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Instrument Sizing

How to find the right size

Violin

Violin at arms length
 
Violin in palm close up

1. Stand up straight and position the violin under your jaw at the chinrest. Extend your arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure the distance from the base of your neck to the center of your palm.

2. This will ensure that the end of the scroll should hit the middle of the palm and the player should be able wrap their fingers around the scroll. If the player is in between size, always choose the smaller of the violins.

3. Use this chart to determine which violin is right for you!

Violin Size Arm Length Age (Guide Only)
1/16 14" 3 - 5
1/10 15" 3 - 5
1/8 16" 3 - 5
1/4 18.5" 4 - 7
1/2 20" 6 - 10
3/4 22" 9 - 11
4/4 23" 11 +

Selecting the correct size violin is critical for the player to be able to play both comfortably and properly.

Instrument sizing is part of the renting/buying process at Brass Bell. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Viola

Violin at arms length
 
Violin in palm close up

1. Stand up straight and position the violin under your jaw at the chinrest. Extend your arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure the distance from the base of your neck to the center of your palm.

2. This will ensure that the end of the scroll should hit the middle of the palm and the player should be able wrap their fingers around the scroll. If the player is in between size, always choose the smaller of the violas.

3. Use this chart to determine which viola is right for you!

Viola Size Arm Length Age (Guide Only)
12" 20" 6 - 7
13" 22" 7 - 9
14" 23" 9 - 12
15" 24.5" 10 - 12
15.5" 25.25" Average Adult
16" 26" Larger Adult
16.5" 26" Larger Adult (preference)

Selecting the correct size viola is critical for the player to be able to play both comfortably and properly.

Instrument sizing is part of the renting/buying process at Brass Bell. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cello

Cello

Use this chart to determine which cello size is right for you!

Cello Size Height Age (Guide Only)
1/10 See Associate 4 - 6
1/8 See Associate 6 - 8
1/4 2' - 3' 8 - 10
1/2 3' - 4' 10 - 12
3/4 4' - 5' 12 - 14
4/4 5' + 14 +

Selecting the correct size cello is critical for the player to be able to play both comfortably and properly.

Instrument sizing is part of the renting/buying process at Brass Bell. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

String Bass

String Bass

Use this chart to determine which string bass size is right for you!

Bass Size Grade Age (Guide Only)
1/4 4th - 5th 9 - 11
1/2 6th - 8th 12 - 14
3/4 9th - 12th 15 +

Selecting the correct size bass is critical for the player to be able to play both comfortably and properly.

Instrument sizing is part of the renting/buying process at Brass Bell. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Baritone

Baritone

See the chart for below to get a general sense of what size to use when selecting a baritone. If your teacher has a specific method for selecting a size, we urge you to use that method.

Age Grade Size
9 - 12 3 - 5 3/4
13+ 6 - 12 4/4

French Horn

French Horn

In general, younger players begin with a single french horn. The single french horn is less expensive, less complex, and lighter. Double horns have an additional rotor valve which allows for more flexible playing, they weigh a bit more, and have an increased value. If your teacher has a specific method for selecting a size, we urge you to use that method.

Age Grade Size
9 - 12 3 - 5 Single
13+ 6 - 12 Double
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