The Franz Helmer represents an excellent value for the beginning student. These violas come from finer Chinese workshops, and all are set-up and adjusted at Gailes  Violin Shop, Inc. We find that their quality is consistently high, unlike so many comparably priced Chinese instruments. They offer good playability and a quick and easy response. These violas feature acoustic tonewoods of maple and spruce that are far superior to their competition, as well as ebony pegs and fingerboard and genuine Wittner tailpieces.