Franz Hoffmann® Concert Viola

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

This is a premium beginner viola for developing players seeking greater tonal complexity, projection, and responsive playability 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 agree! 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.

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

Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Franz Hoffmann
Model	Concert
Player Level	Beginner
Strings	Overture Ultra
Top Material	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Maple
Fingerboard	Ebony
Pegs	Ebony
Chinrest	Ebony
Tailpiece	Composite with four integrated fine tuners
Bridge	Hand-carved maple, individually fitted
Varnish	Spirit
Sizes Available	12", 13", 14", 15", 15.5", 16", 16.5"

Why Choose the Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola?

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. Risk-Free Trial: Shar Music's 30-day guarantee lets students and families try the instrument at home with complete peace of mind.
5. Grows With Your Student: Complete size range means you can stay with the trusted Franz Hoffmann quality as your child grows and progresses.

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

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

Size	Arm Length	Typical Age Range	Body Length
16"+	25" or more	Ages 15 to adult	16"+ (406mm+)
15.5"	24" or more	Ages 15 to adult	15.5" (393mm)
15"	23"-24"	Ages 13-15	15" (381mm)
14"	22"-23"	Ages 11-13	14" (356mm)
13"	20"-22"	Ages 9-11	13" (330mm)
12"	18"-20"	Ages 7-9	12" (304mm)

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: This listing is for the viola instrument only. For a complete outfit including bow, case, rosin, and shoulder rest, see the Franz Hoffmann Concert Viola Outfit or 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 viola within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange.

Q: Does this instrument come with a warranty?
A: Yes. This instrument 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.

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