Violin Sizes report
he violin is a four-stringed instrument that vibrates through the friction of the strings and the bow and then transmits the vibrations to the back panel through the fret in the resonance box to produce a harmonious and bright tone.
The violin body (soundbox) consists of a curved top, back, and sides glued together. The panel is usually made of spruce, which is soft; the back and side panels are made of maple and mahogany, which is hard. The headstock and neck are made of the whole maple, and the fingerboard is made of ebony.
The violin is widely spread worldwide and is the most crucial instrument in the string group of the modern orchestra. It occupies a very important position in instrumental music, is the pillar of the modern symphony orchestra, and is also a solo instrument with complex playing skills. The following section shares a handy violin sizing guide for people looking for a new violin.
Violin Sizing Guide
Purchasing a new violin is an exciting endeavor, mainly the first violin you will own. Whether you are a professional violinist or a beginner, there are many different things to consider before purchasing. Aside from thinking about budget, brand, and sound quality, you will also have to factor in that violins come in a range of different sizes.
Violins come in nine different sizes: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, and 1/32. 4/4 (full size) being the biggest and 1/32 size being the smallest. Most all adults use a full-size violin.
Violin Size Chart
Here is a table with all the information you’ll need about violin sizes:
Violin Size | Violin Body Length | Violin Total Length | Violin Bow Length |
---|---|---|---|
1/32 | 7.5" (19 cm) | 13.5" (32 cm) | 15" (38 cm) |
1/16 | 8" (20.3 cm) | 14.5" (36.8 cm) | 16.75" (42.5 cm) |
1/10 | 9" (23 cm) | 16" (40.6 cm) | 17.75" (45 cm) |
1/8 | 10" (25 cm) | 17" (43 cm) | 19.25" (48.25 cm) |
1/4 | 11" (28 cm) | 18.5"-19" (48.25 cm) | 22.5" (57.15 cm) |
1/2 | 12.5" (31.75 cm) | 20.5" (52 cm) | 24.5" (62.2 cm) |
3/4 | 13" (33 cm) | 21" (53.3 cm) | 27" (68.6 cm) |
7/8 | 13.5" (34.3 cm) | 22.5" (57.2 cm) | 29.5" (75 cm) |
Full-size | 14" (35.5 cm) | 23"-23.5" (60 cm) | 29.5" (75 cm) |
Measuring for the Right Violin Size
To measure what size violin best suits you, you need to know the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm or left wrist. This is measured when your hand is fully extended and raised perpendicular to your body, like holding a violin.
- The violin size determined by the neck/wrist approach would be the size that is more comfortable for students to hold.
- The violin size determined by the neck/mid-palm approach would be the biggest size students should use.
Recommended Violin Size By arm length
By checking the chart below, you will find the size that most probably will be the best for your child.
Violin Size | Sizing: Arm Length | Estimated Age |
---|---|---|
1/32 | Under 14 inches | 2 or 3 years old |
1/16 | 14 to 16.5 inches | 3 to 5 years old |
1/10 | 16.5 to 17 inches | 4 to 5 years old |
1/8 | 17 to 17.5 inches | 5 to 6 years old |
1/4 | 17.5 to 19.5 inches | 6 to 7 years old |
1/2 | 20 to 22 inches | 7 to 9 years old |
3/4 | 22 to 23 inches | 9 to 12 years old |
Full-size | 23 inches and up | 13 and up |
How to Measure arm length
Violins come in various sizes and are suitable for the player depending on their age and height. The most accurate way to choose the proper violin size is to use the player's arm length as a guide. Measure the left side of the player's neck to the palm of their left hand. The player's arm must be stretched out and not bent at the elbow. These measurements can be used to guide you in choosing the appropriate size of the violin.