Violin Size Guide
A Violin can be made in any size. The biggest violin in the world was called the Octobass and was the height of three tall men. It required two musicians to play it and it isn’t surprising that it wasn’t produced commercially. The smallest violin ever made was created by a Chinese craftsman and was impossible to play. The point of a violin is obviously to play music on it, so lets have a look at the most common sizes that Violins are sold in today.
Full Size
Otherwise known as a 4/4 Violin, these Violins are suitable for Violinists aged 12 years old and upwards. They are also the most common size of Violin. The body length is on average 350mm.
¾ Size
These violins are suitable for Violinists aged between 10 and 12. The body length of a ¾ Violin is 335mm. These violins bear the name ‘3/4’ because they are between the sizes of a full size Violin and a half size Violin. These Violins are used by children and smaller adults. There is a size between the full and ¾ size violins, see the section entitled ‘Smaller & Unusual Sizes’ for more details.
½ Size
Half size Violins are suitable for Violinists of ages 6 to 9 years old. The body length is 305mm and the full length is 520mm. Half size Violins are always used by children, usually children who are just starting to learn to play.
Smaller & Unusual Sizes
The sizes above aren’t the only sizes of Violin available but they are definatley the most common. There are a range of other Violin sizes available and if you are looking for a specific size that isn’t commercially available then you are best looking for a Luthier who can make one that caters for your measurements exactly.
7/8
This Violin has a body measurement of 340mm and a full length of 570mm. It is usually used by children aged between 10 and 12 years of age. However it can also be used by smaller adults if a full size is too big and a ¾ size is too small.
¼
¼ size Violins have a body length of 280mm and a full length of 460mm. They are most suited to children between the ages of five and seven years old.
1/16
The smallest Violin that produces a decent sound is the 1/16th size Violin. These Violins are reserved for very young children aged from 3 to five years. Of course if a parent wants their child to start learning the Violin earlier and the 1/16th Violin is too big for their child then they can seek out a Luthier who will make a smaller Violin specially. It is not advisable however to start teaching the Violin at an age younger than three years old as younger children may not have developed the muscles involved enough to be able to handle the instrument.