What size violin do I need? What are the different size violins? What size violin should I buy for my child? Many questions that the outstanding violinist Jamie Hutchinson, fresh from a recording session at Abbey Road Studios, can answer.
What size violins are available?
The answer to the question “what size violin do I need for my child” doesn’t need to be complicated. Violins come in different sizes. The smallest instruments are 1/16 (just 9 inches or 23 cm), increasing to a 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and finally 4/4 or full size (about 14 inches or 36 cm).
If you have two children aged five, don’t assume their instruments will be the same size..
How do I measure to find out the right size violin?
To measure your arm length, grab a tape measure and run it from the left side of the neck (where it meets the shoulder) down the left arm to their left-hand fingers (where the fingers meet the palm of the hand). The arm must not be bent at the elbow and needs to be at a right angle to the body, with the palm of the hand facing up towards the ceiling.
You need to be able to reach the notes with ease.
If in doubt, your teacher should advise.
Violin Size Chart Measurements
| SIZE | LENGTH* |
|---|---|
| 1/16 | 33.5 cm or less, 13 ¼ inches |
| 1/10 | 36 cm, 14 ¼ inches |
| 1/8 | 38.5 cm, 15 ¼ inches |
| 1/4 | 44 cm,17 ¼ inches |
| 1/2 | 48.5 cm,19 inches |
| 3/4 | 52 cm, 20 ½ inches |
| 4/4 | 54 cm, 21 ¼ inches |
* Length is from the neck to wrist
Recommended Violins
Children:
These starter violins should last a couple of years of violin lessons. Teachers usually advise when to upgrade to one of the larger violin sizes (as the smaller size instrument’s fit becomes an issue).
OUR STARTER VIOLIN RECOMMENDATIONS:
SIZES 1/16 | 1/10 | 1/8 | 1/4 | 1/2 | 3/4
Designed for the entry-level student. We like the Stentor Violin as it’s carved from solid tonewoods, with inlaid purfling and blackened hardwood pegs and fingerboard. It’s an ideal choice for beginners AND fitted with integral adjusters for fine tuning.
All components have been built to a high standard, unlike many other instruments that either use composite woods or laminate tops. Offering great value, it comes complete with case and wooden bow with ebony frog.
Designed for the entry-level student. All components have been built to a high standard, unlike many other instruments that either use composite woods or laminate tops. Offering great value, it comes with case and wooden bow with ebony frog.
We like the Stentor Violin as it’s carved from solid tonewoods, with inlaid purfling and blackened hardwood pegs and fingerboard. An ideal choice for beginners; it’s even fitted with integral adjusters for fine tuning!
All components have been built to a high standard, unlike many other instruments that either use composite woods or laminate tops. Offering great value, it comes complete with case and wooden bow with ebony frog.
We like the Stentor Violin as it’s carved from solid tonewoods, with inlaid purfling and blackened hardwood pegs and fingerboard. An ideal choice for beginners; it’s even fitted with integral adjusters for fine tuning!
Coming set up and ready to play with D’Addario Prelude strings; this gold level set up offers the perfect starting point. it’s set up by an expert luthier, meaning you can start playing straight away!
One of the reasons we love it so much is that the instrument produces a full and resonant sound, mostly due to the hand-carved maple and spruce body.
Coming set up and ready to play with D’Addario Prelude strings; this gold level set up offers the perfect starting point. it’s set up by an expert luthier, meaning you can start playing straight away. It was even voted the “Best Bowed Instrument” two years in a row, so you know it’s going to be good!
We love this violin. Boasting a hand-carved maple and spruce body, the Primavera violin produces an outstandingly well-rounded tone.
Adults:
Adults use the largest size violin; a 4/4 or full size (some small adults/teenagers will sometimes play a 3/4). The two clear choices for adult violinists are:
FIRST CHOICE
Purchase the cheapest starter full-size violin and upgrade when you progress. We recommend:
Coming set up and ready to play with D’Addario Prelude strings; this gold level set up offers the perfect starting point. it’s set up by an expert luthier, meaning you can start playing straight away!<br><br>
One of the reasons we love it so much is that the instrument produces a full and resonant sound, mostly due to the hand-carved maple and spruce body.
Beginner violins don’t get much better than this. The Archer 44V-500 violin is a beautiful instrument which is perfect for keen students. Boasting a hand-carved body alongside stunning Ebony fittings, the Archer 500 series violin is guaranteed to impress.<br><br>
The choice of wood is the most important factor of a violin’s tone. This is why they’ve used European maple alongside a solid Spruce top. The complex organic nature of these European woods offer a tone which is brimming with nuance and character.
