What Size Violin Should I Buy?

What size violin should I buy for my child? What are the different violin sizes? How do I know what size violin to buy? What's the difference between 1/4 size and 3/4 size violins? What's the average price of a violin? What size bow should I buy for my violin? With so many makes and models available to the first time buyer, it can be hard to choose the best violin for you, especially online without any help. So we've put together a violin size guide with handy violin size chart to help you choose.  

If you need further help, contact us today on 0151 448 2089 to order your Violin from our education department.

The Violin is a very popular instrument among students, especially at the moment. Although you might find this a little hard to believe, we are now seeing violins played in some of the biggest bands and festival headliners of the moment. Just take a look at folk favourties; Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire and Noah and The Whale. Or how about the more mainstream genres which you hear violins on tracks from the likes Katy Perry (and all the violin covers of Hot 'n' Cold you can find on YouTube with over 150,000 hits each!) and Plan B? Apocolyptica are also a known favourite for their orchestrated covers of bands such as Metallica, Pantera and Faith No More.

Buying your first violin can become quite a task when shopping online! You've already made a good first step - finding a place with a good range of high-quality violins and with a variation of price. Read on as we answer some common questions about violin sizes.

The size of your violin is much more important than many other instruments. Violins come in 9 different sizes - the most popular are 1/4 size, 3/4 size, 1/2 size and full size (or 4/4 size). Some violin makers do make a 7/8 size for pro-female adults - however, the size is quite a hard find and so we'd recommend a 3/4 or full size, whichever you find the most comfortable!

• Size: 1/4 size
• 45cm x 16.5cm
• Suitable for 5-7 year olds

• Size: 1/2 size
• 52cm x 18.5cm
• Suitable for 7-9 year olds

• Size: 3/4 size
• 57cm x 20cm
• Suitable for 9-12 year olds

• Size: Full Size
• 60cm x 27cm
• Suitable for 12+ year olds

To determine what size violin you need, you need to measure the length between your neck and the middle of your left-hand palm or your left wrist. Why either your palm or wrist? The neck-wrist measurement is often the most comfortable size for you to hold and the neck-mid palm is the biggest size you should use - if you're in between sizes, you should probably take the larger size...especially if you're buying for a child, consider how quickly your child will grow! Once you've measured, use this size chart for guidance.

So now you've measured what violin you need, you'll probably need a few recommendations too! We have a great range of affordable, yet superb quality violins from Ashton Music to get you started.

Ashton's range is specifically designed to meet the individual needs of student players, and deliver a wide selection of sizes(full-size to 1/4 size) and colours (Transparent Blue Burst, Natural, Transparent Purple and Transparent Red) to cater for both younger and older violinists. With dark Ebonised fingerboards and Flame mapled bodies, their vibrant and bridge sounding instruments combine classic quality with classroom value. You also are saved with the hassle of buying a bow and case that is colour co-ordinated and the right size - as Ashton has put their violins in a tailored package for you! Contact us today to secure yours or for further info. 

Please call 0151 448 2089 to speak to our education department or if you need to ask any other questions or find out stock availability. Click here to find out more about our education department at PMT Online.