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Bellingham Wind Works
2405 Meridian Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Mon-Sat 10-6
360.733.5840
Orchestral String Sizing Guide
The best way to determine the appropriate size instrument for your child is to follow the recommendation of their orchestra teacher. If you are not able to do this, follow the steps below.
Violin/Viola Sizing
With the left arm outstretched straight out to the side, palm up, measure the distance from the base of the neck to the center of the palm. If the results are between sizes, it is best to select the smaller size.
| Violin Size | Measurement (Neck to Middle of Palm) |
|---|---|
| 4/4 | 23 1/2" + |
| 3/4 | 22 1/4" |
| 1/2 | 20 1/2" |
| 1/4 | 18 1/2" |
| 1/8 | 17" |
| 1/10 | 15 1/2" |
| 1/16 | 14 1/4" |
| Viola Size | Measurement (Neck to Middle of Palm) |
|---|---|
| 16.5" | 27 1/4" + |
| 16" | 26 1/2" |
| 15.5" | 25 1/2" |
| 15" | 25" |
| 14" | 23 1/4" |
| 13" | 22" |
| 12" | 20 1/4" |
Cello/Bass Sizing
Refer to the charts below and use the player's height as the primary factor to determine the correct instrument size.
| Cello Size | Player's Height |
|---|---|
| 4/4 | 62" + |
| 3/4 | 54" - 62" |
| 1/2 | 48" - 54" |
| 1/4 | 44" - 48" |
| 1/8 | Under 44" |
| Bass Size | Player's Height |
|---|---|
| 3/4 | 62" + |
| 1/2 | 54" - 62" |
| 1/4 | 48" - 54" |
| 1/8 | Under 48" |