Instrument Size Guide
This sizing guide is intended to give you a good idea of what instrument size you or your student should look for. Please consider that this guide is based on our best estimates, but we always recommend that you consult with us, or your teacher before purchasing or renting.
We care a lot about how our instruments are set up for them to sound the best. Equally important to the instrument itself, is how your instruments fits you. If you play on the wrong size violin, it might lead to pain, fatigue and injury. It also makes it harder to play. Thus, we have put together this guide for you.
Need Assistance?
Call us at 720-510-3184 or send us an email at info@lutherstrings.com An expert can answer your questions regarding the instruments and its accessories.
SIZING GUIDE FOR VIOLINS
How to measure for a violin:
Extend the arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Watch our demo video for more exact directions. See chart for approximate sizing.
| SIZE OF VIOLIN | ARM MEASUREMENT | AGE OF STUDENT |
| 1/16 | 14" - 15.4" | 3 - 4 YRS |
| 1/10 | 15.5" - 17" | 4 - 5 YRS |
| 1/8 | 17.1" - 17.5" | 5 - 6 YRS |
| 1/4 | 17.6" - 20" | 6 - 7 YRS |
| 1/2 | 20.1" - 22" | 7 - 8 YRS |
| 3/4 | 22.1" - 23.5" | 9 - 11 YRS |
| 4/4 | 23.6"+ | 11 - 13+ YRS |
SIZING GUIDE FOR VIOLAS
How to measure for a viola:
Extend the arm fully, parallel to the floor. Measure from the neck to the middle of the palm. Watch our video for more exact directions. See chart for approximate sizing.
| SIZE OF VIOLA | ARM MEASUREMENT | AGE OF STUDENT |
| 12" | 20.5" - 21.9” | 7-9 YRS |
| 13" | 22” - 23.4” | 9-11 YRS |
| 14" | 23.5” - 24.9” | 11-14 YRS |
| 15" | 25" -25.9” | 14+ YRS |
| 15.5" | 26" - 26.4” | 14+ YRS |
| 16" | 26.5" - 26.9” | 14+ YRS |
| 16.5" | 27”+ | 14+ YRS |
SIZING GUIDE FOR CELLOS
How to measure for a cello:
If you have a cello to try, sit at the end of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lean the cello at a 45 degree angle against your body. Extend the endpin so that the top of the cello body rests in the center of your chest. The C peg should be slightly behind your left ear. Make sure you can reach both ends of the fingerboard easily. If you don't have an instrument already, see this chart for approximate sizing by age and height.
| SIZE OF CELLO | AGE OF STUDENT | HEIGHT |
| 1/10 | 3 - 4 YRS | 3' |
| 1/8 | 4 - 6 YRS | 3' - 3.5' |
| 1/4 | 6 - 8 YRS | 3.5' - 4' |
| 1/2 | 8 - 10 YRS | 4' - 4.5' |
| 3/4 | 10 - 12 YRS | 4.5' - 5' |
| 4/4 | 12 - 13+ YRS | 5'+ |
SIZING GUIDE FOR DOUBLE BASSES
How to measure for a double bass:
The 3/4 size double bass is the standard size for adults. 7/8 and 4/4 size basses are made, but less common. As a guideline, when you stand upright next to the bass, the bridge should be approximately at the same height as the large knuckles of your right hand. Most important is that you’re comfortable and can reach the higher registers without difficulty. See chart for approximate sizing by age.
| SIZE OF BASS | AGE OF STUDENT |
| 1/16 | 3 - 4 YRS |
| 1/10 | 4 - 5 YRS |
| 1/8 | 5 - 7 YRS |
| 1/4 | 7 - 9 YRS |
| 1/2 | 9 - 13 YRS |
| 3/4 | 13+ YRS |