What size viola is this tailpiece designed for?

This specific model is designed for a 15.5-inch viola. Using it on significantly larger or smaller instruments may negatively affect the string after-length and overall playability.

What material is the Wittner Ultra made from?

It is crafted from a high-grade synthetic composite material, which is a specialized type of plastic. This makes it more resistant to environmental changes than traditional wood.

Does it come with a tailgut?

Yes, this model is supplied with a tailgut, which is necessary for attaching the tailpiece to the viola's endpin.

How many fine tuners does it include?

The Wittner Ultra features four integrated fine tuners. This allows for precise tuning of all four strings directly at the tailpiece.

Is a synthetic tailpiece better than a wooden one?

Synthetic tailpieces are generally more durable and less affected by humidity than wood. They are often preferred for their consistency and integrated mechanical features.

Will this tailpiece help keep my viola in tune?

Yes, its primary function is to anchor the strings securely. The integrated fine tuners also allow for more stable and minute adjustments compared to using pegs alone.

Can I install this tailpiece myself?

While it can be installed by a player, it requires removing all strings and carefully setting the tailgut length. If you are unsure, it is recommended to have a luthier perform the installation.

Is this tailpiece suitable for professional use?

Many professionals use Wittner Ultra tailpieces for their reliability and weight benefits, though some prefer the aesthetics or specific acoustic properties of traditional wood or carbon fiber.

How does this compare to Wittner's adjustable tailpieces?

Unlike the Wittner Violin Tailpiece Position Adjustable model, this viola version has a fixed length. It is designed to be a standard fit for the 15.5-inch instrument size.

What is the typical price for this component?

The Wittner Ultra Viola Tailpiece typically retails for approximately £20 in the UK market.

Does the composite material affect the sound of the viola?

The lightweight nature of the synthetic composite can improve instrument response in some cases. It provides a neutral and consistent performance compared to variable natural wood.

Can I use this on an electric viola?

If the electric viola is a standard 15.5-inch scale and uses a traditional tailpiece mounting system, it should be compatible. However, it is primarily designed for acoustic instruments.

Gear article

Wittner Ultra Viola Tailpiece (15.5 Inch)

The Wittner Ultra Viola Tailpiece is a precision-engineered replacement component designed specifically for 15.5-inch violas. Crafted from a high-tech synthetic composite, it serves as a durable and lightweight alternative to traditional wooden tailpieces, featuring four integrated fine tuners for enhanced tuning stability.

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Overview

The Wittner Ultra series represents a modern approach to string instrument fittings. The 15.5-inch Viola Tailpiece is designed to anchor the strings in the correct position, ensuring they remain in tune during performance. While the tailpiece is often overlooked by novice players, it is a fundamental component for maintaining proper string tension and instrument playability. This specific model is part of a comprehensive range from Wittner that covers violins, violas, and cellos.

Materials and Construction

Unlike traditional tailpieces carved from ebony, rosewood, or boxwood, the Wittner Ultra is manufactured from a specialised synthetic composite material. This plastic-based construction offers several advantages over natural wood:

Climate Resistance: It is not prone to warping or cracking due to changes in humidity or temperature.
Lightweight Profile: The composite material is designed to reduce the overall mass on the vibrating surface of the instrument.
Durability: The material is resistant to the corrosive effects of perspiration and environmental moisture.

Integrated Functionality

A primary feature of the Wittner Ultra is the inclusion of four built-in fine tuners. These allow for precise pitch adjustments that are significantly easier to manage than adjusting the pegs alone. The integration of the tuners directly into the tailpiece body prevents the added weight and string length issues often associated with separate screw-on fine tuners used on traditional wooden tailpieces.

Installation and Compatibility

This model is sized specifically for 15.5-inch violas and comes supplied with a durable nylon tailgut. The tailgut connects the tailpiece to the endpin, securing the entire assembly to the instrument body. Proper selection of size is critical for maintaining the correct string after-length, which directly impacts the instrument's tonal response.

Market Context

Positioned at a typical price point of approximately £20, the Wittner Ultra offers a cost-effective upgrade or replacement for student and intermediate instruments. While luxury options like the Conrad Goetz Kaufmann Style chinrests or Hidersine carbon bows focus on boutique materials, the Wittner Ultra prioritises utilitarian performance and mechanical reliability for the everyday player.

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Frequently asked questions

What size viola is this tailpiece designed for?: This specific model is designed for a 15.5-inch viola. Using it on significantly larger or smaller instruments may negatively affect the string after-length and overall playability.
What material is the Wittner Ultra made from?: It is crafted from a high-grade synthetic composite material, which is a specialized type of plastic. This makes it more resistant to environmental changes than traditional wood.
Does it come with a tailgut?: Yes, this model is supplied with a tailgut, which is necessary for attaching the tailpiece to the viola's endpin.
How many fine tuners does it include?: The Wittner Ultra features four integrated fine tuners. This allows for precise tuning of all four strings directly at the tailpiece.
Is a synthetic tailpiece better than a wooden one?: Synthetic tailpieces are generally more durable and less affected by humidity than wood. They are often preferred for their consistency and integrated mechanical features.
Will this tailpiece help keep my viola in tune?: Yes, its primary function is to anchor the strings securely. The integrated fine tuners also allow for more stable and minute adjustments compared to using pegs alone.
Can I install this tailpiece myself?: While it can be installed by a player, it requires removing all strings and carefully setting the tailgut length. If you are unsure, it is recommended to have a luthier perform the installation.
Is this tailpiece suitable for professional use?: Many professionals use Wittner Ultra tailpieces for their reliability and weight benefits, though some prefer the aesthetics or specific acoustic properties of traditional wood or carbon fiber.
How does this compare to Wittner's adjustable tailpieces?: Unlike the Wittner Violin Tailpiece Position Adjustable model, this viola version has a fixed length. It is designed to be a standard fit for the 15.5-inch instrument size.
What is the typical price for this component?: The Wittner Ultra Viola Tailpiece typically retails for approximately £20 in the UK market.
Does the composite material affect the sound of the viola?: The lightweight nature of the synthetic composite can improve instrument response in some cases. It provides a neutral and consistent performance compared to variable natural wood.
Can I use this on an electric viola?: If the electric viola is a standard 15.5-inch scale and uses a traditional tailpiece mounting system, it should be compatible. However, it is primarily designed for acoustic instruments.