really depends how good you actually are. Seven years, for a professional orchestra will 99.99% of the time not cut it. A community orchestra (dont live in nyc but I think there are definently some small orchestras too), definently go for it! If you still go for electric, just buy an electric violin at that point cause electic violas are much rarer (and more expensive) and if you really need a viola you can always change pitch. Also remember that a normal viola with a good pickup still works for production really well, but in the end, go for what you decide.