An instrument that is too big is hard to play and sounds out of tune; too small holds you back. Measure in two minutes, look up the size in the chart and go straight to the instrument. If in doubt, we measure again in the shop.
How to measure
- Violin and viola: arm length. Have the player stretch the left arm straight out to the side, palm up. Measure from the armpit to the tip of the middle finger.
- Cello and double bass: height and arm length. Measure height standing and arm length from the shoulder joint to the tip of the middle finger. Seated, the top of the cello body should come to chest height; on the double bass the bridge is at about eye level.
- Look up the size. If the measurement falls on a boundary, choose the smaller size: it plays more easily. When your child grows out of it, you change size for free.
Violin sizes
Measure the arm length from the armpit to the tip of the middle finger, with the left arm stretched straight out to the side and the palm up. Age is a guideline; the arm length is decisive.
| Size | Age | Arm length | Body | Instrument length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 3-5 years | 35-43 cm | 23 cm | 38 cm |
| 1/8 | 4-6 years | 43-45 cm | 26 cm | 43 cm |
| 1/4 | 5-7 years | 45-50 cm | 28 cm | 46 cm |
| 1/2 | 6-8 years | 50-56 cm | 32 cm | 52 cm |
| 3/4 | 7-10 years | 56-60 cm | 34 cm | 56 cm |
| 4/4 | 10+ years | from 60 cm | 36 cm | 59 cm |
Violin rental from € 8 per month
Complete with bow, rosin and case. Changing size is free.
We also rent 1/32, 1/10 and 7/8 as in-between sizes. Ages and lengths are guidelines; when you collect or we deliver, we check the size on the player.
Viola sizes
Violas are measured in inches: the length of the body. Measure the arm length as for the violin. Adults choose between 14, 15 and 16 inch by arm length and build; if in doubt, we try it out in the shop.
| Size | As violin | Age | Arm length | Body | Instrument length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 inch | 1/2 | 6-8 years | 50-56 cm | 32 cm | 52 cm |
| 13 inch | 3/4 | 7-10 years | 56-60 cm | 34 cm | 56 cm |
| 14 inch | 4/4 | 10+ years | from 60 cm | 36 cm | 59 cm |
| 15 inch | adults | on request | 38 cm | ||
| 16 inch | adults, long arms | on request | 40.5 cm |
Viola rental from € 13 per month
Complete with bow, rosin and case. Changing size is free.
For the smallest players we also rent a 1/8 viola. Ages and lengths are guidelines; when you collect or we deliver, we check the size on the player.
Cello sizes
Measure height standing, arm length from the shoulder joint to the tip of the middle finger, and the span between the tips of the index finger and little finger with the fingers spread as far as possible. Seated, the top of the body should come to chest height. Which size is most suitable is best discussed with the teacher.
| Size | Age | Height | Arm length | Finger span |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 4-6 years | up to 90 cm | up to 40 cm | 6-8 cm |
| 1/8 | 5-6 years | 90-105 cm | 40-45 cm | 8 cm |
| 1/4 | 6-7 years | 105-120 cm | 45-50 cm | 8-10 cm |
| 1/2 | 7-10 years | 120-135 cm | 50-55 cm | 10-13 cm |
| 3/4 | 9-13 years | 135-150 cm | 55-60 cm | 13-15 cm |
| 4/4 | 13+ years | from 150 cm | from 60 cm | from 15 cm |
Cello rental from € 17 per month
Complete with bow, rosin and bag. Changing size is free.
We also rent 1/10 and 7/8 as in-between sizes. A 4/4 cello is about 120 cm long, well over 150 cm with the endpin extended. Ages and lengths are guidelines; when you collect or we deliver, we check the size on the player.
Double bass sizes
Measure as for the cello: height standing, arm length from the shoulder joint to the tip of the middle finger, and the span between index finger and little finger. Standing, the bridge should come to about eye level. Most adults play 3/4; a 4/4 is rare and heavy.
| Size | Age | Height | Arm length | Finger span |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | 5-6 years | up to 125 cm | up to 40 cm | up to 10 cm |
| 1/10 | 6-8 years | 125-135 cm | 40-45 cm | 10-11 cm |
| 1/8 | 7-9 years | 135-145 cm | 45-50 cm | 11-13 cm |
| 1/4 | 8-10 years | 145-155 cm | 50-55 cm | 12-14 cm |
| 1/2 | 9-12 years | 155-165 cm | 55-60 cm | 13-15 cm |
| 3/4 | 12+ years | from 165 cm | from 60 cm | from 15 cm |
Double bass rental from € 26 per month
Complete with bow, rosin and cover. Changing size is free.
For tall adults we also rent a 4/4 double bass, by arrangement. Ages and lengths are guidelines; when you collect or we deliver, we check the size on the player.