I'm (pleasantly) surprised at the large proportion of string players on the forum who play the viola in relation to the number who play violin. I was just feeling nosy enough to ask about your violin/viola playing experiences...

I taught myself viola after moving from cello which became too cumbersome for me

I played violin first because I was told that I was too small to play the viola, so played the violin for 7 years with little progress till I was told at 14 I could start to learn the viola and then everything just took off!

Just violin

Just viola

Viola (on my own), but I'm thinking of changing to the violin, because my hands don't seem to be large enough.
Nonetheless, I prefer the viola's "medium" register and its warmer, more "human" timbre.

Mainly violin but I am liking viola more and more. Recently made my debut in the viola section of an orchestra - a bit scary at first but I soon started to enjoy it!

Have you tried a smaller size viola or simply trying other violas. The thickness of the neck can play a big role in whether it fits your hand or not.

play both! started having lessons on violin and ten years later started to teach myself viola now play both in various orchestraaaaaaas

I play both but i'm not very good at viola yet! I do a very good Little Brown Jug

I just play the violin so far. I'd like to be able to play the viola as well, but am not particularly good at reading the alto clef.

Violin. Badly. Want to switch to viola because it's so much nicer!

Started on viola, then switched to viola, now play both.

You started and switched on the same instrument?

Started on violin. I'm tired.

I started on violin and later took up viola. I play and teach both.

noodle, which do you prefer? Or is it even?

Late starter on Violin and very much enjoying learning it I might add

I play violin, though I can read alto clef quite well and have tried viola a few times. I think I might start to learn it after I get my grade 8 out of the way before summer (hopefully). My teacher plays both so it might be an idea to be able to play both to a reasonable standard just so that I can say that I can play 6 instruments.

Am still on the violin at Grade 5. No time to take up the viola as well. I can imagine it would be hard, since I' having a hard time enough stretching the 4th finger. And the viola would be bigger!

Just started viola! Absolutely useless but trying hard!

Just started violin. Also somewhat limited yet.....

Just violin. Viola's out for me. My hands are too small! And I'm 18! I think I'm supposed to be able to press on 2 strings at the same time for my age. I can't. Oh well.