings have a short break-in time and excellent bow response, allowing you to enjoy superb playability and a wide tonal range quickly.

What We Like
Fits long-scale violas
Medium tension balance
Rich, warm tone
Quick break-in time
Excellent bow response
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 strings on a viola?

Although both the violin and viola use just four stings (electric violins and violas sometimes have six strings), the notes of each string differ.. The violin strings are G, D, A, and E. E is highest, and G is lowest.The viola strings are C, G, D, and A. A is highest, and C is lowest.

2. What are the strings on a viola called?

The Viola strings names are A - D - G - C (from the highest to the lowest), one fifth lower that violin strings and are slightly longer and thicker. They are the same notes as the cello strings only one octave higher. There are some people who play five-string violas that include an E at the top.

3. Does a viola have 5 strings?

For those who balk at the size of a viola, five-strings do come in violin form, but according to luthier Martin Brunkalla, who makes both, this inevitably compromises the sound: 'Just adding a C string to an instrument designed for four strings is unlikely to satisfy a discerning player.

4. How many strings a viola has?

viola, stringed musical instrument, the tenor of the violin family. It is built in proportions similar to those of the violin but has a body length of 37 to 43 cm (14.5 to 17 inches), about 5 cm (2 inches) longer than a violin. Its four strings are tuned c–g–d′–a′, beginning with the C below middle C.

Editor's Notes

During our viola string research, we found 97 viola string products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,948 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 £43.15.

The viola strings are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of viola strings, including Thomastik-Infeld, D'Addario.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.