Hi everyone, I play the violin and thought it`s about time to change it to viola. But since there are not enough money i was thinking of just changing the strings and make my violin sound like a viola.
So has any of you tried something like that?
If i am not mistaken the G,A and D strings are the same in both instruments so i could just buy a C viola string and keep using the G,A,D violin ones.
Is that correct?

No. viola strings are to long and may be to thick if you`re using synthetic strings. You`re instrument will sound washed out. The only way to make it sound real good is to use lots of rosin.

Yes, of course you can...but bear in mind that it won`t sound quite `right` and you won`t get that full viola flavour.

Give it a try...and be prepared to put your violin back as a violin if it doesn`t sound `right` to you...

Another option that I suggest is to first rent a viola for a month (so the expense doesn`t get too high)...get a feel of how it plays and sounds...and then try switching your violin over...and you might find yourself making do with your converted violin more readily.

What I`ve found most noticeable in playing viola is the size of the instrument...it`s much bigger and therefore harder to hold (and uncomfortable). You also have to stretch your fingers much more to reach the proper notes...you won`t experience this on your convertd violin at all. But if you rent the viola first...you`ll at least appreciate this major difference...

The third item is the alto clef...that`s what I`m having the most problems with...I know where all the notes are...but I still can`t play to speed...or if I try I find myself playing the alto clef as if it were the treble, which of course, doesn`t help matters any.

Good luck! Let us know what you do!