SECOND CHOICE
Purchase the best instrument you can afford to avoid upgrading later. We recommend the following violins:
OUR BEST FULL SIZE VIOLIN RECOMMENDATIONS:
around £500/$700
Inspired by the masters. The Cremona SV600 violin is an outstanding instrument, capable of taking you to the highest grades and beyond. Crafted with a figured maple back and sides with a solid spruce top, the Cremona SV600 is perfect for any discerning violinist.
Cremona’s attention to detail can be found all over the SV600. Coming complete with full ebony fittings with stylish Parisian eyes, the Cremona violin looks just as professional as it sounds. For a beautiful aesthetic, the SV600 is finished in a light orange varnish.
around £1,000/$1,500
The Eastman Master Series Stradivarius Violin Outfit is an instrument designed for the advanced player. The violin is designed with a highly select spruce top and a flamed maple back, sides and scroll. Amber spirit varnish has been hand-applied to this violin in reminiscence of its Italian makers.
The Violin is fitted with an ebony fingerboard, boxwood chinrest and tailpiece. This model has been treated to a Gold Level Setup which consists of the highly popular Larsen Virtuoso Strings, which are professionally fitted and measured in line with the bridge, to provide ease of play as well as resulting in a full bodied and incredibly responsive sound.
around £2,000/$2,700
The Yamaha V20SG Violin has been inspired by the historical famous luthier Guarneri in producing a powerful and rich sounding instrument. Using carefully selected spruce and maple and high quality varnishing, this instrument has been built to the highest standards. Including a Wittner fine tuner on the E string and great quality Dominant strings, you will not be disappointed with this instrument. In fact, we think it is THE BEST violin in it’s price range.
Other options
If you don’t like these violin purchase suggestions, pop down to your local violin shop or music rental shop to see other options. Otherwise, look at the violin reviews here.
Some common questions
How do I know if a violin fits me?
What size violin should I buy for my child who is growing fast?
How do I help my child with a violin that is a little too large?
How do I play the violin if I'm left-handed?
Other things to think about
It’s not just your violin that you need to think about. All students should have the following:
Summary - What SIze Violin Do I Need
Choosing a violin size doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow the instructions and advice above, make sure the student’s measurement is accurate, and you’ll soon figure out the most comfortable size for your body, regardless of your age. Isn’t it nice to find comfort in something uncomplicated and easy to figure out!
Let us know in the comments below if you liked the video..
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Beginner’s Guide to Learning the Violin. It’ll help you!
FAQ's
DID YOU LIKE THE Violin Sizes Explained VIDEO?
The Full YouTube Playlist → Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content →
Did you make a comment below the video? If you forgot, no worries! Just click here to comment below…
Wish I had seen this before I bought my violin. Ended up with a full size that’s a tad too big. Now stuck trying to make do or sell it off at a loss. Great guide, but where were you a month ago!
Talking about rosins, is there a particular kind that works best for beginners? Or is it more of a trial and error to find what works for you?
It’s commendable to guide beginners on violin sizes. However, considering acoustics, even smaller violins can produce exquisite sound if made correctly. The focus on the physical aspect is vital, but let’s not forget the tonal beauty, regardless of size.
If only finding the right size violin made playing it easier, am I right? Still can’t get my scales straight.
Keep at it! The right size does help with comfort and can make practicing those scales a bit easier.
Sizes 1/16 to full size, huh? Guess it’s like ordering a coffee at those fancy places – confusing but fancy. Got it.
Excellent overview for beginners. I’ll be recommending this to my students’ parents as a resource. However, I’d also suggest including information on the importance of a good bow. It makes as much of a difference as the violin itself.
Never knew there was so much to think about when picking a violin for my kid. This article is a lifesaver. Plus, the bit about other things to consider like the bow and music stand? Golden. Cheers!
Glad to see something about us lefties! But seriously, are there specific violin models that are better for left-handed players, or is it all about the setup?
I disagree with only looking at size for violins. The material and build quality make a huge difference in sound. Also, a 3/4 violin might be better for adults with small hands instead of jumping straight to a full size.
I appreciate the detailed recommendations for starter violins. How do you think these brands hold up in terms of sound quality as one progresses? Also, any tips on maintaining these violins would be great!