Please click the movie viewer and read below
to determine the correct size instrument for your student
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With the student’s left arm fully extended and palm up, place a yardstick under the chin touching the neck – note the measurement at the center of the palm.
Measurement Inst Size
Less than 14 1/4″ 1/32 size
14 1/2″ to 15 1/2″ 1/16 size
15 3/4″ to 16 1/2″ 1/10 size
16 3/4″ to 18 1/2″ 1/8 size
18 3/4″ to 20” 1/4 size (11″ viola)
20 1/4″ to 21 1/2″ 1/2 size (12” viola)
21 3/4″ to 23” 3/4 size (13” viola)
23 1/4″ and over 4/4 size (14” viola)
24 7/8″ – 25 5/8″ 15″ viola
25 7/8″ – 26 3/8″ 15 1/2″ viola
26 3/8″ – 27 1/8″ 16″ viola
Over 27 1/4″ 16″ or larger
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Cello and bass by height
height cello size bass size
Under 3’6″ 1/8 size
3’6″ – 4′ 1/4 size 1/8 size
4′ – 4’6″ 1/2 size 1/4 size
4’6″ -5′ 3/4 size 1/2 size
5′ and up full size 3/4 size
For cello, consideration should also be given to the student’s hand size. Generally, a cellist who can comfortably extend 6” or more between the tips of the index and pinkie fingers should be able to play on a 4/4 instrument.
For each inch less in playing span between the two outer fingertips, a smaller fraction should be assigned.
So a 5” span generally means a 3/4 sized instrument and a 4” span a 1/2 sized one. The arm length is also a consideration though, as students with long fingers but shorter arms may not be able to place the bow in a good sounding place on a larger instrument’s string.
