How to find the right size violin for a child

How to size your instrument – Violin, Viola + Cello – Day Violins LLC

Welcome to the wonderful world of string instruments! You’re probably a little overwhelmed at all the information you need to know in order to get the perfect instrument for your beginning student. Here at Day Violins, we understand! As parents of students, we’ve been right where you are at. This sizing guide will help you ensure that your child has the correct instrument to allow them to succeed in learning to play!

A correctly sized instrument is critical to your child’s music experience. If the instrument is too big or too small it is very difficult or even impossible to play.

If possible, the very best way to size an instrument is to come see us at our shop! We will do all the hard work in determining the correct size and help you pick out the perfect instrument. Or, have your child’s orchestra teacher size your child and tell you the proper instrument size to rent. If neither of these options are available to you then read on to understand exactly how to find the perfect instrument for your student player!

Use the charts below to help guide you as you determine the proper size of instrument. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!

VIOLIN & VIOLA

The measurement for Violin and Viola is made of your child’s arm length. To take the arm measurement:

Have your child stand upright, with their left arm extended to the side, with their palm turned upward.
Place the end of the ruler against your child’s neck
Extend the ruler down your child’s arm to the middle of their palm
Take the measurement to the middle of the palm
Compare the measurement to the chart to determine the correct size. The chart gives a length range that is appropriate for each size.
If the measurement is “close, but not quite…” chose the smaller size. It is easier to play and learn on an instrument that is smaller rather than on one that is too big.

(Note: All measurements are in Inches)

VIOLIN SIZING

Arm Length Violin Size

Under 14 ½” 1/32

14 ½” to 16” 1/16

16” to 17 ¾” 1/10

17 ¾” to 19“ 1/8

19” to 20 ¾” 1/4

20 ¾” to 22” 1/2

22” to 23 ½” 3/4

23 ½” or Over 4/4

VIOLA SIZING

Arm Length Viola Size

19” to 20 ¾ 11”

20 ¾” to 22” 12”

22” to 23 ½” 13”

23 ½” to 25 ½” 14”

25 ½” to 26 ¼” 15”

26 ¼” to 27” 15. 5”

27” to 27 ½” 16”

27 ½” and longer 16.5”

CELLO SIZING

Correctly sizing a cello is a little more difficult. Cello sizing is determined by a combination of measurements. A combination of the following charts may be used as a guide to determine the correct size cello for your child

HEIGHT

Height is standing height measured with feet flat on the floor.

Inst. Size Height

1/8 48” to 50”

1/4 50” to 54”

1/2 54” to 58”

3/4 58” to 62”

4/4 62” or Over

LEFT ARM LENGTH

Left Arm Length is measured with the left arm extended straight to the side. The measurement is taken from the point of the shoulder to the tip of the middle finger.

Inst. Size Left Arm

1/8 Under 18”

1/4 18” to 20”

1/2 20” to 22”

3/4 22” to 24”

4/4 24” or Over

LEFT-HAND FINGER WIDTH

Left-hand finger width is taken with the left-hand fingers spread wide. The measurement is taken from the outside tip of the index finger to the outside tip of the pinky finger.

Inst. Size Left Hand

1/8 Under 3”

1/4 3” to 4”

1/2 4” to 5”

3/4 5” to 6”

4/4 6” or Over

KNEE TO EAR

Knee to ear measurement is taken sitting on the front edge of a chair, feet flat on the floor, upper legs parallel with the floor, knees spread to cello width, and back straight. The measurement is taken from the inside of the right knee to the opening of the left ear.

Inst. Size Knee/Ear

1/8 Under 23.5”

1/4 23.5” to 25.5”

1/2 25.5” to 27.5”

3/4 27.5” to 30”

4/4 30” or Over

As you can see, the measurements for properly sizing a cello are complex The most important of the four given measurements is “Left-Hand Finger Width”. If the left-hand finger width is not adequate, drop to the next lower instrument size until the left-hand finger width measurement is adequate. However, please do not “oversize” the instrument based on a proportionally larger left-hand finger width.

If you have any questions or are unsure if you are doing the measurements correctly, feel free to contact the professional staff at Day Violins for assistance at [email protected].

