Franz Hoffmann® Concert Viola Outfit

Franz Hoffmann® Concert Viola Outfit - Best-in-Class for Advancing Players

This complete viola outfit brings together the Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola, bow, case, rosin, and shoulder rest in a thoughtfully matched, ready-to-play setup for lessons, practice, rehearsal, and performance - all at an accessible step-up price point.

The Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola has for years been the most popular in the Franz Hoffmann line-up, and we understand why! As a top-of-the-line step-up instrument, the Concert is designed for students whose developing technique and repertoire demand more from their instrument. Carefully selected, aged spruce and maple tonewoods give the Concert greater resonance, tonal complexity, and projection, while retaining the clarity and dependable response students need to continue building strong fundamentals.

Ideal for developing beginners ready to move beyond entry-level and introductory step-up instruments, the Concert offers a richer and more nuanced acoustic response than the Franz Hoffmann Danube Viola. Its traditional spirit varnish gives the viola a refined appearance that highlights the natural character of the spruce and maple, while genuine ebony fittings, an individually fitted maple bridge, Overture Ultra strings, and a carbon composite tailpiece provide durable, player-friendly performance. Each viola is individually set up and inspected to ensure proper playability, making it an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and students seeking reliable performance without compromise.

This complete outfit adds a brazilwood viola bow with natural horsehair, a lightweight foam shell case, light rosin, a shoulder rest, and cleaning cloths. Unlike buying components separately, this outfit provides perfectly matched accessories that work together seamlessly, eliminating guesswork for parents and students.

Available in sizes from 16.5" down to 12", the Concert grows with young musicians throughout their learning journey. Backed by Shar Music's 30-day satisfaction guarantee and trusted by music educators nationwide.

Key Features

• Refined Step-Up Viola: Greater tonal complexity, projection, and responsiveness support developing students whose technique has progressed beyond an entry-level instrument
• Selected Aged Tonewoods: Carefully selected spruce and maple provide warmth, resonance, tonal depth, and greater musical flexibility
• Genuine Ebony Fittings: Professional-grade ebony pegs, fingerboard, and chinrest ensure durability and smooth tuning stability
• Hand-Carved Bridge: Each bridge is individually carved and fitted to optimize string height and enhance tonal response
• Composite Tailpiece: Lightweight composite tailpiece with integrated fine tuners makes accurate tuning effortless for beginners
• Traditional Spirit Varnish: Spirit varnish gives the viola a refined appearance while highlighting the natural figure and character of the spruce and maple
• Overture Ultra Strings: Premium strings provide a balanced, responsive sound with the clarity and tonal color developing violists need
• Multiple Sizes Available: Complete size range from 16.5" to 12" ensures proper fit for students ages 7 and up
• Professionally Set Up: Each viola arrives fully adjusted and ready to play with proper string height and sound post placement
• Rich, Complex Tone: Selected spruce and maple tonewoods provide warmth, projection, tonal dimension, and responsiveness while retaining dependable clarity
• 30-Day Guarantee: Risk-free trial period with full return privileges ensures complete satisfaction

Outfit Details

• Lightweight Protective Case: Durable yet lightweight case with padded interior, accessory compartment, and carrying straps for easy transport
• Quality Student Viola Bow: Well-balanced brazilwood bow with natural horsehair and a half-lined frog provides dependable response and control for developing technique
• Essential Playing Accessories: Included cleaning cloths, light rosin, and shoulder rest provide the basic support needed for maintenance, bow grip, posture, and comfortable playing

What's Included in This Viola Outfit

• Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola: The highest-level viola in the Franz Hoffmann beginner line, offering rich tonal complexity, strong projection, and responsive playability for advancing musicians
• Brazilwood Viola Bow with Natural Horsehair: A balanced student bow with a half-lined frog that provides dependable response and control as bowing technique develops
• Lightweight Foam Shell Case: Padded protection with accessory storage and carrying straps for everyday transport
• Light Rosin: Provides the bow grip needed for clear, consistent sound production
• Shoulder Rest: Supports a comfortable, stable playing position and proper instrument posture
• Cleaning Cloth: Helps remove rosin dust and perspiration from the instrument after playing
• Taper Cloth: Its narrow shape helps clean around the strings, fingerboard, bridge, and other difficult-to-reach areas

Why Choose the Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola Outfit?

