How To Size For An Instrument

The best way to size your child is to bring them into our shop and have someone on staff size them or to have your teacher size them. When this isn't possible, there are a couple of options.

The charts below show approximate arm lengths for violin and viola, and approximate heights for cello, bass, and guitar.

We also have a video that demonstrates how to size an instrument for a child.

woman help girl with instrument sizing
Front view of a full-size violin against a white background

Violin Sizing

Arm length is at least Violin Size
14” to 15.25” 1/16
15.25” to 16.75" 1/10
16.75” to 18.5” 1/8
18.5” to 20.25” 1/4
20.25” to 22.25” 1/2
22.25” to 23.75” 3/4
Greater than 23.75” 4/4
*This chart shows approximate arm lengths.
**To determine arm length, measure from where the neck meets the shoulder to the wrist.
Front view of a full-size viola against a white background

Viola Sizing

Arm length is at least Viola Size
14” to 15.25" 1/16
15.25” to 16.75" 1/10
16.75” to 18.5” 1/8
18.5” to 20.25” 11"
20.25” to 22.25” 12"
22.25” to 23.75" 13"
23.75" to 24.5" 14"
*This chart shows approximate arm lengths.
**To determine arm length, measure from where the neck meets the shoulder to the wrist.
Front view of a full-size cello against a white background

Cello Sizing

Height Range Cello Size
48" to 50" 1/8
51" to 54" 1/4
55" to 58" 1/2
59" to 62" 3/4
63" and up 4/4
*Please Note: All sizes are for German instruments.
Front view of a full-size double bass against a white background

Bass Sizing

Height Range Bass Size
48" to 50" 1/10
51" to 54" 1/8
55" to 58" 1/4
59" to 62" 1/2
63" and up 3/4
*Please Note: We do not carry basses larger than 3/4 size.

Additional Resources

Carriage House Violins

Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Carriage House Violins is the instrument sales division of Johnson String Instrument.

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JSI
Resources

Whether searching for a job, learning about the "Mozart Effect," looking for a summer music camp, or choosing the right instrument string, you need look no further.

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Johnson String Project

A charitable foundation whose goal is to provide high-quality instruments to children who live in under-served communities and who are participating in El-Sistema-inspired programs in Massachusetts.

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JSI
media

Helpful "how to" videos and useful information about JSI and the products and services we offer.

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