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 few options.

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

Violin Sizing

Arm Length Is At Least	Violin Size
17"	1/16
19"	1/10
20"	1/8
22"	1/4
23.5"	1/2
25"	3/4
27"	4/4
*This chart shows approximate arm lengths.

Viola Sizing

Arm Length Is At Least	Viola Size
17"	1/16
19"	1/10
20"	1/8
22"	11"
23.5"	12"
25"	13"
27"	14"
*This chart shows approximate arm lengths.

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.

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Johnson String Project

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

Learn More