1. Trusted by Music Educators: Franz Hoffmann violas are recommended by teachers nationwide for their consistent quality and reliable performance in student hands.
2. Selected Aged Tonewoods: Carefully graded spruce and maple give developing violists greater tonal depth and room for musical expression.
3. Professional Details for Developing Players: Genuine ebony fittings, an individually fitted maple bridge, integrated fine tuners, and professional setup support dependable long-term playability.
4. Convenient for Students and Families: The complete outfit removes the need to research and purchase essential accessories separately.
5. Risk-Free Trial: Shar Music's 30-day guarantee lets students and families try the instrument at home with complete peace of mind.
6. Professionally Prepared: Each instrument is set up and inspected at Shar Music, while the included bow and accessories are checked before shipment.

Due to the handmade nature of these instruments, your viola may have a different visual appearance than what is pictured.

FAQ

Q: What size viola does my child need?
A: Viola sizing is generally based on arm length, not age. A teacher or luthier can measure from the neck to the center of the palm. Generally: 15"-16.5" (ages 13+), 13"-14" (ages 9-15), and 12" (ages 9 and younger). When in doubt, consult with your music teacher or a trusted professional.

Size Selection Guide

How to Measure: Extend left arm straight out to the side. Measure from the base of the neck to the center of the palm. Round down if between sizes.

Q: Why are the viola sizes different than violin sizes?
A: Violins have relatively standardized sizes, but violas do not. Because violas are tuned lower, they need a larger body to produce their deeper sound. A perfectly proportional viola, however, would be too large for most people to play comfortably. Viola makers therefore use a range of sizes and designs to balance rich sound with comfortable reach and playability.

Q: Does this viola come with a bow and case?
A: Yes. This outfit includes the viola, brazilwood bow, lightweight foam shell case, light rosin, shoulder rest, cleaning cloth, and taper cloth. For the instrument alone, see the Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola, or for a complete package with upgraded accessories, see the Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola Deluxe Outfit.

Q: How does the Concert compare to Carlo Lamberti violas?
A: The Concert is the highest-level viola in the Franz Hoffmann beginner line, offering developing players greater tonal complexity, projection, and responsiveness while remaining approachable and dependable as a student instrument. Carlo Lamberti violas provide advancing players with increasingly refined tonal character, dynamic range, projection, and room for musical expression. The Concert is ideal for a beginner seeking the most capable Franz Hoffmann viola, while the Carlo Lamberti series is designed for players ready to move into the intermediate level and select an instrument based more closely on their developing technique and tonal preferences.

Q: Is the viola ready to play when it arrives?
A: Yes! Every Franz Hoffmann viola is professionally set up at Shar Music's workshop, including bridge fitting, sound post adjustment, and string installation. Simply tune and play!

Q: What is your return policy?
A: Shar Music offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied, you can return the outfit within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.

Q: Does this outfit come with a warranty?
A: Yes. This outfit is covered by Shar Music's 1-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty is non-transferable and does not cover normal wear and tear or misuse.

Care Instructions

• Wipe the viola after each playing session with a soft, dry cloth to remove rosin dust and perspiration
• Store in its case when not in use to protect from dust, bumps, and sudden changes in temperature or humidity
• Use a case blanket when stored in the case to prevent rosin from depositing on the instrument while it is stored
• Avoid extreme conditions by keeping the viola away from direct sunlight, heating vents, cold vehicles, and excessively dry or humid environments
• Check the bridge occasionally and ensure it remains upright and properly positioned, especially after tuning
• Replace strings when needed, typically every 6–12 months depending on playing frequency and use
• Loosen bow hair after each playing session to maintain camber (the curve of the stick) and prevent warping
• Clean bow regularly by wiping rosin dust from the stick with a soft, dry cloth
• Avoid touching bow hair with fingers as oils prevent the hair gripping on strings
• Check button/screw mechanism periodically to ensure smooth tension adjustment
• Rehair when needed, typically every 6–12 months depending on playing frequency