Im looking for a good 15"-15.5" viola from the $3000-$6000 range that I plan to use throughout college. Any suggestions??

Yes. Spend a lot less than that and get a Gliga Gama. Impossible to beat at anywhere near the price.

Liz

If you honestly have $6,000 available, then you really aught to make your search quite exhaustive, though do not forget to seriously look at your bow as a major part of that budget. Especially for violas, the change in size can make some bows non-effective--even if they are good on another instrument.

Gliga is certainly one possibility. But with that kind of budget, you can buy an instrument from a modern american or canadian maker--not the "top" like Alf etc, but a younger maker with promise.

You also have enough to walk into any violinmaker or dealer and try out some very nice instruments. Take your time. With less than $1000 you can get a Gliga (Gama)--try 3 or 4 and pick one--not a big deal--but if you are going to spend 6k, put some time into it! :-)

Places such as Morel`s in NYC, Moening in Phila, Michie in Philadelphia etc etc etc.

15 to 15.5" is a small viola--it is a challenge to get that size to work well. You will find that there are some makers out there who are specializing in the viola--but there are not as many of them as there are violin specialists. Some of them are on the net, others are not--you need to talk around the dealers to find the gems.

Out of your budget, but certainly a long-term possibility: David Rivinus. Perhaps you should make contact, if for no other reason than to try them out!

Another option is to consider a viola such as Gliga but go shopping for a superior bow that matches your playing preferences.

Would you consider playing a larger viola?

Violasurvey, have you heard David Rivinus` Pellegrina viola?

Regarding the Pomposa: yes, that is one amazing idea.

I think Don Ehrlich of the San Fransisco Symphony plays the 4-string Pellegrina (not the 5-string Pomposa) but I haven`t had the opportunity to hear it...would love to, though!

I would recommend the Gliga, they have a great quality to price
ratio.

violinslover.com sells them, and really good prices. (that's where
I bought mine)

I've heard numerous testimonies from people buying even the cheapest Gligas, and having them compare with their 1000+ dollar
ones.