Can u put viola strings on a violin and tune it like a viola?

i have a violin that is 4/4 size, i know that a viola can be the size of a violin (as in smaller than average) and i wuz wondering if you could put that size viola strings on a violin and tune it like a smaller viola. i have always liked the viola better but i was pushed into violin instead by my parents. please help!!!

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).
Reply:Yeah but it will never be an actual viola. (Get what I mean?)
Reply:A viola is essentially the exact same thing as a violin just with different strings, so if you say 'I like the viola better', its technically incorrect. A violin body is just a smaller viola body, so if you put viola strings on it it would sound like a viola. If you think about it its obvious. Why waste a question like that? Duh!
Reply:you could try but really you'll probably stuff up the tuning pegs with the balance and the guages.





Why not rent a viola?
Reply:Yes it is possible just as the person above stated. In the reverse direction a friend of mine plays a 18 1/2 custom viola and bought custom violin strings to put on it last year. The E string I must say was much less.....E-stringy....it was nice.
Reply:Yes, that is what they usually do in the schools but the results can be less then impressive.The lower C string is the one that will probably sound a bit dull and lack volume.


I would try to get some 3/4 size viola strings. The quality of the sound will depend on how good the strings are and how good the violin is.


It is all a bit hit and miss ; sometimes it can sound okay, other times terrible.





I love the viola too but it is just too big for me so I learn the violin.
Reply:Yes, and its easier and harder to play. On a violin strung as a viola, you don't get the true viola sound that blows you away. But it is also easier to shift on a violin strung as a viola because of the violin's size. If you can play loud I say go for it.