Subscribe and save $10 off your first order when you spend $99 or more.
This sizing guide is intended to give you a good idea of what instrument size you or your student should look for. Please consider that this guide is based on our best estimates, but we always recommend that you consult with us, or your teacher before purchasing or renting.
At Fiddlershop we care a lot about how our instruments are set up for them to sound the 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.
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 VIDEOSIZE OF VIOLIN | ARM MEASUREMENT | 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 |
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 VIDEOSIZE 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 |
How to measure for a cello:
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. The top of the cello body, should rest 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. See chart for approximate sizing by age.
SIZE OF CELLO | AGE OF STUDENT |
1/10 | 4 - 5 YRS |
1/8 | 5 - 6 YRS |
1/4 | 6 - 8 YRS |
1/2 | 8 - 10 YRS |
3/4 | 10 - 12 YRS |
4/4 | 12 - 13+ YRS |
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 |
Fiddlerman Concert Viola Review
An advanced level viola with a deep appealing sound, responsive playability and inspiring looks. Big, bold sounding, great "hand feel" and precisely-functioning components! Carefully selected aged flamed tonewoods with real Ebony fittings and careful hand-varnishing brings out the natural beauty of the wood and the tone. Fine balance and powerful projection is enhanced by pro-quality Overture Ultra Strings (Synthelon core).
Outfit includes:
Available in 12" - 16.5" size.
Every Fiddlerman instrument undergoes our famous 10-point inspection!
Every Fiddlerman Viola is adjusted, tuned and tested by Fiddlerman himself!
When you buy this viola, it will arrive ready to play out of the box!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!
I returned it; I didn't like the sound of it, especially the D string, which sounded muddy. Overall it sounded similar to all other violas I've tried, even some costing over four thousand dollars, and none of which I've liked the sound of: the D and sometimes G strings have a kind of foghorn ring to them; maybe that's the warm tone that many people like or at any rate allows the instrument to blend-in in an orchestra. I much prefer my first one, which is a Cecilio CVA-400 I got from you guys that sounds more like a fiddle. My teacher said I must have stepped into an alternative reality to get that viola: in her opinion it's miraculous that it sounds as good as it does bearing in mind the price I paid for it. I'm no longer looking for a new, better viola, only a back-up I can travel with.
I have played cheap instruments and very fine instruments. I am simply blown away by this deal. The attention to detail in the setup is phenomenal. Fiddlershop does not skimp on the things that are important here, which is the setup, and all the necessary stuff to start playing. It even came with a mute. I think that anyone who buys this and puts a set of nice strings on it will find that it is indeed a concert ready viola. The wood is nice and the finish on it is way above what you would normally get with an instrument at this price. I payed quadruple this back when I was in grade school for a similar instrument, and it didn't even come set up correctly. The case is very nice as well. I don't know how they do it, but this is one of those rare instances of a company that is offering a surprisingly great deal. Also, they have fantastic customer service reps that cheerfully answered all my questions as I bothered them for a week straight before buying. If I sound like a marketer for the company, it's because I wish I was. It's that good.
You won't find more outstanding customer service than Fiddlershop. I don't have my Concert Viola yet, but Mike was extraordinarily patient with all of my questions and did everything possible so I could get the viola I truly wanted. If you're on the fence about what to choose, write or give them a call. They will work with you. Fiddlershop mailed my order out in less than 3 hours after I placed it! Before it went out, Pierre AKA Fiddlerman/Violaman) sent me a video of my very own viola! :) Such terrific service, and sincere, friendly folks!
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return most items within 45 days of delivery (unless otherwise specified) for a refund of the original purchase amount (shipping charges are not refundable). In order to get a full product refund, returned items must be in the original packaging and condition - showing no signs of wear or abuse, and be complete with all included materials such as cases, straps, strings, care kits, and any other materials that originally shipped with the product(s).
We recommend using a reliable carrier and insuring your package when returning your item(s). Fiddlershop is not responsible for shipping damages on returns. We require returns of finer violins ($1000 and up) to ship via FedEx. We can provide a label and deduct the cost from the refund due (The average cost to send a violin in the continental US for us is $25, whereas for a customer walking into a FedEx store, the cost can be over $100).
All returned items are processed on the Friday of the week they arrive. Unless there's a problem with your product, you will be responsible for return shipping costs. If the returned item shows signs of wear or don't meet our return-requirements, it may be refused. We issue refunds only in the same form of payment you used to make your purchase.
***If your instrument included a certificate of authenticity and it is not returned with the instrument, you will be charged a $150 replacement fee.***
If an item arrives broken or with a manufacturer's defect, we will fix, replace or credit you for the item(s) - free of charge. Please call us within 14 days of receiving your item(s) for these claims. If an item breaks/malfunctions within the warranty period, we will also replace/exchange the item at no cost to you! We'll completely cover shipping/handling both ways (excludes international shipments).
We do not give refunds for the following items if opened or used: cleaners, polishes, rosin, strings, polishing cloths and cleaning kits. We may exchange these items for free, however, if applicable. Returned merchandise with damages, broken parts, or that are otherwise considered non-sellable are non-returnable.
Internationally shipped items can only be returned/refunded on a case-by-case basis. If an item is returned and is in resell-able condition, we will refund the cost of the item. Refund of shipping fees is only possible in a situation where we are at fault (e.g. we shipped to an address other than the given address).
If you refuse a delivery, miss your delivery appointment(s), provide an inaccurate/non-deliverable address, it is considered Refusal of Delivery. If an item is refused upon delivery for any reason other than showing obvious signs of damage, you are responsible for both outgoing and return shipping cost.
Free shipping over $25
We guarantee free safe delivery for orders over $25
45 Day Returns
Return within 45 days for a full refund
Best Price Guarantee
We will beat or price match any legitimate competitor
100% Satisfaction
We guarantee that you are completely satisfied