Violin sizes, and how to measure for one
Violin sizes, and how to measure for one
Violin sizes are fractions, and the fractions do not describe length in any literal way — a 1/2 violin is nowhere near half the size of a full one. They are a conventional scale, and the only thing that matters is whether the player can reach.
How to measure
Have the player stand with the left arm extended straight out to the side, palm up, at shoulder height. Measure from the base of the neck, at the side, to the middle of the palm.
That measurement is the arm length the size chart refers to. Measuring to the fingertips instead is the common error and produces a size too large.
Rough guide
- Under 18 inches: 1/8 or smaller
- Around 18 to 20 inches: 1/4
- Around 20 to 22 inches: 1/2
- Around 22 to 23.5 inches: 3/4
- 23.5 inches and above: 4/4, the full size
These bands overlap between makers, and a teacher’s judgement beats a chart. Where a listing gives a recommended arm length, that is the maker’s own figure.
Why too large is worse than too small
An instrument that is slightly small is playable. The player reaches everything and the only cost is a slightly thinner tone.
An instrument that is too large forces the left shoulder up and the elbow out to reach first position. That posture is uncomfortable, it becomes habitual, and it has to be unlearned. It also makes the fourth finger a genuine stretch, which is where intonation problems start.
When between sizes, take the smaller one.
What comes with a violin outfit
Most beginner instruments are sold as outfits: violin, bow, case and rosin at minimum. Better outfits add a shoulder rest, spare strings, a tuner and sometimes a practice mute.
Two items are worth checking specifically. Rosin is essential — a bow without rosin produces almost no sound, and this genuinely surprises beginners. A shoulder rest is close to essential for most players and is not always included.
Fittings and setup
Fine tuners on the tailpiece make small adjustments possible without the pegs, and for a beginner or a parent that matters a great deal. Four fine tuners is common on student instruments and is entirely sensible.
Pegs should turn smoothly and hold. Peg drops or compound help pegs that slip or stick, and both are normal maintenance rather than a sign of a fault.
A bridge should stand upright and centred. Bridges creep forward as strings are tuned, and straightening one is routine — but the first time is worth having shown to you rather than attempted from a diagram.
Strings
Steel-core strings are stable, bright and hold tuning well, which is why student instruments ship with them. Synthetic-core strings are warmer and more complex, and are the usual first upgrade.
Changing strings one at a time keeps tension on the instrument and stops the soundpost inside shifting. That is not a small point: a fallen soundpost is a trip to a workshop.
Practical checks before ordering
- Measure neck-to-mid-palm, not to fingertips.
- When between sizes, choose the smaller.
- Check rosin is included; check whether a shoulder rest is.
- Look for fine tuners on a student instrument.
- Change strings one at a time.
Where this sits in the shop
Everything discussed above comes back to one part of the shop: Violins and Strings, which currently holds 3 listings between $4.99 and $189.99. The whole of it is picked and packed at Music Inn World Instruments, 169 W 4th St, New York, NY, during Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, closed Sunday — so anything written here can be checked by phoning the counter on ((212) 243-5715.
From our shelves
- 8 Pieces Violin Strings Full Set G-D-A-E, Replacement Strings for 4/4 3/4 1/2 1/4 Violins — $4.99
- Violin 4/4 Full Size, AKLOT Acoustic Fiddle for Beginners Adults Solid Maple Kit — $99.99
- ENO MUSIC 4/4 Full Size Violin Kit for Beginners and Adults with Violin Rosin Bow and Hard — $189.99
What we get asked about this
How long will my order take?
Handling takes 1–2 business days and carrier transit is normally 3–7 business days, so most orders land in 4–9 business days. Tracking is emailed as soon as the label scans.
How much is shipping?
Orders of $49.00 or more ship free inside the United States. Below that, a flat $5.99 covers packing and carrier handling, whatever the box weighs.
Read next
- Lyre harps: string count and what it changes
- Mandolin styles: A body, F body and what actually differs
- Banjos: open back or resonator
Ordering from Music Inn World Instruments
Orders of $49.00 or more ship free anywhere in the United States, and a flat $5.99 covers everything below that. Handling takes 1–2 business days and carrier transit is normally 3–7 business days. Unused items can go back within 30 days, and if the mistake was ours we pay the return postage.
Questions about anything above go to [email protected], answered within 1 business day, or call (212) 243-5715. Full detail is on the Shipping Policy and Refund and Returns pages.