Do you know what the difference is between a child’s violin and an adult’s violin? Most people don’t. And even if they do, they might not understand why it matters.
One of the main concerns that violin students and their parents typically have is purchasing the right-sized violin. Obviously you can’t give a five-year-old a full-size violin and expect him or her to be able to handle the instrument. And once kids are in their teenage years, trying to keep up with growth spurts can be extremely difficult, especially considering how much violins cost. Even adults can run into problems when selecting the right size. Fortunately, after a little research, selecting the right violin and knowing when it is time for a new one is not as difficult as it sounds.
In this post, we’ll explain the difference between different violin sizes by age, and why it matters for students and professional musicians alike. We will also tell you how to size a child for a violin. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Measure Violin Size
When measuring sizes of violin, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important factor is the length of the violin from end to end.
This can generally be measured from the top edge of the instrument’s top plate to the bottom edge of its tailpiece.
Other factors to consider include the width and height of the body at different points along its length, as well as any extra decorative elements such as scrollwork or borders that may give you an idea about its size.
Ultimately, however, it is best to refer to a reliable chart or other guide when trying to determine what size violin best suits you or your child’s needs. With some careful measuring and research, you can find a violin that has just the right dimensions for your playing style and level of expertise.
Why Are There Different Violin Sizes?
Why are there different sizes of violin? Many parents are eager to get their children into music lessons, and the violin is a very common instrument to start with – especially through methods of teaching such as the Suzuki Method, which encourages musical exposure early on in a child’s life. For these younger children, starting with a smaller violin is crucial.
To play the violin, students need to be able to comfortably move their hands and fingers along the entire neck of the violin. And to fully maneuver between all four strings, the student’s left arm must be mobile. If your child is unable to bend the left arm at the elbow and hold the instrument properly, he or she won’t be able to play the notes correctly.
It’s also just as important to have a bow that is an appropriate size for his or her right arm. If the bow is too big, your child may be tempted to to bow incorrectly or play with poor posture, which can even lead to injuries. These habits learned the wrong way can take a long time to unlearn!
What is the Standard Size of Violin?
There are eight main sizes of violins, including:
- 1/16
- 1/10
- ⅛
- ¼
- ½
- ¾
- ⅞
- 4/4 (full size violin)
The smallest violin is the 1/16, with the 4/4 considered the standard size for concert playing, yet there’s technically no “standard” size for a violin. Your violin teacher will help you find the right size violin for your needs, as well as how to master the basics of violin playing like what you see in the video below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev_MLvWnJJc
How Do I Know My Violin Size?
With all of this in mind, getting the correct violin size for the individual student is incredibly important. Here’s a rough guide to finding the right size:
- The 1/16 violin is typically the starting point for very young children (3-5 years old)
Keep in mind, however, that this is just a rough guide; if you or your child are larger- or smaller-framed, you may need to try out different violin sizes.
Finding the Right Fit
Understanding violin sizes and determining which is right for you or your child means paying attention to the student’s arms, both for the violin and the bow. Selecting your size based solely on age won’t work, so make sure you visit a music shop to try out several sizes and get fitted by a professional.
To find the right size, the student should place their chin on the chin rest and stretch out their left arm. The left hand should comfortably wrap around the scroll. If the student is unable to reach the scroll or their elbow is locked, the violin is too big. If the student can easily wrap their hand around the scroll and their elbow is bent 90 degrees or less, the violin is too small.
Start Shopping
For a child who is still growing, it might be best to look into renting an instrument. Take your child’s commitment level into account, as well; if you worry that he or she might lose interest after a while, renting the violin may be the smarter option. Learn more about buying a violin here.
As you’re shopping for your violin – whether you’re planning on purchasing or renting – just make sure that the student has a chance to try it out before any money changes hands, and take additional precautions if you’re buying a violin online.
There are many different brands and models of violins on the market today, and each one can have its own sizing guidelines. Some brands are designed to be larger or smaller than average, which can be beneficial for young players just starting out or for more experienced musicians looking for an instrument with a different level of responsiveness.
Ultimately, it is up to you as the player to determine what sort of sizing guidance is best suited to your needs.
How Do I Know if I Have the Right Violin Size?
There are a few different ways to determine what size violin is best for you or your child. One way is to measure the distance from the chin rest to the bottom of the strings.
This measurement is known as the string length, and it should be between 13 and 14 inches for a full-size violin.
If the string length is less than 13 inches, you will need a half-size violin; if it is more than 14 inches, you will need a quarter-size violin. Another way to determine size is by measuring the arm length. This measurement should be taken from the neck down to the middle of the palm. A half-size violin is best for someone with an arm length of up to 16 inches, while a quarter-size violin is best for someone with an arm length of up to 18 inches.
Finally, you can also consult a violin size chart, like this, that takes into account both string length and arm length. With these simple guidelines, you can be sure to choose the right size violin for you or your child.
Knowing When It’s Time for a Bigger Violin
Playing a violin that is the wrong size can result in bad habits and overall frustration, especially for younger children learning to play. Your violin teacher should be periodically checking the student’s posture and positioning, to make sure they’re working with the correct size.
What Size Violin is Easiest to Learn?
When it comes to learning the violin, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Different people have different preferences when it comes to instrument size, and what might be comfortable or easy for one person might not work as well for another.
However, some general guidelines can help you determine what size violin is best suited to your individual needs. On the one hand, smaller instruments can typically be easier to play, as they require less strength and less dexterity from the player’s fingers. In addition, a smaller violin will produce a brighter and more focused sound than a larger instrument.
On the other hand, larger violins offer greater volume and richness of tone than smaller instruments, making them preferable for performance settings or for use in ensemble playing. Ultimately, the best size violin for you will depend on your own individual physiology as well as your musical goals and aspirations.
But whatever choice you make, with enough practice and hard work you’re sure to become an accomplished player!
Violin Sizes Explained
While the different violin sizes may seem like a minor detail, they can actually make a big difference in how well the instrument sounds and how comfortable it is to play. If you’re shopping for a new violin or thinking about starting violin lessons, be sure to keep these things in mind.
And if you’re already an experienced player, try experimenting with different sizes to see what works best for you. With just a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect violin size for your needs and start playing in style.
Violin sizes may seem intimidating at first because of the cost and time investments. Ensuring you or your student has the best fit will mean the focus can be on learning how to play instead of compensating for the wrong size. Good luck!
Megan L.