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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 VIDEO| SIZE 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 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 |
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 |
Made in Germany, this carbon fiber viola by Mezzo-Forte is designed and produced using state-of-the-art-technology. This futuristic vision produces a quality of sound easily comparable to that of a wooden instrument, whilst offering a far greater presence, projection and ease of playing.
Viola Specifications:
Body: Two piece, layered carbon fiber. Strengthened at upper and lower blocks. 2 component lacquer.
Fingerboard: 16.5“ Ebony, 15“ Spruce fiber composite, Spruce fiber composite (injection moulded). Dark and hard like ebony. Smooth to the touch and perfectly shaped - and helping preserve natural resources. The decisive feature being the fingerboard will not warp - thus making it ideal for use with carbon fiber.
Pegs: Wittner finetune pegs
Bass Bar: Carbon and bonded to the instrument. It gives warmth to the lower strings and helps stabilize the top.
Bridge: Hand-carved professional level bridge from Aubert
Strings: Maker's choice, normally D'Addario Helicore, D'Addario Kaplan, Warchal Karneol. We set up this viola to reach its fullest potential.
Outfit:
About Mezzo-Forte violas:
The Mezzo-Forte design concept is to develop instruments for the 21st Century. Any measurements used in traditional viola making have been transferred in order to help the player feel immediately familiar with the instrument. Therefore switching between wood and Carbon Fiber should not be a problem.
From the beginning to the end, all instruments are made in Mezzo-Forte's workshop in Germany, and they set a high value on quality and making fantastic instruments.
All Mezzo-Forte instruments come with a certificate of authenticity and a unique serial number which makes them easy to identify.
**Please contact us for Availability**
Mezzo-Forte instruments may take up to 30 days to ship from our workshop. We always try to have all models in stock, but since they are made in Germany and a limited number are made every year orders may be delayed while the instrument is constructed.
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.
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45 Day Returns
Return within 45 days for a full refund
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