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Yamaha AVA5-165S 16.5
Yamaha

Yamaha AVA5-165S 16.5" 4-String Acoustic Viola

Experience Authentic Sound with a Hand-Carved Viola Introducing the Yamaha AVA5-165S, a meticulously crafted 16.5" 4-string acoustic viola. This instrument offers aspiring musicians exceptional quality and playability. The AVA5 is hand-carved from seasoned tonewoods, providing a rich, resonant to...

$968.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

Experience Authentic Sound with a Hand-Carved Viola

Introducing the Yamaha AVA5-165S, a meticulously crafted 16.5" 4-string acoustic viola. This instrument offers aspiring musicians exceptional quality and playability. The AVA5 is hand-carved from seasoned tonewoods, providing a rich, resonant tone and exceptional craftsmanship.

Specifications

  • Brand: Yamaha
  • Model: AVA5-165S
  • Type: 4-String Acoustic Viola
  • Size: 16.5 inches
  • Top: Fully Hand-Carved Spruce (Seasoned & Aged 5+ Years)
  • Neck, Back & Sides: Maple (Seasoned & Aged 5+ Years)
  • Fittings: Solid Ebony
  • Tailpiece: Wittner (includes 4 fine tuners)
  • Strings: Helicore
  • Bow: Glasser Fiberglass with Horsehair
  • Case: Teardrop Shaped Lightweight Case with attached Canvas Cover
  • Other: Rosin included
  • Warranty: 5-Year Yamaha Warranty (covers workmanship issues)
  • Origin: Handmade in China, designed for young learners
  • Varnish: Oil Varnish

Key Features

Handmade with pride in China and designed, sized and priced for young learners

Features a beautiful oil varnish, fully hand-carved spruce top, maple sides and neck with ebony fingerboard, rosewood pegs and chinrest, Wittner tailpiece (includes 4-fine tuners)

Helicore strings

Outfit includes teardrop shaped lightweight case with attached canvas cover, Glasser fiberglass with horsehair bow, rosin

Handmade with pride in China and designed, sized and priced for young learners

Specifications

Instrument Type
Acoustic Viola
Size
16.5 inches
Strings
4-String, Helicore
Top Material
Hand-carved Spruce
Side/Neck Material
Maple
Fingerboard Material
Ebony
Pegs/Chinrest Material
Rosewood
Tailpiece
Wittner (with 4-fine tuners)
Varnish
Oil
Included Accessories
Lightweight Teardrop Case, Glasser Fiberglass Bow with Horsehair, Rosin
Craftsmanship
Handmade
Target Audience
Young Learners

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Handmade with pride, designed, sized, and priced specifically for young learners.
  • Features a beautiful oil varnish and a fully hand-carved spruce top with maple sides and neck.
  • Equipped with an ebony fingerboard, rosewood pegs, and chinrest for quality playability and aesthetics.
  • Includes a Wittner tailpiece with 4-fine tuners for precise and easy tuning adjustments.
  • Comes as a complete outfit, including a lightweight case, Glasser fiberglass bow with horsehair, and rosin.
  • Features Helicore strings, known for their stability and warm tone, enhancing the student's playing experience.

👎 Cons

  • As a 16.5-inch viola, it may be too large for very young or smaller students, requiring careful sizing.
  • The "handmade in China" aspect, while offering value, might be a consideration for those seeking instruments from other traditional violin-making regions.
  • While it includes a fiberglass bow, some advanced students might eventually desire a higher-grade wooden bow for improved response.
  • The specific grade of the spruce and maple wood, beyond being "hand-carved," is not detailed, which can influence sound quality.
  • The lightweight teardrop case, while convenient, may offer less rigid protection compared to full-suspension cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Yamaha AVA5-165S is a 16.5-inch acoustic viola, specifically designed, sized, and priced for young learners.
The viola features a fully hand-carved spruce top, maple sides and neck, an ebony fingerboard, and rosewood pegs and chinrest.
Yes, it includes a Wittner tailpiece which is equipped with 4-fine tuners, allowing for precise and easy pitch adjustments.
The outfit is comprehensive, including a teardrop-shaped lightweight case with an attached canvas cover, a Glasser fiberglass bow with horsehair, and rosin.
This viola is outfitted with Helicore strings, which are known for their stable tuning and warm, clear tone, beneficial for student players.
The Yamaha AVA5-165S viola is handmade with pride in China, ensuring quality craftsmanship for its target audience of young learners.

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