How To Pick The Right Size Violin For Your Child

Violin lessons are a big investment. Not only are you paying for the instruction time, but you will also be spending money on various instruments as your child progresses. Nevertheless, all of your well-meaning investments will mean nothing if your child starts off with the wrong size violin. Violin sizing is very important because it dictates how easily your child can navigate and manipulate the instrument. Here's what you need to know:

About Violin Sizes

Before you can begin shopping for the correct size violin for your child, you must first understand how violin sizing works. To begin with, there is the full-scale violin which is typically denoted as 4/4 scale. Each size smaller is given as a fraction of the full-size. For instance, a 7/8 scale violin is a tiny bit smaller than a full size and is perfect for most teens and some small adults. The fractions get smaller and smaller, working their way down to 1/16th scale violins. These violins are extremely small and may look like toys, but they are serious instruments built for early learners between the ages of 3-5 years old. In many countries around the world, musical education starts during the pre-school years and parents invest heavily in quality instruments even at this age.

In the US, most students begin playing violin in late elementary or early middle school years. The most common starting sizes for students in this age range is 1/2 or 3/4 scale.

How to Know if You Have the Right Fit

To begin with, many instructors will give you a rough idea of what size violin your child needs using the "yardstick method." This involves using a yardstick to measure from under the chin where you would normally rest the chin guard of the violin out to the palm of the hand. Using a chart, the instructor can tell you which size instrument to purchase according to the length of your child's arm span.

However, before you purchase the first 1/2 scale violin you see on the advice of the yardstick, it is best to have your child hold the instrument and inspect their posture. For instance, your child should be able to hold the instrument comfortably under the chin without it dipping or feeling too heavy. Also, he/she should be able to grasp the end of the scroll and wrap their fingers around the top so that the middle finger reaches right between the tuning pegs. This position should be comfortable without forcing the elbow to be stretched too far or causing the arm to be bent too much. When your child extends their arm all the way out, the scroll should end right at the wrist.

In addition, the body of the violin should not be too wide or narrow for the shoulders. This will be obvious if it is difficult for your child to control without it dropping. Your child should also be able to comfortably reach all of the strings on the instrument without bending the wrist too far.

With these quick tests, you should be able to see whether or not a violin is a correct fit for your son or daughter. The most important thing to remember is that the fractional number is not the only thing that matters. Even if the yardstick tells you which scale to look at first, you should make sure your child picks-up and tries out multiple instruments to find the one that is most comfortable and sounds the best to their ear. You can learn more about the differences between beginner and intermediate violins in this blog.

How to choose a violin for a child of 7 years old, advice from professionals

How to choose a violin for a child of 7 years old, professional advice 23

/ / How to choose a violin for a child of 7 years old

The violin is one of the most complex and most beautiful musical instruments, the decision to learn to play it is commendable for a child. Choosing an instrument is not an easy task even for experienced musicians, but it is better for beginner violinists to ask for help. First of all, you should choose the place of purchase. If your goal is a new instrument, it is better to go to a specialized music store. It is better to buy a non-new tool from friends or on the recommendation. A violin tutor should help with the selection, it is better if he keeps you company. If you need an instrument for a short time to start studying, most likely, they will advise you to take a non-new violin. A new quality tool is advised to buy later when you need an adult size

Is it possible to choose the violin yourself

The violin is an expensive and complicated musical instrument. Yes, guitarists will not be offended, but it is possible to choose a guitar on your own according to guides and tips. But to get a quality violin that won't disappoint you and won't require any modifications, you should invite a violinist who is interested in buying you a quality instrument.

How to choose a violin for a child

The size of the violin is affected by the length of the arm, namely the distance from the shoulder to the middle of the open palm. If the value is 34-43 centimeters - a 1/16 violin is more suitable for a child, 42-43 centimeters - 1/8, 45-51 centimeters - a 1/4 violin is needed. If the length of the arm is 50-57 centimeters, then the most suitable size is a half, i.e. 1/2. Sizes 3/4 and 4/4 are suitable for teenagers and adults. 3/4 - for hands measuring 56-60 centimeters, and for the rest 4/4. nine0003

The best option is to choose a violin together with a teacher. So you definitely will not be mistaken with the size and quality of the tool.

You should decide on the price category. Student violins are more often in the budget category, because. require quick replacement (a year or two as the child grows). Even among budget options, you should choose the highest quality instrument - no cracks, chips, uniform varnish coating, high-quality sound.

Refuse to buy an electric violin to start learning. This is not an entry level tool. To produce sound on an electric violin, you need to master the acoustic version. In addition, an electric violin is heavier than an acoustic violin, which will create additional problems, such as stiffness when played. nine0003

And the last thing: let the child choose from several options of good violins the one that he likes outwardly, then holding the instrument in his hands and attending violin classes will be a joy.

