For parents, a young child who expresses an interest in the violin is usually a great experience - until you find out there's more than a few different sizes and you can't gauge accurately by looking at them just what size they need.
So how is it done?
A simple, effective method is, if possible, get them to hold the violin that you think might be the right size. If they hold it as demonstrated in the picture below, they should comfortably be able to wrap their hand around the ball at the end of the headstock. If they have to strain to reach it, they'll need the size down. Conversely if they have lots of arm left they need the size up.
But what if you can't get hold of an instrument to try this with?
Don't panic - there is a rough guide for what size instrument is suitable for different ages, but it is only a guide. Children after all grow at different rates!
4/4 (Full Size)
12 year and older
3/4
10-11
1/2
8-9
1/4
6-7
1/8
5-6
1/10
4-5
1/16
3 and below
If you have any other queries please contact our Sales Team.