How to Find the Correct Violin Size for You

Why you first begin to study violin, you will find that the array of violins is astounding. There are far more choices nowadays than just the regular brown adult size- they also come in many different colors and styles.

The main sizes of violins are 4/4 (full size), 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/10 and 1/16. There are also 1/32, though they may be harder to find and are usually too small for anyone larger than a toddler. A full size adult should use a full size violin, but some women find that a 3/4 is much more comfortable and effective for them while they are learning, particularly if they are petite and/or have short arms. There is a 7/8 size that is specifically for female professional violinists, but it is hard to find and more expensive than the regular sizes.

The rest of the sizes are usually used by children, based on measurements of thier arms. If you are looking for a violin for first time use, or are worried about its being damaged by a rambunctious child, one good choice is to find a cheap one online. A music store violin will invariably by a more expensive choice, so looking online to find a violin makes practical sense in this case. The trouble is figuring out what size violin you need to buy- if you go into a string shop to be measured, chances are that they will talk you into an expensive violin. But, you can measure the needed size at home and choose the violin online and get a much broader range of prices.

The measurements that you need are of the child's arms, from the neck to the middle of the palm of the left hand. The measurement you get for this method will indicate the largest size violin that you should buy. If the measurement is:

22"- 3/4
20" - 1/2
18 1/2" - 1/4
16 1/2 - 1/8
15 - 1/10
14 - 1/16

A string shop will tell you that a cheaper violin does not have as nice a sound as a more expensive violin, and that is true. But if you anticipate needing a larger size violin every few months, the cheaper may be the best choice. eBay is a great place to find inexpensive starter violins, and they come in a lot of fun colors that can get kids excited about the violin. Kids can even look at the online pictures and choose the color theirs will be. Once they get interested in it, and get a year or two's lessons underway, that is a better time to worry about the sound quality. At the beginning stages of lessons, lets face it, they are pretty much all going to sound the same anyway. This way, the instrument seems a whole lot more fun.