Violin Sizes: 9 Basic Sizes For Violin + Great Guide!

Violin Sizes

Introduction

The violin is a lifetime instrument, which means that it may be started at a really young age and that it’ll take a lifetime to master! In case you’re starting a child or your kid out on the violin or wish to know what size you want in the event you’re taking it up yourself, this article will help.

We have now put together a whole beginner’s information on violin sizing. We cover the completely different sizes obtainable and their approximate age varies and arm size, why there are completely different violin sizes, the factors that affect the dimensions of the violin you play, and how one can measure the arm and the violin to make sure you get the right instrument on your needs.

We use our many years of expertise with the violin and dealing with beginners to break all the pieces down into bitesize pieces to provide the info you might want to buy the fitting instrument for you.

Below you will find the most common sizes of violins:

1/32 Violins

The smallest fiddle within the family is the 1/32 size and is for the youngest students ages 1-3.

Youngsters can really begin playing with a violin as young as age 1, and can typically start with a cardboard violin, simply to get their palms and body used to the place one is in when playing.

Then they are going to transfer to an “actual” violin, and this could be the scale violin that they’d begin playing on.

This dimension violin measures 13 1/2 inches in the whole size and best goes well with arm lengths of 14 inches.

1/32 Violin Size

1/16 violin

As soon as your youngster turns three to five years old, it’s time to transfer to the next, 1/16 measurement violin. If she or he begins playing at this age, it’s best to select this size first.

It measures 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) in the whole size and fits the kid with 14 inches (35.6 cm) long arm.

1/16 Violin Size

1/10 violin

The following stage is the 1/10 violin dimension, which fits the 4 to 5 years old youngster the best. The common arm size at that age is 15 inches (38 cm). Due to this fact, 16 inches (40.6 cm) long instrument is the right alternative.

1/10 Violin Size

1/8 Violins

Following this, now we have the 1/8 measurement violin which is once more, about an inch longer than the previous dimension. These violins are most performed by students aged 4-6 years old.

They measure 17 inches in the whole size and match arm lengths up to 16 1/2 inches.

1/8 Violin Size

1/4 Violins

Students ages 5-7 most frequently play on our next measurement, which is a 1/4 dimension violin. These violins are about 2 inches longer than the 1/8 dimension fiddles.

They measure a complete size of 18 1/2 – 19 inches and match arm lengths of 18 – 18 1/2 inches.

1/4 Violin Size

1/2 violin

As soon as your child turns seven to nine years old, she or he will need a violin that measures 20.5 inches (52 cm) in the whole size. This instrument is a superb match for students with 20 inches (50.8 cm) long arms.

1/2 Violin Size

3/4 violin

This violin fits 9 to 12 years old students. Since this instrument is 21 inches (53.3 cm) long, it’s the most suitable choice for the kid with a 21.5 to 22 inches (54.6 – 55.9 cm) long arm.

3/4 Violin Size

7/8 violin

That’s the rarely used violin measurement, and it isn’t easy to find. It’s roughly 22 to 22.5 inches (55.9 – 57 cm) long and suits teenagers and small adults with a delicate, 22 to 23 inches (55.9 – 58.4 cm) long arm.

7/8 Violin Size

4/4 Violins

Lastly, we get to the 4/4, or full dimension violin. These violins are performed by tall teens or adults and measure 23 – 23 1/2 inches in the whole size. They match arm lengths of 23 inches or bigger.

As a basic rule, most students and adults who can be no less than 5 feet tall can play a full-size violin.

Exceptions happen when the individual has very small hands or arms and would profit on remaining on a smaller instrument for simpler playing.

4/4 Violin Size

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many completely different sizes of violin are there?

A: Violins are available in 9 primary sizes. The scale corresponds to the size of the body of the violin (not together with the neck and scroll).

The smallest frequent size is 1/32), and the sizes work their way up through 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, and eventually 4/4 or full measurement (about 14 inches or 36 cm).

Q: Why do violins come in numerous sizes?

A: Violins are performed by individuals of all ages. They’re made in numerous sizes in order that even a small child can discover a model that she or he can hold and play comfortably.

Q: Do small adults use a 7/8 or a full-size violin?

A: Most adults (and plenty of children from around age 10+) would require a full-size violin. It is dependent upon the size of your arm and what you’re feeling you can hold comfortably.

When holding up a violin, it mustn’t feel too heavy and it ought to be possible to grip the top of the fingerboard along with your hand, whereas nonetheless bending your arm easily on the elbow.

If a grownup feels extra comfortable doing this on a 7/8, then it’s nice for them to play the violin of this measurement.

Q: What measurement violin should I purchase for my 5-year-old?

A: Much like shopping for shoes, there isn’t a simple rule about children’s ages and violin sizes, it’s finest to measure to get the right measurement for every child.

