How to Measure the Body Size of a Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello or Upright Bass

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This article will teach you how to accurately determine the body size of your Violin, Fiddle, Viola, Cello, or upright Bass. Knowing the correct size of your instrument is helpful for determining the scale or string length of the instrument. Never be unsure of what size instrument you have, or are about to buy.

Steps

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    • Violin and Viola players should turn their instruments over and carefully place them in their laps with the peg box to the left.
    • Cello and Bass players should turn their instruments backside out and carefully place them in a stand, or have someone carefully support the instrument.
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    Measure length-wise across the back of the instrument (4) from the purfling (3) in the neck button area (1) to the purfling edge by the end button (2). Be careful to not scratch the finish of the instrument during the measuring process.
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    [1]
    • The following data adheres to modern-day standards. [3] Your instruments measurement may vary from this table. [3]

    • Violin Body Lengths :

      • 4/4 Violin = 356mm or approx. 14 inches (35.6 cm)
      • 7/8 Violin = 343mm - 348mm or approx. 13½ inches
      • 3/4 Violin = 335mm or approx. 13 inches (33.0 cm)
      • 1/2 Violin = 310mm or approx. 12.2 inches (31.0 cm)
      • 1/4 Violin = 280mm or approx. 11 inches (27.9 cm)
      • 1/8 Violin = 255mm or approx. 10 inches (25.4 cm)
      • 1/16 Violin = 230mm or approx. 9 inches

    • Viola Body Lengths :

      • Large Viola = 430mm or approx. 17 inches (43.2 cm)
      • Medium Viola = 410mm or approx. 16 inches (40.6 cm)
      • Small Viola = 390mm or approx. 15½ inches
      • 3/4 Viola = 356mm or approx. 14 inches (35.6 cm)
      • 1/2 Viola = 335mm or approx. 13 inches (33.0 cm)
      • 1/4 Viola = 310mm or approx. 12 inches

    • Cello Body Lengths :

      • 4/4 Cello = 755mm or approx. 29.7 inches (75.4 cm)
      • 3/4 Cello = 690mm or approx. 27 inches (68.6 cm)
      • 1/2 Cello = 650mm or approx. 25.6 inches (65.0 cm)
      • 1/4 Cello = 580mm or approx. 22.8 inches (57.9 cm)
      • 1/8 Cello = 530mm or approx. 20.8 inches

    • Upright Bass Body Lengths :

      • 4/4 Bass = 1160mm or approx. 45.7 inches (116.1 cm)
      • 3/4 Bass = 1110mm or approx. 43.7 inches (111.0 cm)
      • 1/2 Bass = 1020mm or approx. 40 inches (101.6 cm)
      • 1/4 Bass = 940mm or approx. 37 inches (94.0 cm)
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I choose the perfect size of violin?
    Jason Kleinberg
    Musician
    Jason Kleinberg is a Musician and Music Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He is a Professional Violinist, Songwriter, and Composer who has performed across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, both solo and with the group Diego’s Umbrella. Jason composed the film score for the documentary “Gumby Dharma”, released in 2006. He teaches fiddle and violin lessons online and creates video content through his channel called FiddleHed.
    Jason Kleinberg
    Musician
    Expert Answer
    A simple test will help when deciding on your perfect violin size. First, hold the violin against your shoulder, placing your chin on the chinrest. Extend your left hand towards the scroll—the part at the end of the violin that is curved. If the violin is the right size for you, your hand should comfortably grasp the scroll without having to lean way over to get there. This would mean you need a smaller or larger violin if your hand is falling short or extending too far.
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  • Question
    What are common or standard violin measurements?
    Community Answer
    Violins come in many different sizes, including 1/16, 1/10, and 1/8, but the full size is 4/4, or 14 inches/36 centimeters.
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  • Question
    I have a 3/4 violin but the measurements show that it's 4/4. Is this okay?
    Community Answer
    As long as you can use it comfortably it shouldn't be a problem and you can use this violin. It might be a viola though so check the tune.
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      Warnings

      • If you are not familiar with any of these procedures or terms, please take a moment to consult a qualified Luthier, instructor or knowledgeable sales person. A moment of consultation can help avoid making your instrument unplayable.
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        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Avoid bumping or jostling your instrument as this can dislodge your sound post, move or damage the bridge and scratch the finish.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Clean hands.
      • Cloth measuring tape or tape measure.
      • Someone to assist you if necessary.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about string instruments, check out our in-depth interview with Jason Kleinberg .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fretlessfingerguides.com/measure_violin_body_length.html
      2. ↑ USEFUL MEASUREMENTS FOR VIOLIN MAKERS A Reference for Shop Use by Henry Strobel
      3. ↑ http://www.quadibloc.com/other/mus0803.htm
      4. https://www.fiddleheads.ca/shop/violin-sizes-viola-and-violin-size-chart.htm

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