Playing on the correct size viola is crucial to a players development and directly affects their ability to learn and have fun playing the viola. This is why, at the Sydney String Centre, we always strive to find a size that the player feels most comfortable on.
The best way to find the perfect size, is to come into our store and be measured against a real viola. However, if you're buying online or having a rental viola sent out to you, our sizing chart is the next best thing!
It is always a good idea to consult your teacher about sizing before coming in as they might have a preference on size.
If you are just starting out and can't come into the store to be sized, we would suggest renting first. This way you can swap the viola size at any time, if you or your teacher feel like the size you ordered isn't quite right.
Click to learn more about our rental program | Order a rental viola online
Sizing a child for a viola vs sizing an adult
When sizing a child for a viola we use the same principles as we do when sizing for a violin. However when It comes to adults, sizing for violin and viola are very different.
This is because there is only one 4/4 (full size) or 'adult' size available for violin, whereas there are four 'adult' sizes available for viola - 15", 15.5", 16" and 16.5".
If you are an adult violinist, it doesn't matter whether you are 158cm tall or 188cm tall, you will be on a 4/4 violin either way. However, with viola if you are 158cm tall you might be on a 15" viola and if you are 188cm tall you might be on a 16.5" (pending arm length, neck height, hand size as well of course).
It is important to mention that even though 4/4 (for violin) and 15"-16.5" (for viola) are considered 'adult' sizes, if you are a petite adult like myself, you may feel more comfortable playing on a 3/4 or 7/8 size violin or a 13" or 14" viola. This is why we highly recommend coming into the store to be sized, particularly when it comes to viola, so that you have a chance to physically hold the instrument.
In this video, Doug demonstrates how we size our adult customers for a viola in-store.
Determining your size using our viola sizing chart
A player's arm length is a pretty good indicator for determining a suitable viola size, however arm length isn't the only thing we take into account when sizing a viola in-store. We also look at the players overall build, neck height and hand size.
My brother is the perfect example of how arm length alone doesn't always work. He has an arm length of 73cm and could technically manage a 16" or 16.5" viola, however he has a skinny build and used to play violin, and finds these sizes too heavy and cumbersome (especially around his neck). He isn't a confident player and doesn't need the extra volume that the larger sizes provide and so he chooses to play a 15.5" for comfort.
Professional viola players will sometimes play on a viola that is seemingly too big (based on our sizing principles). This is usually because they are looking for a bigger sound. Players with many years of experience will have built up a lot of strength in their arms and fingers, and can safely adjust their technique to play on a larger instrument. Our resident violist Nathan Greentree plays professionally. He has an arm length of 71cm and plays a 16.25" viola.
What if I am between sizes?
If you are a beginner, and in between sizes we recommend going with the smaller size. In general, players feel more comfortable on a viola that is slightly too small than one that is too big, especially if they are just starting out.
Playing on a viola that is too big can cause neck and back problems to develop and can make it difficult to achieve proper technique.
Many of our customers who are in between sizes, start off by renting and choose to purchase when they are ready for the next size up. Our rental program allows you to use your first 3 months rent as a credit towards any new instrument.
Click to learn more about our rental program | Order a rental viola online
Below are instructions on how to take the player's arm measurement. Once you have the measurement you can match it to our sizing chart.
Step 1: Taking the arm measurement
|
Have the player stand up straight with their left arm out to the side, palm facing up. |
| Draw a dot in the middle of the players left palm. |
 |
 |
Using a tape measure or measuring stick, measure the distance from the base of the player's neck to the dot in the center of their palm. |
Step 2: Match up the measurement with the chart
Please keep in mind that measurements on other websites may not be the same as ours. This is because viola brands can differ in size.
We have included the overall lengths of our Kreisler 110 violas as a reference for comparison. The Kreisler 110 is the first viola in our beginner range and the model that we offer in our rental program.
If you have any questions on sizing or using our sizing chart, please don't hesitate to get in touch!