What to look for when choosing

A good violin for a child, as well as for an adult, should not be Chinese. Goods from the Middle Kingdom have flooded even this segment of the market, and, in most cases, leave much to be desired. It is preferable to opt for violins from a German or Romanian manufacturer. Taking the tool in hand, you should pay attention to the quality of wood and coating. An even layer of varnish on smooth wood without burrs is a must. All pegs and cars on the neck must turn without applying force, keep in mind that the child will have to do this later. nine0003

The main criterion for choosing a violin is its sound. Therefore, it was said above that it is better if a teacher goes with you for the violin. If you have experience and an ear for music, keep in mind that you need to evaluate the sound from the outside. Therefore, you need not only to take a few notes yourself, but also to listen to how they sound performed by another.

What size violin does your child need?

The size of the violin depends on your child's size. For 3-4 year old kids, violins are used, 1/16 in size from a full-sized instrument. Rarely, but there are violins in 1/10 and also rarely - 7/8. In most cases, children of primary school age study violins 1/8. Do not forget that the child is growing and you will have to change the instrument. 1/8, then ¼, after - ½, ¾ and full-size - for an adult musician. nine0003

Decide for yourself whether it is worth buying an expensive first violin, which a child will grow out of within six months or a year, or you can get by with a simpler instrument.

It is accepted that a child should change the violin every 2 years. For children, sizes 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 are most often suitable. The full size 4/4 violin is intended for adults, there is also an intermediate size 7/8. For a 7 year old, sizes 1/2 (52 cm / 31.7 cm) and 1/4 (48.25 cm / 28) are suitable. It depends on the height and length of the arms of the young violinist. nine0003

To find out if the instrument is suitable for the child, you need to:

Place the instrument on the left shoulder.
Extend the left arm forward and slightly to the side. The position of the hand must be free.
A suitable violin, in this case, should reach the middle of the hand, and fingers can wrap around the head of the instrument.

This method is correct, but you should still consult with the teacher (if the size determined in this way did not match the recommended one), and not buy the instrument yourself. nine0003

How to choose a violin for a 7-year-old child

If you chose a budget version of a violin, you still have to make a thorough choice. The violin should be balanced (which is not easy for a layman to determine), all mechanical elements (pegs, etc.) should move freely, and there should be no notches, burrs or other defects on the neck and body. Lacquer color - natural, natural.

Electric violin

Please note that neither children nor adults begin to comprehend the violin on an electric instrument. The violin is a complex instrument, but the electric violin is many times more difficult. Only experienced concert musicians can extract the right sound, this is not available to a beginner. nine0003

When you come to the store, you will see sales assistants who want to help you choose a tool. But it’s better to rely on the objective opinion of a teacher or a familiar musician, because the seller may want to sell this or that instrument, but you don’t need a defective violin. In addition, the playing violinist will test the violin, you will hear its sound and choose the one that will appeal to you and the child.

If a child is inspired by a particular instrument, it will only help in learning, and the child will be more willing to take a violin lesson, so do not ignore the child's wishes. nine0003

How to choose a violin for a child of 4 years old

Going to the store, invite a violin teacher. Looking at the instrument is not enough, you need to play each one in order to choose the best of the proposed options in this price range.

As a rule, student violins for kids are selected from budget options. There are several reasons for this:

The child will outgrow the instrument in a year and will have to buy a new one;
An expensive tool in the hands of a four year old is a risky undertaking. One awkward movement - and the tool will have to be repaired. nine0042

How to check the quality of a violin

You can only do a superficial inspection yourself:

Check the neck of the violin. There should be no defects - no roughness, cracks, chips and other defects. If there are defects, then the instrument will soon have to be repaired;
Lacquer must look natural, uniform;
The mechanical parts of the violin - the tuning pegs that regulate the tension of the strings, and the machines on the neck move smoothly, easily and freely; nine0042

These are general tips for choosing a violin. Do not be too lazy to invite a teacher or a familiar musician to help you choose, and then the instrument will last a long time and will not let you down at a crucial moment.

How to choose a violin for a child ( ¼)

Violin size ¼ is suitable for children of five to seven years, depending on the body type, and especially the length of the arms. The body size of such a violin is 28 centimeters, and the total length is 48.25 cm. It happens that it is not advisable for children of seven years old to purchase a violin with a size of ¼, and the teacher advises buying an instrument with a size of ½. nine0003

When choosing a violin, keep in mind that children grow up - and you may soon need to change the instrument. Talk to the teacher about how comfortable the child will be with one or another option. But do not forget: too big a violin causes clamped hands and incorrect positioning of the musician. If buying a violin is expensive, consider renting the instruments.

