I'm a beginner viola player (self-taught since there are no instructors in my area) and I love the somber tones the instrument can produce. While I'm sure most of the tone comes from the instrument and string combination, are there techniques in playing that enhance the darker tones of the viola?
DLashof
Favorite Answer
Within a small range, the viola can be made darker with a sound post adjustment or replacement. Also try bowing closer to the fingerboard, but not too close or the sound will deteriorate.
lainiebsky
No, not really. The type of tone comes roughly 80% from the instrument itself and 20% from the strings you use. Technically all you can do is to learn to bring out the optimal tone of the instrument. Playing technique can't make a bright viola sound dark.
bka
you also should know:
the tone you hear under your ear is VERY different from the tone projected to the audience.
higher frequencies don't travel as far. so a deep tone from 20 feet away will often be a much brighter and harsher tone from 2 inches away!
have a friend play your viola and listen from across the room.
see if its really as bright as you think.