Viola or cello? how about a silent one?

I`ve been thinking about picking up a new instrument - I play the piano - and I can`t choose between the viola and the cello: I love the sound of the cello somewhat more but it`s much more difficult to carry around. Also, I`m afraid that the neighbors will want to kill me after hearing me practice :-), and so I was wondering about a silent viola or cello... I know they are much more expensive, but if the sound is fine then it might be worth it. Any opinions from those who tried them?

Viola or cello? how about a silent one?
Go for the cello and get a practice mute. Those do a really great job in reducing the amount of sound they make.
Reply:i absolutely love the cello. i'm a violinist myself, but i would love to take cello lessons, but anyways, if you're worried about hauling the cello around everywhere, ( if you're still in school ), most schools will have cellos there so you won't have to carry it around AS much. but for a silent instrument, i think you should wait until you know for sure what you wanna play because that's a lot of money you're looking at. but i would go w/ the cello. that's my opinion, hope i could help
Reply:I love the cello personally. It is big, but it is generally more low than loud, so your neighbors might not mind it and could probably easily get something to drown out the noise with just a tv program or music of their own.
Reply:Well...I'm slightly biased as I am a viola player...but I think that either way you pick a good one. As for the silent...maybe wait until you know for sure that you want to continue on with the instrument. You can't beat the sound of a regular ol' viola or cello...so i'd wait. and don't worry about your neighbors too much...take lessons maybe.
Reply:which instrument would depend on your goals ... if you are trying to get in the local community orchestra/high school or even college orchestra viola is your best bet they usually need cellos and violas because the viola parts tend to be less exposed and easier the wait wouldn't be as long ... neither is a necessarily extremely loud instrument you really don't need a silent instrument unless you live in a no noise zone and the silent instruments don't translate well into playing with others also unlike violin neither squeaks and squawks as much (the truly annoying part of beginners)
Reply:i play the cello it is a very nice instrement
Reply:I have not actually seen a silent/electric viola ; violins and cellos, yes. But not the viola.


The viola can be quite difficult because of the reach required. Do you have short arms or long arms ? I love the viola but it is just too big for me so I learn the violin.


Going electric is a great idea because then you can practise whenever you want.
Reply:I've never played a silent one, but I went with the Viola, because it's allot easier to carry.