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Violin Size

Violin Size

WHAT SIZE VIOLIN?

Not an easy question to answer because:

  • Violin sizes are not standardised and vary slightly between makers especially with the smaller sizes
  • The sizes of children (and adults) vary even more!!
  • Teachers have different opinions on what makes the best size.

We have shown below a table of violin sizes with suggested age ranges for fairly average sized children, but please use it very carefully since at best it cannot be more than a rough guide.

The important measure that has to be taken is from the neck down to the wrist when the arm is extended perpendicular to the body. This measure represents the ideal optimum overall length of the violin that should be selected.

Some teachers prefer to take the measurement from the neck down to the middle of the palm of the hand but we would not recommend this. The only exception we would make is when measuring to the palm of the hand would mean that a 1/8 size instrument could be chosen instead of a 1/16 size since tuning the strings on the smallest sizes is a nightmare!

PLEASE USE WITH CARE!!

Size Body Length Overall Length Ages
4/4 14″ – 355mm 23¼” – 590mm 12 upwards
7/8 13½” – 340mm 22½” – 570mm 10 upwards
3/4 13″ – 330mm 21¾” – 550mm 8 – 12
1/2 12″ – 305mm 20½” – 520mm 6 – 9
1/4 11″ – 280mm 18″ – 460mm 5 – 7
1/8 10″ – 255mm 16½” – 420mm 4 – 6
1/10 9½” – 240mm 15¾” – 400mm 4 – 5
1/16 9″ – 230mm 14¾” – 375mm 3 – 5