What is included in the Stentor Harlequin Viola Outfit?

The outfit includes the 15-inch solid wood viola, a lightweight case with two accessory pockets, and a durable P&H fibreglass bow.

Is the Stentor Harlequin made of real wood or plastic?

It is constructed from solid maple and spruce. Stentor uses these traditional tonewoods to ensure quality sound despite the colourful exterior finish.

What size is this specific Harlequin viola?

This specific model is a 15-inch viola, which is a standard intermediate size for students transitioning from smaller instruments or for adults with smaller reaches.

Does the viola come with fine tuners?

Yes, it is fitted with a composite tailpiece that has integral adjusters. This allows the player to make small, precise tuning adjustments easily.

What kind of bow is supplied with the deep purple model?

It typically comes with a P&H fibreglass bow, known for its durability. Note that a natural coloured bow might be supplied instead based on availability.

Is the purple finish matte or shiny?

The finish is described as a 'sparkling' and 'glistening' deep purple. It is designed to be bright and visually engaging compared to standard finishes.

Can I use standard viola accessories with this instrument?

Yes, because it follows traditional dimensions, you can use standard accessories like Wittner tailpieces or Conrad Goetz chinrests if you wish to upgrade.

What is the typical price for this viola outfit?

The typical price range for the Stentor Harlequin Viola Outfit is approximately £215.

How does the Harlequin compare to the Stentor Graduate series?

The Harlequin features a bright, colourful finish for student engagement, whereas the Graduate series focuses on a traditional appearance and refined tone for progressing players.

Is the case easy to carry to school?

Yes, the outfit includes a lightweight case specifically designed to withstand the daily transport needs of a music student.

Does this viola require a specific type of rosin?

No specific rosin is required; standard viola rosin will work with the included P&H fibreglass or natural bow.

Can this viola be used in a school orchestra?

Yes, it is a fully functional acoustic viola built to traditional specifications, making it suitable for educational and orchestral environments.

Gear article

Stentor Harlequin Viola Outfit Deep Purple 15 Inch

The Stentor Harlequin Viola is a student-focused 15-inch instrument characterised by its distinct deep purple glistening finish. Despite its unconventional aesthetic, it is built with traditional solid tonewoods including maple and spruce to ensure standard acoustic performance for learners.

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Overview

The Stentor Harlequin series represents a departure from the traditional aesthetics of orchestral string instruments. Designed primarily for students and younger players, the Deep Purple 15-inch model combines a bold visual identity with the manufacturing standards Stentor is known for in the educational sector. It serves as a complete 'outfit', providing the necessary accessories to begin playing immediately.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is constructed from solid maple and spruce, mirroring the material composition of traditional violas. This ensures that while the exterior is modern, the internal resonance remains consistent with academic requirements. Key hardware features include:

Bridge: A good quality, standard-fit bridge.
Tailpiece: A composite tailpiece featuring integral adjusters for precise tuning of each string.
Bow: A durable P&H fibreglass bow, though a natural wood bow may be substituted depending on stock availability.
Case: A lightweight carry case equipped with two external pockets for sheet music and accessories.

Sound and Character

The Harlequin viola is designed to produce a clear and reliable tone suitable for classroom and practice environments. Because it uses solid tonewoods rather than laminated plywoods, it retains the fundamental acoustic characteristics of a viola. The 15-inch size provides a slightly deeper resonance than smaller violins, offering the warmth expected from the alto voice of the string family.

Suitability

This instrument is specifically tailored for students who may find traditional brown finishes uninspiring. The 15-inch size is generally suitable for teenagers or adults with smaller frames. Its robust build quality, including the composite tailpiece and fibreglass bow, makes it highly resilient to the 'day-to-day life' of a music student, such as transport to lessons and school rehearsals.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to traditional student instruments like the Stentor Graduate or Messina series, the Harlequin stands out for its sparkling finish. While the Stentor Graduate and Messina offer more traditional aesthetics and refined tonal qualities for advancing students, the Harlequin focuses on engagement for beginners. For those seeking modern alternatives, the G4M Solus Electric Violin offers a silent practice option, but the Harlequin remains a true acoustic instrument permitted in traditional orchestral settings.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Stentor Harlequin Viola Outfit?: The outfit includes the 15-inch solid wood viola, a lightweight case with two accessory pockets, and a durable P&H fibreglass bow.
Is the Stentor Harlequin made of real wood or plastic?: It is constructed from solid maple and spruce. Stentor uses these traditional tonewoods to ensure quality sound despite the colourful exterior finish.
What size is this specific Harlequin viola?: This specific model is a 15-inch viola, which is a standard intermediate size for students transitioning from smaller instruments or for adults with smaller reaches.
Does the viola come with fine tuners?: Yes, it is fitted with a composite tailpiece that has integral adjusters. This allows the player to make small, precise tuning adjustments easily.
What kind of bow is supplied with the deep purple model?: It typically comes with a P&H fibreglass bow, known for its durability. Note that a natural coloured bow might be supplied instead based on availability.
Is the purple finish matte or shiny?: The finish is described as a 'sparkling' and 'glistening' deep purple. It is designed to be bright and visually engaging compared to standard finishes.
Can I use standard viola accessories with this instrument?: Yes, because it follows traditional dimensions, you can use standard accessories like Wittner tailpieces or Conrad Goetz chinrests if you wish to upgrade.
What is the typical price for this viola outfit?: The typical price range for the Stentor Harlequin Viola Outfit is approximately £215.
How does the Harlequin compare to the Stentor Graduate series?: The Harlequin features a bright, colourful finish for student engagement, whereas the Graduate series focuses on a traditional appearance and refined tone for progressing players.
Is the case easy to carry to school?: Yes, the outfit includes a lightweight case specifically designed to withstand the daily transport needs of a music student.
Does this viola require a specific type of rosin?: No specific rosin is required; standard viola rosin will work with the included P&H fibreglass or natural bow.
Can this viola be used in a school orchestra?: Yes, it is a fully functional acoustic viola built to traditional specifications, making it suitable for educational and orchestral environments.