Need advice on a Viola for a student in 3rd year playing?

Looking for a decent brand/price for my son who has in his 3rd year playing viola. Advice on brand %26amp; place to purchase would be great.

Need advice on a Viola for a student in 3rd year playing?
congrats on buying a stepup! i can't help you with places to physically buy and take home your instrument, but i'd recommened looking around online, like 123music.com, and don't be afraid to look at ebay- viola auctions are crazy good there. lots of brands make professional instruments, but ask your son first if he has a preference. most companies, just like car companies, have high quality child brands, like a luxury car company. i prefer knilling's brands, but don't be afraid to venture out of a familiarity zone to find a good viola. if you can't find an online site for your instrument's maker, or find reviews for it online, ask your child's instructor if they have heard of the brand. unlike clothing or shoes, a viola that is a discount or off brand is usually a very bad investment. also, when buying a good new/used/preloved (as i'd rather put it) viola, buy a good wood bow, with horsehair rather than a fiberglass bow. a good set of strings is just as essential. i can't think of the right name off the top of my head, but d'addario is a second runner and excellent choice of strings to the ever so popular "dominant" brand strings, made by yet another company that i can't think of off the top of my head. make sure you get a good case, and unless your kid likes them for some odd reason or another, avoid the black thermoplastic cases for your instrument like the plague! look for a good, courdra covered case with a soft lining, rectangular shape, a cut out body for the instrument, and a neck holder, with a string tube and space for a shoulder rest, rosin, and polishing supplies. also good to look for in a case is good connection points on the case- most cases have options for a single strap, hand carry from the short or long side, and a "backpack" like way of wearing it. also, there may be a music pocket on the front- it's always an added plus, but some teachers don't recommend it. i hope i've been thorough- please feel free to email me with questions!