Q: Why is it essential to decide on the correct size?

A: A violin that’s too big will probably be heavy for a kid to hold. Playing a heavy violin will make their arms tired and sore and might also hurt their neck and ultimately their back.

Additionally, if they’ve trouble reaching the notes it will likely be very troublesome to play in tune. Except for the discomfort, none of this will probably be good for their motivation to play music!

Q: How do I know if a violin matches?

A: Generally talking, you realize if a violin fits if you can reach the notes comfortably together with your left-hand palm when holding up the violin.

Q: What can happen if my kid is growing quickly?

A: In fact, a parent will need the very best value out of a musical instrument. In case your youngster is growing quickly and you’re worried that a new violin could only last a number of months, then it could be a good suggestion to rent for some time.

This might be cheaper than shopping for several violins in quick succession. Or, if you happen to talk it over along with your child’s instructor, it could be okay for your child to proceed to play on their very own violin, then when they’re prepared, skip to the next measurement up (i.e. go instantly from 1/2 size to 4/4, and so forth.)

Q: Is it alright to skip a measurement?

A: It normally works fine. The potential problem is in adapting to a lot greater instrument. We’ve identified many children who’ve skipped sizes and it’s at all times been okay.

In case your child is ready to play the fourth finger notes in tune then they are going to be fine with the brand new dimension. Best to discuss this along with your child’s instructor as they can provide individual recommendations.

Various Violin Sizes

Q: If I purchase an even bigger violin will I also need brand new violin bows and case?

A: Sure. Violins, bows, and cases are available in matching sizes, so in case your child is playing on a half-size violin, they’ll need a half-size bow and half-size case. Many student violins come as an outfit. Because of this a violin, matching bow, and case are all included in the price.

Usually, higher-quality instruments are priced as instruments only, so a bow and case are not going to be included in the price and must be purchased individually.

Some shops will offer a discount if you happen to purchase a violin, bow, and case together. It’s at all times worth asking!

Q: Is it okay to skip size in the middle of a term?

A: It’s okay to change in the middle of a time period so long as your child is prepared and motivated to use an even bigger measurement violin or the next size in order.

A brand new instrument will typically provide a kid with new motivation and an even bigger violin will normally additionally sound a lot better. Attempt to leave as much time as doable to get used to the brand new instrument before they should play in a concert or exam.

Q: When is an effective time to move to an even bigger size?

A: Children are inclined to adapt quickly to an even bigger measurement of the instrument, so we normally advise simply to go forward with an even bigger violin whenever your kid is prepared. If possible, it’s best to allow a number of weeks to get used to the larger measurement before playing in a concert or exam.

Often, an instructor will hold back a kid from moving up a measurement for a few months to develop their bow approach and make their arm only a bit stronger before the bounce up. So session with the instructor here is at all times good.

Q: Should I upgrade my shoulder rest?

A: Shoulder rests additionally are available in a selection of sizes, however, a shoulder rest will typically accommodate two completely different sizes of the violin. Check if the sizes are written on the back of the rest. If not, best to verify with your instructor to see in case you’ll need a brand new shoulder rest or not.

Q: Should we purchase a better quality violin once we want an even bigger size?

A: We advise buying for the level of instrument that your youngster needs, reasonably than buying a certain stage of instrument for a given measurement or age of the kid.

For instance, if you’re in search of a brand new violin for your 9-year-old who has been playing for a number of years, it’s likely because they’re making good progress and are eager to proceed with music classes.

In that case, we might advise upgrading your youngster’s instrument. The 9-year-old who’s working in direction of the grade 3 exam will need a better instrument than one other 9-year-old who’s simply beginning violin classes for the first time.

Conclusion on Violin Size

We listed the most common violin sizes and arm lengths that are going together when picking these musical instruments. Logically, for beginning violin students you will need a smaller size violin to fit their playing position and posture.

Anyway, the right-sized instrument should be comfortable for both the left arm and the right arm when performing. This should be one incentive extra for violin purchase decisions. The arm length and the lighter weight violin should be good for new players and that size corresponds with their actual body size.

This leads to the conclusion that the oversized violins and large-size instruments cannot match a smaller kid because as explained above the measure should fit the player in order to have a better experience and ability to play for long periods without any trouble.

So we think that we delivered a nice guide on how to pick the right size violin because these stringed instruments are delicate to get right. When you start playing with a larger size than the certain size you should have, you will notice difficulties to do it, so it’s crucial to do it right.

In case you are having any questions in regards to this topic, feel free to contact us and we will answer your needs!

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Charles Steinhoff

Charles Steinhoff

Charles is here and I am guitar and ukulele enthusiast. Been playing these instruments for over 10 years now and I decided to share some of my knowledge and expertise with the world in terms of these stringed instruments and it's accessories.

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