Your child wants to play Violin or Fiddle but how do you know what size to get when buying online?  You can't actually put it under their chin to see if it fits.  Sometimes even the seller doesn't really know what size the instrument is.

How to determine the correct size

Using a retractable tape measure (or a yard stick) you can determine the size needed.  From the center of the neck (under the chin) extend the tape measure or yardstick and extend the left arm.  Write down the measurement where the tape measure (yardstick) hits the middle of the palm. 

23 - 5/8 inches    =  a Full size  or 4/4  violin

22-1/4 inches     =   a 3/4 size instrument

20-3/8 inches     =   a 1/2 size instrument

18-1/2 inches     =   a 1/4 size instrument

16-7/8 inches   =   a 1/8 size instrument

15-3/8 inches   =   a 1/10 size instrument

If there is any doubt it is wiser to go with the next size smaller instrument.  An instrument too large is hard to hold up, feels heavy and is much harder to play than an instrument the correct size.

A trip to a local music store is also helpful.  When the violin is under the chin, the child's hand should comfortably cup the scroll with the fingers coming around the scroll up to the top of the scroll. Be sure to make a note of the correct size.

Buying the right size

Sometimes a seller has an instrument but doesn't have enough expertise to know what size he has.  Ask the seller to look inside the instrument through the sound holes, the label inside should say  1/2, 3/4, etc. if it is a small sized instrument.  Full size instruments usually do not have the size listed (4/4).   Or you can ask the seller what the length of the instrument is.  A full size violin has a body that is 14 inches long, that is the length from the 'shoulder' of the instrument to the end of the body is 14 inches, this does not include the neck and scroll.

3/4 size has a body a little over 13 inches, 1/2 size a little over 12 inches, 1/4 is about 11 inches, 1/8 is about 10 1/4 inches, and 1/10 is 8 3/4 inches approximately.  Different models will vary in the smaller sizes.

What kind of violin?  Older or Brand New?

Generally an older violin has a more mellow sound.  A really cheap new instrument may have a sound that is harsh, sometimes you get what you pay for.  But sometimes you can find a lesser known model at a good price.  I like Glaesel, Pfretzschner,  Kohr, Willhelm, Lewis and Roth, also the smaller than 4/4 size  Suzuki violins are nice.  The Pfretzschner, Kohr and Willhelm are not as well known and sometimes you can find them at a bargain. There are so many different makers it is impossible to list them all, these are a few of the main factory made brands I like.  Any of the above either new or used should be a good choice. Warning:  in buying a used violin make sure that there are no cracks--strings can be easily replaced, but cracks can be expensive to fix. 

You will want a case and a bow to go with the violin.  A bow with real horse hair will sound much better than a bow with synthetic hair, always choose horse hair bows.  Of course, if you end up with synthetic hair, the hair can be replaced at a violin repair shop with real horse hair.  A hard shell case protects the violin better but is heavier than a soft-sided case.  A good hard whack on a soft-sided case (gig bag type) can crack an instrument.