Elida

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 Elida Trading
ELIzabeth and DAvid Ward
Email us  Tel: 01484 428518

VIOLIN SIZES

WHAT SIZE VIOLIN? Not an easy question to answer because:
(a) violin sizes are not standardised and vary slightly between makers especially with the smaller sizes,
(b) the sizes of children (and adults) vary even more!!
(c) teachers have different opinions on what makes the best size.

We have shown below a table of violin sizes with suggested age ranges for fairly average sized children, but please use it very carefully since at best it cannot be more than a rough guide.

The important measure that has to be taken is from the neck down to the wrist when the arm is extended perpendicular to the body. This measure represents the ideal optimum overall length of the violin that should be selected.

Some teachers prefer to take the measurement from the neck down to the middle of the palm of the hand but we would not recommend this. The only exception we would make is when measuring to the palm of the hand would mean that a 1/8 size instrument could be chosen instead of a 1/16 size since tuning the strings on the smallest sizes is a nightmare!

PLEASE USE WITH CARE!!

Size	Body Length	Overall Length	Ages
4/4	14" - 355mm	23¼" - 590mm	12 upwards
7/8	13½" - 340mm	22½" - 570mm	10 upwards
3/4	13" - 330mm	21¾" - 550mm	8 - 12
1/2	12" - 305mm	20½" - 520mm	6 - 9
1/4	11" - 280mm	18" - 460mm	5 - 7
1/8	10" - 255mm	16½" - 420mm	4 - 6
1/10	9½" - 240mm	15¾" - 400mm	4 - 5
1/16	9" - 230mm	14¾" - 375mm	3 - 5

Please note that because there are variations within each size our violins do not always have exactly the measurements given above. We will of course always be very happy to give further information on this or any other matter relating to our instruments.