Violin Sizes & PurchasingRule #1 You get what you pay for and typically cheap will result in costly frustration and poor abilities to distinguish tone quality.
Rule #2 Find out who your teacher recommends as a trusted luthier before you do the ebay gamble or get an instrument that may be lesser quality or value than you need.
Rule #3 Make sure the instrument is right for the violinist, in size, tone, and bow weight & flexibility.
To determine what size violin your child needs, extend the arm so that it is perpendicular to the body, measure the length from his/her neck to the middle of the palm. Approximately: 22 3/4 inch.....Full Size 22 1/4 ............3/4 Size 20 1/4 in.........1/2 Size 18 1/2 ............1/4 Size 15 1/4 in........1/10 Size 14 1/4 ...........1/16 Size 13 3/4 in.........1/32 Size
The following table shows the approximate dimensions of violins of various sizes.
In many cases, the size of the violin is clearly labeled in the inside of the back of the violin (try looking into the f hole). In the absence of such label, the chart should help to identify its size.
Match the closest overall size from the above chart, that will be the most comfortable size for him/her. If you need to get a bigger size for whatever reason, the hand should be able to "cup" the scroll in the palm when the violin is against the neck in playing position. Always consult your violin teacher before your purchase. Sometimes a larger violin will help in creating a better sound, but can also make the instrument more difficult to play.
When evaluating an instrument's overall value, some aspects will be easy to distinguish like a clear and even wood grain in the spruce top and a beautiful flame (wood grain) in the maple back. Fine tuners need to be fixed to the tailpiece and not the loose type that clamps to the string. Pegs need to be in good condition. The bridge needs to be well fitted to the instrument and the fingerboard well planed without any ruts in the ebony. A "violin outfit" would include a case and bow, and the bow needs to have real horsehair, to be adjustable, weighted well, and stiff enough so as not to bounce. Other factors may be more difficult for the beginning parent to perceive, like overall tone quality and the ability of the varnish to withstand a child's activities without chipping too much. Sometimes a teacher or luthier will find a maker who's workmanship is consistently of high quality among the student violins. For the advanced high-school student to the professional purchasing $7,000 to $60,000+ instruments, the evaluation process includes playing many instruments and doing research on the international credibility of the violin maker. Violin shops will often send full size violins for clients to "test-drive" as they search for the perfect musical partner.
Also, a note on working with perfectionist high-brow artisans: Don't be intimidated by violin makers / luthiers. It doesn't take social graces to make or sell a great instrument, and many novice adults have had their feelings hurt at the local violin shop. But, there are some wonderfully approachable violin makers, as well; ask your teacher. Some are more willing than others to meet the needs of serious young students, while others may focus on repairs or larger public school instruments, and others may cater to the soloist and professional musician. Going to a luthier that serves your needs is helpful; so ask who their clientele is. Ask about rent-to-own and how much of the purchase value you will retain (it should be 100%) when you trade-in for a larger size. And don't be afraid to tell a violin shop the violin they recommended for your child isn't good enough. A "kid's" violin should never be treated as such. If the luthier can't tell the difference between tone quality in very small violins, your teacher probably can if they see those instruments often. The expectation for tone quality and comfortable fittings and ease of tuning should all be higher for the young beginner who does not need to add a "toy" junk violin to the list of hurtles to overcome.
Ultimately, the best plan is to ask your teacher to help you find a fine instrument, before you purchase.
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| My students have received the best service and finest
instruments from: Telford & Sons Violins A three generation family of luthiers that serve the needs of professionals, and student musicians taking lessons privately. I have worked with them for 12 years and have never been disappointed. They send to the students of Lisa Miles their very best. |
