Musical Rentals

How to Pick Your Size for Violin and Viola

Here are the average sizes for student’s grades.  If your child is smaller or larger adjust accordingly.  With Golden Music, we deliver to you for free, so if the size is off, we will bring you the correct size for no charge.

 4^th Grade average size:   ½ violin, 12” viola 

5^th Grade average size:  ½ violin, 12” viola

6^th Grade average size:  ¾ violin, 13” viola

If you want to be more precise, the best thing to do is to talk to your teacher and have them help you find your size.  Not only do they have experience in this process, they will be your advisers and helpers moving forward so their choice and knowledge is intrinsic in getting the proper fit.

If you are not able to have the teacher's input, Golden Music can also help you.  We help thousands of students every year find their size and can make the process fun and successful.  If that isn't an option (doing the contract online for delivery or the student is not available at sizing time), please refer to the following guide.  Remember, in our rent-to-own program, there is no charge for delivery or for changing sizes, so we can adjust the size if needed.

How To Determine the Proper Instrument Size

Violin and Viola

With the student’s left arm fully extended and palm up, place a measuring device under the chin to simulate a violin - note the measurement at the center of the palm.

Measurement Instrument Size Measurement Instrument Size Less than 14.25" 1/32 size 22" to 23.5” 3/4 size (13” viola) 14.5" to 16" 1/16 size 23.5" and over 4/4 size (14” viola) 16" to 17.75" 1/10 size 25.5" to 26.25" 15" viola 17.75" to 19" 1/8 size 26.25" to 27" 15.5" viola 19" to 20.75” 1/4 size 27" to 27.5" 16" viola 20.75" to 22" 1/2 size (12” viola) 27.5" and over 16.5" viola or larger

If you have access to an instrument, ask the student to hold the instrument as if they are playing. The student should be able to cup the majority of the fingers around to the top of the scroll. Always choose the smaller size if the student is in-between sizes, because a larger instrument will hinder the student’s ability to play properly.