Violin - Buying tips & guidelines
It is always best to try out an instrument before you buy it and your music teacher or local retailer will be able to provide advice on makes and sizes. Below you will find some good information and advice to take into account. Find out more by clicking on the tile below. There are so many different makers it is impossible to list them all. It is always best to try out an instrument before you buy it and your music teacher or local retailer will be able to provide advice on makes and sizes. Below you will find some good information and advice to take into account.
Choosing the right sizeViolins come in various sizes. As an adult or teenager you would buy a full size (or“4/4”) violin. For younger children, violins come in smaller sizes.
The table below can be used as a guide. The Arm Length measurement is the distance between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm.
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If you have the opportunity to try out an instrument prior to purchase (recommended), stretch out your left arm and curl your fingers around the scroll at the top of the violin. If your fingers can get all the way around such that your fingertips touch the front of the peg box then the violin is about the right size. If not, you will need a smaller size. If your left arm is much longer than the violin, then you will need a larger size. If you're in between sizes, you should probably take the larger size, especially if you're buying for a child as they grow very quickly.
If your preference is to buy online, visit a local retailer first to determine the correct size before you purchase online. If buying from a private individual (eg on Ebay), you may need to confirm the actual size. Ask the seller to look inside the instrument through the sound holes - the label inside should say 1/2, 3/4, etc. if it is a small sized instrument. Full size instruments usually do not have the size listed (4/4). You should also ask the seller what the length of the instrument is. A full size violin has a body that is about 35.56 centimetres long, that is the length from the 'shoulder' of the instrument to the end of the body is 35.6 centimetres, this does not include the neck and scroll. 3/4 size has a body a little over 33 centimetres, 1/2 size a little over 30.5 centimetres, 1/4 is about 28 centimetres, 1/8 is about 27 centimetres, and 1/10 is 22.2 centimetres approximately. Different models will vary in the smaller sizes.
If your preference is to buy online, visit a local retailer first to determine the correct size before you purchase online. If buying from a private individual (eg on Ebay), you may need to confirm the actual size. Ask the seller to look inside the instrument through the sound holes - the label inside should say 1/2, 3/4, etc. if it is a small sized instrument. Full size instruments usually do not have the size listed (4/4). You should also ask the seller what the length of the instrument is. A full size violin has a body that is about 35.56 centimetres long, that is the length from the 'shoulder' of the instrument to the end of the body is 35.6 centimetres, this does not include the neck and scroll. 3/4 size has a body a little over 33 centimetres, 1/2 size a little over 30.5 centimetres, 1/4 is about 28 centimetres, 1/8 is about 27 centimetres, and 1/10 is 22.2 centimetres approximately. Different models will vary in the smaller sizes.
Additional sizing tips
Tip 1
Sit up or stand straight, when sitting, your feet must be touching the floor
Tip 2
Fully extend your left hand straight, your extended hand should be vertical to your body
Tip 3
Measure the length between the players neck and the middle of the left-hand palm or wrist
Tip 4
Most teachers prefer the measurement from the neck to the wrist instead of neck to mid-palm approach
Tip 5
The chin of the player must rest at the centre of the chin rest
Tip 6
If a child is neither particularly small nor tall for their age, then use the age table to choose the right instrument for them