Do Violins Come in Different Sizes?

Violins come in no less than eight different sizes, but none of them has anything to do with the actual size of the instrument. These sizes are as follows: 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 7/8. In fact, the full size violin is the 4/4 one, whereas the smallest instrument is the 1/16 one. Adults, teenagers and kids with ages between 10 and 12 can play full sized violins. At the same time, children typically use violins with smaller strings than the ones for adults, such as, for instance, the 1/2, which is usually paired with a 1/2 bow.

The violins used by children are nothing but smaller scaled instruments, which kids can find it much easier to use and enjoy.

The size of a violin can be chosen depending on age, or on the measurement of an arm. As a matter of fact, merchants who sell used instruments in Colorado Springs tell us that the arm measurement is the most reliable way to determine the exact size for a violin. In case you need to find out which size is best for your child, you need to measure with a tape the distance between the back of his/her neck and the wrist. Another method is to measure the distance between the back of the neck to the extended hand of their outstretched arm.