Can u put viola strings on a violin and tune it like a viola?
Yes a viola can be violin-sized but the bridge of the viola is thicker to support the thicker strings, even for a 14″ viola (which is violin size). I’ve a violin and a 14″ viola, and the bridge is quite different. And the viola body is thicker too – gives a better sound. My viola strings are also ‘full-sized’ strings even though it’s the size of a violin. I’ve never tried putting viola strings on violins, and I’m not about to try it because the weaker violin bridge might snap. You could always try non full-sized viola strings, though I’m not sure if you’re going to find any violas which are smaller than 14″ commonly in shops (which might then use the non full-sized strings).
