Instrument Sizing Guide

Please reference this simple sizing guide prior to renting your instrument. Knowing what size rental you need ahead of time will save you time and energy!

Young string players will begin on a fractional instrument, changing sizes as they grow until they can play comfortably on a full size instrument. The following guide charts will help you determine which size is appropriate for your child.

Violins and Violas (Shoulder Instruments)

With a yard-stick or a measuring tape, measure the length from the base of the neck to the heel of the palm (just above the wrist) with arm straightened and palm facing up. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the smaller size.  

Cello (or Violoncello)

With left hand open, bring down ring and middle finger to where they are touching your palm. Cross thumb over the ring and middle finger. Think "hook-em-horns" hand shape. With a ruler, measure the comfortable stretching distance between the index finger and the pinky. Other reference criteria are listed here, however, the finger span should be figured more heavily against the other criteria. To measure arm length, measure from the shoulder bone (usually the shirt seam of a fitted shirt) to the tip of the longest finger of a fully extended arm. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the smaller size.

String Bass (or Double Bass, or Upright Bass)

With a yard stick or measuring tape, measure the distance from the floor to the base knuckle of the index finger of the right hand, as shown in the photo. Figure this criteria more heavily than the age of the player. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the smaller size. Please note that for double bass, 3/4 is considered full size.