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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 |
These violins are so good that we have a hard time believing that they are replicas and not fine old Italian violins. Recently we tested more than a dozen new violins and ran across the GCV Cremona replicas and knew right away that we needed to offer these instruments to our customers. We are very proud to be offering such wonderful sounding, beautifully crafted, and easy to play, instruments.
The Cannon model violin is a copy of Paganini's Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù from year 1743, and is one of the golden era violins with a reputation as one of the best.
Eight years ago, GCV Violins started to emulate Cremonese stringed instruments skillfully according to the Cremonese models, acquiring recognition and achievement in the market. With the well-chosen original grained wood, the authentic crafting style of the curved appearance, the revived antiqued varnish, the traces left on the varnish, and the dulcet sound, the tonal characters of the instruments made by the classic masters reappear. The Cremonese Replicated Violin Series is built with unique characteristics, making them more playable, appreciable and valuable.
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I have been playing bluegrass fiddle for about 6 years and wanted to upgrade to a fine violin. My old fiddle, while adequate for learning and playing, just didn't have the power and sound I was looking for. After researching the internet diligently for about a month, I found what I was looking for at Fiddlershop.com. Wow, talk about customer service and great prices! It was such a pleasure dealing with Mike. This GCV Cannon is simply awesome. At first I was a little disappointed until the strings settled in and this violin came "alive". Just like Pierre's demo, this violin not only has power when needed, but has a very sweet sound for soft playing. The E string sings like a bird from low to high position and the more I play, the better the fiddle sounds. The violin has a beautiful antique finish and as other reviews have mentioned, the online photos don't do it justice. Cheap violins from China have tarnished their craft, but makers like GCV are the real deal.
These guys at Fiddlershop are great! When I mentioned that I wanted to exchange my original purchase for a different model, Michael set me up with the GCV Cannon. I've only had this violin two days but I compelled to share with whomever is shopping for an upgrade or to just buy another violin, you should invest your time to consider this sweet instrument! It plays like a warm breeze or can sound like thunder. The tone from top to bottom resonates throughout the whole body. It's light yet very powerful and plays with such little effort. Evidenced by the full sound, craftsmanship, and beauty, GCV has set itself apart within the violin community as a leader in the industry. Pierre and Michael have certainly done their homework in searching for such affordable instruments with the highest quality. You can check out GCV instruments online and read for yourself the extent of quality control that goes into each of their stringed instruments. I am grateful for Pierre and Michael and all the folks at Fiddlershop) for all the hard work that goes into providing the best sounding instruments, at affordable prices, and lightning speed with which they deliver. Without a doubt, at Fiddlershop.com, customer satisfaction is paramount. I have experienced firsthand the personalized attention given to every customer, and I must say it is most refreshing! Thank You!, to everyone at Fiddlershop that has made my lifelong wish come true...to finally own an instrument that I can be proud to own and play.
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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.
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