Violin, viola, cello and double bass: differences, roles in bands and entry‑level budgets

When you think of bowed strings you probably imagine a symphony orchestra. But violin, viola, cello and double bass now live in rock bands, pop projects, post‑rock, folk, singer‑songwriter setups, soundtracks, ambient and prog.

To make a smart choice you need to understand:

• what really changes between the four instruments (range, timbre, role);
• which one fits your musical project best;
• what kind of entry‑level budget you need to get started without wasting money.

In this guide we’ll tidy things up and suggest some Muviber searches so you can see real‑world prices on used gear:

• used violins
• used violas
• used cellos
• used double basses
• string instrument accessories

1. The four strings at a glance: range, timbre, role

Here’s a quick overview.

In practice:

• Violin → the “lead voice” that cuts through the band.
• Viola → glue between violin and cello, perfect for harmonies and pads.
• Cello → melodic bass that can also sing in the mid range.
• Double bass → the ground floor of rhythm and harmony, especially in jazz, folk, swing and rockabilly.

2. Technical differences: size, tuning, difficulty

Very simplified:

• Size: violin is the smallest, then viola, cello (played seated), and double bass (usually standing).

• Tunings (in fifths, from high to low):

  • Violin: E–A–D–G
  • Viola: A–D–G–C
  • Cello: A–D–G–C (one octave below viola)
  • Double bass: often E–A–D–G but tuned in fourths, not fifths.

Perceived difficulty

• Violin/viola: very sensitive to intonation; the high register exposes every little mistake.
• Cello: a bit more forgiving to the ear at the beginning, but still demands serious work on intonation and bow control.
• Double bass: physically demanding; a natural acoustic extension if you already play electric bass.

3. Roles in bands and modern projects

3.1 Violin

Great if you want to:

• play melodic lines on top of guitars and synths;
• create hooks that act as a “second voice”;
• use solos with distortion, delay and reverb.

With a good pickup or an electric violin and a few pedals you can easily find a place in rock, folk‑rock, post‑rock and pop bands.

Check typical price ranges with used electric violins.

3.2 Viola

Often underrated, but in a band it can be:

• the inner voice filling the midrange between guitars and vocals;
• perfect for thirds and fourths harmonies with violin or voice;
• great for pads with bow plus modulation effects.

If you like helping the whole band sound better without always being in the spotlight, viola is a powerful choice.

3.3 Cello

Perfect for:

• replacing or supporting the bass with more melodic lines;
• rhythmic patterns with bow or pizzicato;
• layered loops: drones, harmonies, melodic lines.

You’ll find it in indie, ambient, singer‑songwriter projects, post‑rock and live soundtracks.

3.4 Double bass

It shines in:

• jazz and swing;
• folk, bluegrass, roots;
• rockabilly and acoustic crossovers.

It’s physically demanding but visually and sonically impressive on stage. For electric bass players, it’s a strong acoustic counterpart.

Explore price ranges via used acoustic double basses or electric upright basses.

4. Entry‑level budgets: what it really takes to start

Exact prices change over time and by country, but some proportions stay fairly stable. Here we’re talking about serious beginner/student instruments, not toys.

Tip: before buying, check what’s available used on Muviber to see the real balance between price and quality.

4.1 Violin

• Usable entry‑level (study, first bands): low end of student instruments, new or used in good condition.
• Practical advice: a better‑quality used violin is usually a smarter choice than the cheapest new one.
• Don’t forget: bow, shoulder rest, case, rosin, tuner/metronome.

4.2 Viola

• Slightly more expensive than violin at similar quality.
• Less overall supply, so the used market matters even more.

4.3 Cello

• Big jump in cost compared to violin/viola.
• A well‑kept used cello plus a good setup is often the best route.
• If possible, get feedback from a teacher or experienced cellist.

4.4 Double bass

• The most expensive of the four, both new and used.

• Options:

  • acoustic double bass;
  • electric/solid body upright (more portable, often cheaper).

• Again, the good used market is your friend.

5. Choosing your first string instrument based on your project

Some quick guidelines:

• Rock/pop band and lead hooks on top → Violin (maybe electric later on).
• Acoustic/folk project, harmonies and pads → Viola or violin, depending on the singer’s range.
• Singer‑songwriter, post‑rock, ambient, soundtracks → Cello as both melodic bass and texture machine.
• Jazz, swing, deep folk, acoustic foundations → Double bass.

Whatever you choose, keep in mind:

• availability of teachers for that specific instrument;
• chances to play with other people (youth orchestra, ensembles, bands);
• maintenance budget (strings, bows, periodic setups).

To see what’s currently around, you can explore:

• used string instruments
• string accessories