Having a bit of a nightmare finding a suitable viola for 11yr old violinist DD. We need a 13" viola of decent quality. She is at JD and plays viola as second study - prob around G7-8 standard. Violin is definitely the main focus, so we don't want to spend a fortune, but equally don't want a cheap student outfit. So far we have tried a Hidersine Vivente pimped up with decent strings - but still sounded rubbish. She's currently playing a 3/4 size violin re-strung as a viola, but the cut of the bridge is all wrong and it doesn't have enough oomph to cut through in ensembles, which is where she does most of her viola playing.
We are going to look at a Sebim (not a make I'm familiar with) on Saturday, and Stringers are also encouraging us to come and try their conversions, which apparently go beyond just changing the strings. I have also had conversations re a Gliga Gama and a Zeller, but I'm a bit nervous of ordering a new instrument without trying it first in case it's no better than the Hidersine! If anyone has any experience of Sebim, Gliga or Zeller violins or violas I'd love to hear what you think. Better still, if you could send me a recording of one being played!! Also, the Stringer's conversions....
TIA :)