At Fiddlershop we care a lot about how our instruments are set up for them to sound their best. Equally important to the instrument itself, is how your instruments fits you. If you play on the wrong size violin, it might lead to pain, fatigue and injury. It also makes it harder to play. Thus, we have put together this guide for you.
Need Assistance?
Call us at 800-595-0592 or send us an email at support@fiddlershop.com. An expert can answer your questions regarding the instruments and its accessories.
Sizing Guide for Violin
How to measure for a violin:
Extend the arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Watch our demo video for more exact directions. See chart for approximate sizing.
WATCH VIDEO| Size of violin | Arm measurements | Age of student |
| 1/16 | 14" - 15.4" | 3 - 4 YRS |
| 1/10 | 15.5" - 17" | 4 - 5 YRS |
| 1/8 | 17.1" - 17.5" | 5 - 6 YRS |
| 1/4 | 17.6" - 20" | 6 - 7 YRS |
| 1/2 | 20.1" - 22" | 7 - 8 YRS |
| 3/4 | 22.1" - 23.5" | 9 - 11 YRS |
| 4/4 | 23.6"+ | 11 - 13+ YRS |
Sizing Guide for Violas
How to measure for a viola:
Extend the arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Watch our video for more exact directions. See chart for approximate sizing.
WATCH VIDEO| Size of Viola | Arm Measurement | Age of student |
| 12" | 20.5" - 21.9” | 7-9 YRS |
| 13" | 22” - 23.4” | 9-11 YRS |
| 14" | 23.5” - 24.9” | 11-14 YRS |
| 15" | 25" -25.9” | 14+ YRS |
| 15.5" | 26" - 26.4” | 14+ YRS |
| 16" | 26.5" - 26.9” | 14+ YRS |
| 16.5" | 27”+ | 14+ YRS |
Sizing Guide for Cellos
How to measure for a cello:
If you have a cello to try, sit at the end of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lean the cello at a 45 degree angle against your body. Extend the endpin so that the top of the cello body rests in the center of your chest. The C peg should be slightly behind your left ear. Make sure you can reach both ends of the fingerboard easily. If you don't have an instrument already, see this chart for approximate sizing by age and height.
| Size of cello | Age of student | Height |
| 1/10 | 3 - 4 YRS | 3' |
| 1/8 | 4 - 6 YRS | 3' - 3.5' |
| 1/4 | 6 - 8 YRS | 3.5' - 4' |
| 1/2 | 8 - 10 YRS | 4' - 4.5' |
| 3/4 | 10 - 12 YRS | 4.5' - 5' |
| 4/4 | 12 - 13+ YRS | 5'+ |
Sizing Guide for Double Basses
How to measure for a double bass:
The 3/4 size double bass is the standard size for adults. 7/8 and 4/4 size basses are made, but less common. As a guideline, when you stand upright next to the bass, the bridge should be approximately at the same height as the large knuckles of your right hand. Most important is that you’re comfortable and can reach the higher registers without difficulty. See chart for approximate sizing by age.
| Size of bass | Age of student |
| 1/16 | 3 - 4 YRS |
| 1/10 | 4 - 5 YRS |
| 1/8 | 5 - 7 YRS |
| 1/4 | 7 - 9 YRS |
| 1/2 | 9 - 13 YRS |
| 3/4 | 13+ YRS |
5 comments
Fiddlershop
Hi Robert!
Here are some of the guidelines in our trade in program:
Instruments retailing under $350 are not eligible for our trade-in program.
For instruments retailing between $350 and $1000, the upgrade needs to be of a 50% higher retail value.
For instruments retailing over $1000, the upgrade needs to be of a 30% higher retail value.
Trade-ins are not eligible towards discounted or used/antique instruments.
We only accept one trade towards a new instrument.
Please read more here: https://fiddlershop.com/pages/trade-in-program
You can always contact us at support@fiddlershop.com, if you can’t find all the answers here. Thanks for contacting us :)
Hi Robert!
Here are some of the guidelines in our trade in program:
Instruments retailing under $350 are not eligible for our trade-in program.
For instruments retailing between $350 and $1000, the upgrade needs to be of a 50% higher retail value.
For instruments retailing over $1000, the upgrade needs to be of a 30% higher retail value.
Trade-ins are not eligible towards discounted or used/antique instruments.
We only accept one trade towards a new instrument.
Please read more here: https://fiddlershop.com/pages/trade-in-program
You can always contact us at support@fiddlershop.com, if you can’t find all the answers here. Thanks for contacting us :)
Robert L Thuemmel
My daughter is just turning 5. She started with a Frans Hoffman Amadeus 1/10 and her teacher suggested she is ready for a 1/4 size. Interested in your Fiddlerman Concert violin, but just want to check if I understand your trade-in policy as she moved from a 1/10 to 1/4 in less than a year of growth. If I understand, your trade-in policy requires not just upsizing but also moving to a 50% more expensive violin each time? We are not local to South Florida so your rental program doesn’t seem to apply either. Do you have a program for students who will be upsizing but not necessarily upgrading each time?
Thanks
Rob Thuemmel
My daughter is just turning 5. She started with a Frans Hoffman Amadeus 1/10 and her teacher suggested she is ready for a 1/4 size. Interested in your Fiddlerman Concert violin, but just want to check if I understand your trade-in policy as she moved from a 1/10 to 1/4 in less than a year of growth. If I understand, your trade-in policy requires not just upsizing but also moving to a 50% more expensive violin each time? We are not local to South Florida so your rental program doesn’t seem to apply either. Do you have a program for students who will be upsizing but not necessarily upgrading each time?
Thanks
Rob Thuemmel
William Moseid
I am 6 ft tall, what Double Basses do you have (4/4)
I am 6 ft tall, what Double Basses do you have (4/4)
Asa Holstein
Hi Roseanna!
Thank you!! The assessment is the same. If you for instance are playing on a 3/4 size violin, you will need a 3/4 size bow, and so on.
Thanks for asking!
Hi Roseanna!
Thank you!! The assessment is the same. If you for instance are playing on a 3/4 size violin, you will need a 3/4 size bow, and so on.
Thanks for asking!
Roseanna
Very informative video re Violin sizing. Is there a similar way of assessing what size Bow to use? Many thanks
Very informative video re Violin sizing. Is there a similar way of assessing what size Bow to use? Many thanks