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

If you have a cello to try, sit at the end of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lean the cello at a 45-degree angle against your body. Extend the endpin so that the top of the cello body rests in the center of your chest. The C peg should be slightly behind your left ear. Make sure you can reach both ends of the fingerboard easily. If you don't have an instrument already, see this chart for approximate sizing by age and height.

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

The 3/4 size double bass is the standard size for adults. 7/8 and 4/4 size basses are made, but less common. As a guideline, when you stand upright next to the bass, the bridge should be approximately at the same height as the large knuckles of your right hand. Most important is that you’re comfortable and can reach the higher registers without difficulty. See chart for approximate sizing by age.

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

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