Please visit our Choosing a Viola page for a discussion of features to consider when selecting a viola. The following sampling of violas and bows is geared towards beginning violists. Before purchasing an instrument, it is highly recommended that you test several violas. If you do decide to purchase online or through mail order, carefully investigate the company's return policy. If you're a beginner, you may want to enlist the help of your viola teacher or a violist friend to play the viola you're considering buying to ensure that the instrument is well-made, has a good tone and is worth buying.