Detail 01
13-14" short scale
Measured by body length. A full-size viola string won't wind correctly on this instrument.
Product detailSKU #1274034480159
D'AddarioPrelude Series Viola C String 13-14 Short Scale
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Single C string for a 13" to 14" short-scale viola. Steel core, sized for smaller instruments and younger players.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Replacing the C on a 13" or 14" viola
- Junior players on short-scale instruments
- Spare low string for a student viola case
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Full-size 15"–16" violas — string is too short
- Players wanting a rich, dark low end
- Anyone needing the full A, D, G, C set
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
C string
The lowest viola string. Thickest and most sensitive to bad nut or bridge grooves.
Detail 03
Steel core
Fast pitch settling and stable tuning. Brighter and more direct than a synthetic core C.
Detail 04
Prelude series
Student line built for durability. Made to survive regular handling rather than deliver tonal depth.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Measure your viola's body length before ordering — sizing is by body, not scale
- 02One string only; A, D, and G sold separately
- 03Thick C strings can bind in a tight nut groove — check clearance
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How do I know if my viola is 13 or 14 inch?
Measure the body from the top edge to the bottom edge, not including the neck. That length is the viola's size.
02Will this work on a 15 inch viola?
No. A short-scale C won't have enough winding length for a full-size viola. Buy the correct size instead.
03Why does the C string go dead first?
It's the thickest and takes the most bow pressure. Winding fatigue and rosin buildup dull it before the higher strings.
04Does this come with the other strings?
No. This is the C string only. The other viola strings in this series are sold individually or as a set.
