Understanding violin sizes is one of the first things that someone learning the instrument must tackle. That is part of the basic lessons that you must learn in order to fully grasp the violin as a musical instrument. There are many sizes of violin and each one is a match for a player’s size as well. This is the reason why violins are frequently cited as the most user friendly of all musical instruments because there is sure to be a size for a player. Here are the different violin sizes and the arm sizes to which they are suitable:
1/16- Suitable for small children. Arm size- 14 5 to 15 ½ inches.
1/10- Suitable for small children. Arm size 15 ½ to 17 inches.
1/8- Suitable for small children. Arm size 17 to 17 ½ inches.
¼- Suitable for children 4 to 7 years old. Arm size 17 ½ to 20 inches.
1/2 – Suitable for children 7 to 10 years old. Arm size 20 to 22 inches.
3/4- Suitable for children 9 to 11 years old. Arm size 22 to 23 1/2 inches.
4/4- This is the full sized violin that can be used by adults. There is nothing larger than this size.
There are several ways of classifying violins. Like the guitar there are acoustic violins or those that are just played without any mechanical aid and electric violins which use pickups and need an amplifier for the sound to become audible. It is generally agreed that the sound of the electric violin is sharper than that of an acoustic and it does have some advantages over an acoustic violin.
Violins can also be classified according to the period when they were constructed or the period style followed by their construction. A baroque violin for example has a shallow angle. There is nothing much in regards with chin rests or shoulder rests. The classical violin has a thin neck and heels that are small. The modern violin has a angles that are more sharp and the wood used for its construction are thinner.
Still another means of classifying violins are through the country of their origin. Right now there are more violins being made in China, but in the past a majority of the instruments are made in Europe mainly in Italy where there is a long tradition of violin making.
Finding the right violin size can be a little tricky but with the right arm measurement you should be able to get the right one. It is pretty important that you get the right violin size or you might end up being uncomfortable when playing the instrument. If you are having a hard time looking for the right violin size for the right female player because the available sizes are too small or too big, then there are some manufacturers that make a 7/8 size. This size is a little rare but it is normally made for female professional players who are having a hard time with the full sized violin.
Understanding the different sizes and types of violin is just one of the first steps towards learning how to play this musical instrument that has been a favorite of musicians for so long.