subject: Deciding Between The 3/4 Or 4/4 Violin [print this page] Deciding between the 3/4 or 4/4 violin isn't hard to do once you know what the sizes are. They come in as many as eight different sizes. But if you are an adult, then you only have one to choose from and it's the 4/4 or full size. For the little tots, the smallest is the 1/16 size. And the rest are the 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, and an off-size of 7/8. This off-size is generally used by female professionals who want to play a full size but have very small hands. These violins are much easier for them to play.
When deciding between the 3/4 or 4/4 violin, you need to know how to measure yourself for the one that fits you. For the bigger sized students, they would measure from their necks to the middle of their palms on the left side, if their hand is fully extended and held up perpendicular to their body. And for some of the smaller ones, the teachers may prefer them to measure only to their wrists instead of mid-palm.
If you're under the eyes of a teacher, then you should ask their recommendation for your measuring system. For comfort, if you're using the 3/4 violin, then it's best to use the neck to wrist measurement. But for the full size, a 4/4 violin, then the neck to palm measuring is best.
Here are some measurements to help give you an idea of what to expect:
If it's 4/4, then your length should be 23 inches. (12 years and older)
If it's 3/4, then your length should be 22 inches. (10 to 11 years old)
If 1/2, then your length should be 20 inches. (8 to 9 years old)
If 1/4, then your length should be 18 1/2 inches. (6 to 7 years old)
If 1/8, then your length should be 16 1/2 inches. (5 to 6 years old)
If 1/10, then your length should be 15 inches. (4 to 5 years old)
If 1/16, then your length should be 14 inches. (3 years old and below)
Violins are made mostly out of Spruce or Maple. They have a rich history, and are very interesting if you like to know all about the instrument you've chosen to study. When deciding on the size of your violin, be aware that even though a 3/4 violin feels more comfortable, if you're still growing, then you may have to upgrade later to a 4/4, which will be an added cost. So if you can handle the 4/4 now, you can save yourself having to make another purchase later on.
If you find a good well-adjusted 3/4 violin, or even a 1/2, it can almost sound as good as a full 4/4. But if you have anything smaller than these, then it just isn't going to happen. If you're playing a smaller instrument, then you have to be prepared to compromise some on the tone. But you can still find a violin that can put out good quality sound.
Many people think that because these violins are called by 'fractions' in relation to size, that a 3/4 size violin is three quarters of the size of a full 4/4 violin. This isn't the way it works. In reality, a 3/4 size violin is about one inch shorter than the 4/4 full size in body length. This 'fractional system' of differentiating between them is just a convenient way of separating them for the sake of discussion and age. With each quarter size there is an approximate difference of one inch.
