The Sizing Guide for String Instruments
The Sizing Guide for String Instruments
This guide aims to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to select the right-sized Violins/Violas/Cellos/Double Bass, enhancing their playing experience and allowing them to explore music with ease and comfort. This sizing guide offers insights into the importance of choosing the correct size for ergonomic reasons, as a poorly sized string instrument can hinder a player's progress and comfort.
This is a comprehensive resource that assists players, especially beginners or those looking for a new instrument, in determining the appropriate size of Violins/Violas/Cellos/ Double Bass that suits their physique and playing comfort. It typically includes information about the various sizes available and how to select the right one based on the player's age, arm length, and comfort while holding and playing the instrument.
The guide often details the standard sizes catering to different age groups and arm lengths. It may also include visual aids or measurements to help individuals gauge which size would be the most comfortable and conducive to their playing style.
Sizing Guide for Violins
How to measure violin size
Extend the arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Watch our demo video for more exact directions. See chart for approximate sizing.
Size of violin |
Arm measurements |
Age of students |
---|---|---|
1/16 |
14" - 15.4" |
3 - 4 YRS |
1/10 |
15.5" - 17" |
4 - 5 YRS |
1/8 |
17.1" - 17.5" |
5 - 6 YRS |
1/4 |
17.6" - 20" |
6 - 7 YRS |
1/2 |
20.1" - 22" |
7 - 8 YRS |
3/4 |
22.1" - 23.5" |
9 - 11 YRS |
4/4 |
23.6"+ |
11 - 13+ YRS |
Sizing Guide for Violas
How to measure viola size
Extend the arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Watch our video for more exact directions. See chart for approximate sizing.
Size of Viola |
Arm measurements |
Age of students |
---|---|---|
12" |
20.5" - 21.9" |
7-9 YRS |
13" |
22" - 23.4" |
9-11 YRS |
14" |
23.5" - 24.9" |
11-14 YRS |
15" |
25" -25.9" |
14+ YRS |
15.5" |
26" - 26.4" |
14+ YRS |
16" |
26.5" - 26.9" |
14+ YRS |
16.5" |
27"+ |
14+ YRS |
Sizing Guide for Cellos
How to measure a cello
Size of cello |
Age of student |
Height |
---|---|---|
1/10 |
3 - 4 YRS |
3' |
1/8 |
4 - 6 YRS |
3' - 3.5' |
ÂĽ |
6 - 8 YRS |
3.5' - 4' |
½ |
8 - 10 YRS |
4' - 4.5' |
Âľ |
10 - 12 YRS |
4.5' - 5' |
4/4 |
12 - 13+ YRS |
5'+ |
Sizing Guide for Double Basses
How to measure for a double bass
Size of bass |
Age of student |
---|---|
1/16 |
3 - 4 YRS |
1/10 |
4 - 5 YRS |
1/8 |
5 - 7 YRS |
1/4 |
7 - 9 YRS |
1/2 |
9 - 13 YRS |
3/4 |
13+ YRS |