How to Measure for a String Instrument
The guides on this page will help you choose the right size violin, viola, or cello.
If the child is between sizes we always recommend choosing the smaller size, because an instrument that is too large can be difficult/uncomfortable to play. You can always exchange for the larger size as the child grows while you are renting from Elefante Music.
Violin
Violins come in sizes ranging from 1/16 (smallest) to 4/4 (largest).
Have the student stand up tall and hold his/her left arm straight out to the side (perpendicular to his/her body) with the palm facing up. Measure from where the neck meets the shoulder to the center of the palm. Use the following measurements as a guide of which size the student will need:
| Measurement | Violin Size |
|---|---|
| 14-15.4” | 1/16 |
| 15.4-16.9” | 1/10 |
| 16.9-18.5” | 1/8 |
| 18.5-20.4” | 1/4 |
| 20.4-22.2” | 1/2 |
| 22.2-23.6” | 3/4 |
| 23.6+” | 4/4 |
Viola
Viola sizes (12″-16.5″) are based on the actual measurement, in inches, of the body of the viola.
Have the student stand up tall and hold his/her left arm straight out to the side (perpendicular to his/her body) with the palm facing up. Measure from the neck to the center of the palm. Use the following measurements as a guide of which size the student will need:
| Measurement | Viola Size |
|---|---|
| Below 21.5″ | 12″ |
| 21.5-23″ | 13″ |
| 23-24.5″ | 14″ |
| 24.5-26″ | 15″ |
| 26″ & up | 16″ |
Cello
Since both body height and body proportions are helpful when sizing for a cello, it is best to have a cello present when measuring for size. However, if the cello isn’t available, use the following height guidelines for choosing size:
| Student Height | Cello Size |
|---|---|
| 3.0′ | 1/10 |
| 3′ – 3.5′ | 1/8 |
| 3.5′ – 4′ | 1/4 |
| 4′ – 4.5′ | 1/2 |
| 4.5′ – 5′ | 3/4 |
| 5′ + | 4/4 |
Upright bass, also called string bass or double bass, is a member of the orchestra family. Just as often, however, it appears in jazz, bluegrass, folk, and other genres. With a large hollow body and 4 thick strings, the tones produced by the upright bass are low and rich. The instrument is capable of long, expressive tones when played with a bow; and short, percussive tones when plucked with the strings. String bass is a dynamic and impressive instrument to play!
The oboe is a woodwind and a member of the double-reed family. It is played by blowing air through the reed, attached at the top of the instrument. The reed consists of two very thin pieces of cane, pressed together with a small opening to allow air to pass through. The sound can be high in pitch, but it has a variety of colorful tones, from bright and piercing to low and mysterious.
