Your child has chosen to play violin. Congratulations!! And now… you need an instrument.
First of all, you need to know there are different sizes of the violins – so everybody could play comfortably, no matter of the age or hight. There are 8 main sizes in which the length of the body (without neck and scroll) is measured – 4/4, 7/8, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4,1/8, 1/10, 1/16
How to chose the right violin size?
The measuring tape method: It can help if you measure your child’s arm from the neck to the wrist. Let the child fully extende his/her left arm and raise it perpendicular to the body, just like holding a violin, palm facing upwards. Then put the measuring tape from the beginning of the neck to the beginning of the palm. Check the table below.
The scroll test: Place the violin properly in the playing position. Now, hold out your left arm with your palm facing upwards. If you can hug the curve of the scroll with your fingers comfortably and without streching, then it fits you.
What if the child is between the sizes?
It is always better to choose smaller of the two sizes because it is much easier to play on a smaller violin then it is on a too big one.
When is the right time for bigger size?
The best answer will give you your teacher. Even if the child is grown up enough for the bigger size, maybe you will have to wait some time because of some important concert or exam. It takes few weeks to adjust completely to a new instrument.
Can we skip a size?
It is not recommended. You can compare violin sizes with shoe sizes – you can always wear bigger size, but you will probably be clumsy and uncomfortable…
When will be the time for a 4/4 violin?
Most adults and many children around age 11 need a full size violin.
To buy or to rent?
Sometimes children grow up fast and a new violin may only last a few months. In that case, it may be a good idea to rent for a while. This could be cheaper than buying several violin sizes in quick succession. If your child needs a really good instrument for his/her important concerts and/or competitions, you will probably need to buy a quality hand crafted instrument.
Here is a general violin sizing chart. The best estimation, however, can be given only by an experienced violin teacher!
