How To Properly Size String Students
Violin and Viola
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Violin and violas are determined by the length of the student’s arm. With the student’s left arm fully extended and palm up, place a measuring device under the chin to simulate a violin - note the measurement at the center of the palm. If the sizing is between two choices, it is better to play the smaller instrument than to choose the next size up and wait for the student to “grow into it”. |
Measurement Violin Size
17 3/4" to 19" 1/8 size
19" to 20 3/4” 1/4 size
20 3/4" to 22" 1/2 size
22" to 23 1/2” 3/4 size
23 1/2" and up 4/4 “full” size
Measurement Viola Size
20 3/4" to 22" 12” junior viola
22" to 23 1/2” 13” junior viola
23 1/2" and over 14” junior viola
25 1/2" to 26 1/4" 15" “full” viola
26 1/4" to 27" 15.5" “full” viola
27" to 27 1/2" 16" “full” viola
Cello
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For the cello, the sizing below is based on the height of the student. If the sizing is between two choices, it is better to play the smaller instrument then go to the next size up and wait for the student to “grow into it”. |
Height Cello Size
Up to 4’ 1/4
4’ to 4’6” 1/2
4’6” to 5’ 3/4
5’ and up 4/4 “full”
Bass
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For the bass, the sizing below is based on students of average height for their age. Unlike other strings, the full size bass is 3/4. Even adult professionals prefer a 3/4 full size bass, and 4/4 basses are extremely rare. If the sizing is between two choices, it is better to play the smaller instrument then go to the next size up and wait for the student to “grow into it”. |
Age Bass Size
9-11 1/4
12-13 1/2
14+ 3/4 “full”
