Violin Sizes
The size of the violin is crucial. Choosing the wrong size leads to poor posture, which can ultimately cause frustration while learning and intonation problems.
Here is a tabular overview:
Violin Sizes – Guidelines by Age, Height, and Arm Length
| Violin Size |
Approx. Age |
Height (approx.) |
Arm Length (approx.) |
| 1/16 |
3–5 years |
95–110 cm |
35–38 cm |
| 1/10 |
4–6 years |
100–115 cm |
38–41 cm |
| 1/8 |
5–7 years |
110–120 cm |
41–44 cm |
| 1/4 |
6–8 years |
115–130 cm |
44–48 cm |
| 1/2 |
7–9 years |
125–140 cm |
48–52 cm |
| 3/4 |
9–11 years |
135–150 cm |
52–56 cm |
| 4/4 |
from approx. 11–12 years |
from 150 cm |
from 56 cm |
Note: These are general guidelines. The most important factor for choosing the right size is arm length (measured from the base of the neck to the wrist with the arm extended sideways). When in doubt, it’s better to choose the smaller size.
Playability of the Violin
Many inexpensive sets fail not because of the wood, but because of the setup. A properly adjusted instrument will sound better than a more expensive one that is poorly set up. Beginners benefit from:
- low, clean string action
- a properly dressed fingerboard
- a correctly fitted bridge
- smoothly turning tuning pegs
- a properly positioned soundpost
How Should a Violin Sound?
Of course, a £150 violin will not sound like a £3,000 instrument. However, beginners do not need a “warm concert tone,” but rather a clean and responsive sound.
Our Recommendations for Violins up to £500
With a violin in the £300–500 range, you’ll have a very solid starting point for beginners and advancing players alike.
