When measuring for cello or bass, you use height. If the height falls between sizes, size down or try some sizes and see what’s most comfortable. Proportions are key in finding the right cello size; height alone may not be the perfect factor. Using height may not work out immediately but it is a step in the right direction. You can correlate height to the sizing chart below.
The standard sizes for violin are 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (or full size). After full size, violins don’t normally get bigger. Adult violinists play on 4/4 instruments
Unlike violin, viola sizes are measured in inches. Their standard sizes are 12”, 13”, 14”, 15”, 15 ½”, and 16” and can be larger but are most likely custom made then. Adult violists normally play around a 16” size but this all varies on arm and finger length.
Cello sizing is more similar to violin; it’s measured in fractions rather than inches. Cellos are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). They also can come in other fractions like 7/8, but they are far less common.
For bass, there are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 but it is much more different than violin sizing. While the 4/4 bass does exist it’s more uncommon for a bassist to ‘size up' into a 4/4 bass. More often, the sound of the instrument does not justify the long reaches that come with a 4/4 bass. This makes the 3/4 more common for players in the ‘full size’ range.
For instrument sizes, most adults play the ‘full size' option’ but measuring can help find the most suitable instrument.
Feel free to stop by the store and get measured or even to look at size-up instruments - no appointment required.
Back to top of page
Size |
Measurement in inches |
Typical age |
1/16 |
14”-15” |
3-5 yrs |
1/10 |
15”-16” |
3-5 yrs |
1/8 |
16”-18” |
3-5 yrs |
1/4 |
18”-20” |
4-7 yrs |
1/2 |
20”-22” |
6-10 yrs |
3/4 |
22”-23” |
9-11 yrs |
4/4 |
23” and up |
12+ yrs |
Size |
Measurement in inches |
Typical age |
1/8 |
14”-15” |
3-5 yrs |
1/4 |
15”-18” |
5-7 yrs |
12” |
18”-20” |
7-9 yrs |
13” |
20”-22” |
8-10 yrs |
14” |
22”-23” |
9-12 yrs |
15” |
23”-25” |
11-13 yrs |
15.5” |
26”-27” |
12-14 yrs |
16” |
27”-28” |
14+ yrs |
16.5” |
28” and up |
14+ yrs |
Size |
Height |
Typical age |
1/10 |
3’ |
3-4 yrs |
1/8 |
3’ - 3’6” |
4-6 yrs |
1/4 |
3’6” - 4’ |
5-7 yrs |
1/2 |
4’ - 4’6” |
7-11 yrs |
3/4 |
4’6” - 5’ |
9-15 yrs |
4/4 |
5’ and up |
15+ yrs |
Size |
Height |
Typical age |
1/4 |
4’6” - 5’ |
9-12 yrs |
1/2 |
4’10” - 5’4” |
11-15 yrs |
3/4 |
5’3” and up |
15+ yrs |
1. Loosen your bow every time you put it in the case
Not loosening your bow every time you put it away can cause the wood/stick to warp and in worse case scenarios for the tip end to break off. Even if you are going to take it out and play soon, loosen your bow to be safe.
Warping or breaking of the stick is (in most cases) unable to be repaired. It's safer to loosen the bow before it goes in the case than to deal with the consequences later.
2. Don’t over/under rosin
Using too much rosin can cause the instrument to sound overly gritty or even too sticky. It’s important to rosin your bow when needed, not every single time you play. You also don’t want to under-rosin your bow. This can cause an odd rasp or lack of sound. If you need to rosin every time you play to get a good sound you might need to refer to #3 on this list.
This one can be hard to stick to as it is kind of a feel thing.
3. Get it rehaired when needed
Rehairing a bow depends on the quality of the bow. Some bows aren’t worth getting rehaired because they are too low quality and it would do better to get a new bow. In this case it is most likely that the cost to rehair the bow would be more (or slightly more) expensive than just buying a new bow of the same quality. When your bow hairs have died, the keratin on the outer layer no longer has the grip to produce sound. This playability issue cannot be solved with more rosin: there is nothing for the rosin to stick to.
Resin is tapped from trees as sap and then refined into what we know as rosin. Rosin and resin are not the same thing! Additives like beeswax, essential oils, and metals are added into the rosin concoction to create the perfect rosin cake. This all dries into a little container to keep the rosin in.
Bows that are made from horse hair (the majority of bows), have little keratin scales all along them. These little scales create microscopic differences in height all along the hair, creating friction. This alone is not enough friction to produce a sound from the bow, so we add a sticky element: rosin. This gives the bow enough grip to latch onto the string and vibrate a pitch.
Remember to loosen your bow! :)
Keeping your instrument at a good humidity level is incredibly important. I cannot stress how important it is. The amount of instruments the repair shop sees that need repair simply because the instrument was not humidified is incredible. Humidifying is one major thing you can do to keep your instrument in playing condition.
The best and easiest way to check the humidity in your case is by getting a hygrometer. This will tell you if your instrument is in the safe realm of humidity. If it isn’t safe - you can always adjust. Over Humidifying can cause swelling of the wood and under humidifying can cause dryness and cracking. Better safe than sorry.
There are several different ways you can keep your instrument hydrated. One of the most inexpensive ways is to get a small container (box for soap, old film canister, etc.) and drill/cut holes in the top. Get a sponge. Soak the sponge in water then fully squeeze out the excess. Replace into the box and poof! Magic! A humidifier! One really important thing to keep in mind with any humidifying method is that you should never get water on your instrument. Ever. This would be detrimental to your instrument. It can ruin the varnish, permanently damage the sound, and devalue it. Instruments do not like water, do not put water on your instrument.
Another safer and easier way to humidify is to buy a humidifier. This is something pretty common to purchase. At the store we have a couple humidifiers to choose from.
Not humidifying can cause open seams, cracks, overall dryness/swelling of the instrument, and so much more. There’s nothing more horrifying than opening your case to a big crack so remember to humidify!
A lot of times people believe that their shoulder rest is causing some sort of impediment on their instrument. Often it is not the shoulder rest but the player. Making sure your arm is getting around, left hand isn’t pressed against the neck, and balancing with your back, are important in using proper technique. Posture is very important to finding the correct setup for you!
There are many different kinds of shoulder rests because there are many different shapes of people. Some people may be more comfy with a sponge while others may like something more solid like a KUN rest. A good rule of thumb is if you can hold your instrument up without your hand supporting then that shoulder rest can work for you. This only works without overpressing your chin/jaw and being able to stand up straight without dropping it. Please do not drop your instrument trying this.
When looking for shoulder rests try out different styles, heights, and cushions to get the perfect fit. Mixing and matching might be the most comfortable style for you. I’ve seen several different combinations: a bon musica with bubble wrap, several different kinds of sponge in many different positions, and even just a cloth. Trying different options is good. If the shoulder rest is immediately uncomfortable then you might want to move on to something else. If it is hurting after playing for 5 minutes then, again, it won’t work too well for you. In general, if it is uncomfortable, something is wrong.
Chin rests can be much simpler. The kind that fits me the best is a tall and flat rest, but that can also be different for everyone. The general consensus is that the chin rests that come with violins and violas can be uncomfortable. Your jaw shape is important when picking a rest. Like shoulder rests, you might have to try a bunch of different shapes. This is especially important with violas because as they get bigger, the player generally needs to get around farther. One thing that can prevent pain and discomfort with this is an over the tailpiece chinrest. Not for everyone, just for most.
Chin rests and shoulder rests seem like a simple thing at first but they can change the way your instrument feels. Try different kinds out and learn what works best for you.