Instrument Sizing

This section is intended to give you a rough idea of the size of instrument your child will require. Please note that this is a rough guide only. For best results, you should consult with The Sound Post staff or your teacher before purchasing or renting.

Sizing Violins

Directions for Measuring: With your child's arm fully extended and parallel to the floor, measure in centimetres from the neck to the middle of the palm.

Choose a violin from our fine selection of student violins, ideal for amateurs and beginners or join our flexible violin rental program that offers clients quality violins with custom setups and the opportunity to apply part of their rental payments towards the purchase of the instrument.

We also have a wide range of violin accessories such as shoulder rests and chinrests that can be used to customize the instrument for your child's use.

Sizing Violas

Directions for Measuring: With your child's arm fully extended and parallel to the floor, measure in centimetres from the neck to the middle of the palm.

Choose a viola from our fine selection of student violas, a perfect match for amateurs and beginners or join our flexible viola rental program that offers clients quality violas with custom setups and the opportunity to apply part of their rental payments towards the purchase of the instrument.

We also have a wide range of viola accessories such as shoulder rests and chinrests that can be used to customize the instrument for your child's use.

Sizing Cellos

Sizing cellos is slightly more complicated than sizing violins and violas. The student should be sitting at the edge of a chair such that the knees are bent at a ninety degree angle. The upper edge of the instrument should rest in the centre of the chest (on the sternum) and the C peg should be slightly behind the left ear. The knees should lightly grip the lower bouts ensuring that the corners do not dig into the side of legs. (Corners should be slightly above the inside of the knees). The student should be able to reach both ends of the fingerboard with ease.

The chart below shows approximate sizing by age. Please note that there are are two separate sizing systems for Cellos. The Suzuki sizing sizing system is approximately equivalent to one size below below the traditional European sizing system.

Note: 7/8 size cellos are sometimes available as well. This can be a useful transitional size or a more comfortable option for those adults who prefer a slightly smaller instrument.

Choose a cello from our fine selection of student cellos, ideal for the amateurs and beginners or join our flexible cello rental program that offers clients quality cellos with custom setups and the opportunity to apply part of their rental payments towards the purchase of the instrument.

Sizing Basses

The 3/4 size bass is the standard size for adults. 7/8 size basses and 4/4 sizes basses are made but they are less commonly used. Occasionally we have 7/8 size basses available for rent. There are also smaller sizes available for younger students.

As a rough guideline, when both the bass and the player are standing upright, the bridge should be approximately at the same height as the large knuckles of the student's right hand. The most important issue is that the instrument is comfortable and that the student can reach the higher registers of the fingerboard without difficulty.

The chart below shows approximate sizing by age:

View our selection of student basses, an excellent choice for a beginner or amateur.

Browse our string sections to find the best strings for your child's instrument

• Violin Strings
• Viola Strings
• Cello Strings
• Bass Strings