D'Addario J911 MM Viola Strings

A Student-Friendly Viola A String with Warm Tone and Steel-Core Durability

The D'Addario Prelude Viola Single A String, Medium Scale, Medium Tension is a single replacement string designed for medium-scale violas with a body length of 15 to 15 3/4 inches. Built around a solid steel core and wound with nickel, this A string solves the most common problem faced by students and amateur players: a worn, false, or broken A that makes the entire instrument difficult to tune and unpleasant to play. Rather than replacing the full set, players can swap out only the offending string and get back to practicing within minutes.

What sets this string apart from generic steel-core offerings is its warm, bow-friendly character. D'Addario's unique damping techniques tame the harsh, shrill edge that traditional steel strings are known for, so the A sits comfortably under the bow and blends smoothly with the D, G, and C strings in the set. The solid steel core also resists the tuning instability that comes with humidity and temperature swings in classrooms, practice rooms, and orchestra halls.

Packaged in sealed pouches that protect against corrosion, the string arrives ready to install on any standard viola with a ball-end tailpiece. It is part of the Prelude line that educators consistently recommend for students because of its balance of warm tone, durability, and value.

Technical Specifications

• String Name: A — the second-highest pitched string on the viola
• Number of Strings: 1 (single replacement string)
• Scale: Medium scale, designed for violas with a 15–15 3/4" body length and a 360 mm playing length
• Tension: Medium — the standard tension that suits the majority of players
• Core: Solid steel — provides durability and tuning stability through climate changes
• Winding Material: Nickel wound — delivers a bright yet warm tone without the shrill edge of plain steel
• Ending: Ball end — fits standard viola tailpieces
• Compatible With: Viola
• Country of Manufacture: USA

Who This String Is For

The D'Addario Prelude Viola Single A String, Medium Scale, Medium Tension is the right choice for students, amateur players, school music programs, and educators who need a reliable, affordable replacement A string for a medium-scale viola. Its medium tension suits the majority of players, from beginners working through their first method books to advancing students preparing for ensemble and orchestra work.

Because the solid steel core stays stable through temperature and humidity changes, this string is well suited to classroom and rehearsal environments where climate control is inconsistent. The warm, non-shrill tone also makes it appropriate across a wide range of musical styles — classical, modern, jazz, folk, and country — so a single string can serve a developing player through many different repertoire assignments.

Players who already use the full D'Addario Prelude Viola String Set will find this single A string an exact match for replacement purposes, while teachers who maintain school instrument fleets can keep a few on hand for quick repairs. Right-handed violists are the primary audience; the ball-end fitting installs on any standard viola tailpiece without modification.