Please note the tool manufacturer. If the violin is Russian, consider this option as a training one, exclusively for beginners. Chinese instruments are of a more serious quality, and with them there are more chances to learn how to play the violin correctly. Concert violins are Romania, Germany. nine0003

Inspect the tool: no burrs, cracks, uneven paintwork. Choose a violin with the most natural finish. Check how freely the tuning pegs and machines move: this affects the tuning process and its accuracy.

When choosing a bow, check the following points:

When the hair is loose, the reed should bend and come into contact with the hair;
White horse hair is preferred over synthetic hair itself. Synthetics - an option for beginners; nine0042
Inspect the bow for "curvature": it must not be bent across;
Check the screw: it should be easy to walk, spin without difficulty.

The choice of violin affects the quality of learning and the enjoyment of violin practice.

Article approved

27.04.2020

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Violin sizes - what do they mean, how to determine the size of a violin, table.

Types of violins

October 3, 2019

When learning to play any musical instrument, comfort is essential. For a child, this parameter is critical, so some instruments are available in several sizes, such as violins. What are the sizes of violins, what do they mean, how to choose a violin of the right size - any beginner will ask himself these questions. In our article, we will analyze all the nuances of choosing a tool according to this criterion.

nine0159 Content:

What do violin sizes mean?
Violin sizes by age

Table of the ratio of the physical dimensions of violins and symbols

How to choose the size of the violin
Types of violins

The entire violin selection process is detailed in our instructional video:

What do violin sizes mean

The size of a violin indicates its physical dimensions. For children from 11 years old, a 4/4 violin is suitable, which means a full-size violin. For the whole, that is, the largest violin, the size of the instrument for an adult is taken and called 4/4. Since the violin is taught from an early age, instruments for children are made smaller. Sizes go in the direction of decreasing by a conditional fraction of the whole size.

Sizes of violins by age

4/4 - A whole violin, for an adult.

7/8 - Reduced violin for an adult.

1/2, 3/4 - Violin for children from 10 to 12 years old.

1/2, 1/4 - Violins for children from 5 to 10 years old.

1/16, 1/32, 1/8 - Violins for children under 5 years old.

Table of ratio of physical dimensions of violins and symbols: nine0003

How to choose the size of the violin

Despite the conditional binding of the size of the violin to age, you cannot be guided only by this parameter when choosing an instrument. The only reliable way to choose the size is to measure the musician's hand.

It is necessary to stretch the left arm to the side, slightly relax it at the elbow. Then you need to measure the distance from the shoulder to the middle of the palm. The resulting result will be the size of a suitable tool. Remember it and go to the store. Measure your favorite violin. Its length from the curl on the fingerboard to the base of the soundboard should be less than or equal to the previously measured arm length. nine0003

The problem is that different violin manufacturers within the same conditional size can physically differ from each other by several centimeters. This, at first glance, an insignificant distance can play a role. Trust only your eyes and the ruler.

In no case do not buy tools for growth. A larger instrument is more difficult to play, and a new musician will struggle with the inconvenience of playing instead of honing their skills. In case of doubt, choose a smaller size. nine0003

Types of violins

Among other things, there are three types of violins: artisan, manufactory and factory. In general, these types of violins do not have design features, but they differ in workmanship and price. Naturally, handmade is always valued above factory-made. The master tries to maintain the length of the neck, scale and body in accordance with all the rules. Remembering Stradivari, it becomes clear that some masters had their own secrets of making violins that others were not able to reproduce. So. nine0003

Factory violins are made at the factory according to a single pattern; this is an assembly line, the cheapest option and quite suitable for a child starting his studies at a music school. Children grow quickly and it is better to change the instrument often - buy a violin in size as the child grows.
A master violin, as the name suggests, is made by a specific luthier, usually to order. This is the most expensive version of the tool. Master violins are old and modern. If the first ones are a “tidbit” for collectors, then the second ones can be easily afforded by well-known violinists and those guys who have already grown to professionals and perform at major concerts. The cost ranges from one to 30 thousand dollars. nine0042
Manufactory violins are factory instruments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are valuable because they are solid handmade instruments. In those days, the passion for the violin was common, and small companies maintained a staff of craftsmen who diligently made parts of violins according to a verified template by hand. These are reliable instruments of German, Romanian, Czech production, which have been played by more than one generation of violinists. It will take a bit of restoration work, but playing such a violin is exciting. nine0042
Also, it would not be superfluous to mention that violins are electronic and classical wooden (acoustic). It makes no sense to buy an electric violin for a child - this is a special instrument that only a professional who has mastered the game on a conventional instrument can handle.
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