For renting the right violin, viola, cello or double bass, the size you choose is very important. Below is a brief description of how you can determine the correct size for your son or daughter by measuring a few sizes.
Violin
| Size | Age | Armlength | Size body violin | Length instrument |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 3-5 | 35-43 cm | 23 cm | 38 cm |
| 1/8 | 4-6 | 43-45 cm | 26 cm | 43 cm |
| 1/4 | 5-7 | 45-50 cm | 28 cm | 46 cm |
| 1/2 | 6-8 | 50-56 cm | 32 cm | 52 cm |
| 3/4 | 7-10< | 56-60 cm | 34 cm | 56 cm |
| 4/4 | >10 | >60cm |
Viola
Measure from under the armpit to the tip of the middle finger. The age in the table is an indication, this does not have to be correct, assume the size chart.
| Size | Comparable violin size | Age | Armlength | Size of body | Length instrument |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
12” |
1/2 |
6-8 |
50-56 cm |
32 cm |
52 cm |
|
13” |
3/4 |
7-10 |
56-60 cm |
34 cm |
56 cm |
|
14” |
4/4 |
10+ |
60+ cm |
36 cm |
59 cm |
Cello
- Measure the body length in cm (stand upright).
- Measure the arm length from the shoulder joint to the tip of the middle finger.
- Measure the span width between the tips of the index finger and little finger, extending the fingertips as far apart as possible (fingers also stretched).
- Age is only an indication.
| Bodylenght | Armlength | Span width fingers | Age | Size cello |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tot 90 cm | tot 40 cm | 6-8 cm | 4-6 | 1/16 |
| 90-105 cm | 40-45 cm | 8 cm | 5-6 | 1/8 |
| 105-120 cm | 45-50 cm | 8-10 cm | 6-7 | 1/4 |
| 120-135 cm | 55-55 cm | 10-13 cm | 7-10 | 1/2 |
| 135-150 cm | 55-60 cm | 13-15 cm | 9-13 | 3/4 |
| >150 cm | >60 cm | >15 cm | >13 | 4/4 |
It is best to discuss with the cello teacher which size cello is most suitable. The table is indicative only.
Double bass
- Measure the body length in cm (stand upright).
- Measure the arm length from the shoulder joint to the tip of the middle finger.
- Measure the span width between the tips of the index finger and little finger, extending the fingertips as far apart as possible (fingers also stretched).
- Age is only an indication.
| Bodylength | Armlength | Span width vingers | Age | Size bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tot 125 cm | tot 40 cm | tot 10 cm | 5-6 | 1/16 |
| 125-135 cm | 40-45 cm | 10-11 cm | 6-8 | 1/10 |
| 135-145 cm | 45-50 cm | 11-13 cm | 7-9 | 1/8 |
| 145-155 cm | 50-55 cm | 12-14 cm | 8-10 | 1/4 |
| 155-165 cm | 55-60 cm | 13-15 cm | 9-12 | 1/2 |
| >165 cm | >60 cm | >15 cm | >12 | 3/4 |