Viola Sizes
Violas should fit their players. The size makes a difference in both the distance the
musician must reach to the fingerboard of the instrument and the
distance the
notes are separated on the fingerboard.
Violas come
in a range of sizes, most often 16 1/2", 16”, 15 ½”, 15”, 14”, 13”, and 12", with the sizes representing the length of the viola's top.
Viola size
|
Total length
|
Bow length
|
Common ages
|
| 12" |
20.5" |
|
7-9
|
| 13" |
21.75" |
27" |
9-11 |
| 14" |
23" |
29.3" |
11-14 |
| 15" |
25" |
29.3" |
12-adult |
| 15.5" |
26" |
29.3"
|
12-adult |
| 16" |
26.5" |
29.3" |
12-adult |
| 16.5" |
27" |
29.3" |
12-adult |
So how do you know what size is right?
Often the teacher will measure the student and write down the correct size to get. If your teacher recommends a size, that is the size you should get regardless of any measurements you or anyone else might do.
Otherwise to fit a player to a viola, place the
viola under the student’s chin in playing position. The instrument fits if the
student is able to cup the scroll (the far end) of the violin with his hand.
An
alternative method of fitting uses a
"fitting yardstick" marked with the instrument sizes. When the end of the
yardstick is placed against the student’s neck and stretches the length of
his/her outstretched arm, the correct size is the one that is closest on the yardstick to the
student’s palm.
