Violin Size - Keep Hold Of The 3/4 Or Get A 7/8? Options

[Claudia's Mum]

Do most people use the 3/4 size for as long as possible before moving to a full size or is there something to be said for getting a 7/8 or small or ladies' full size violin in between?

Claudia's 3/4 size is starting to get a bit small for her but a full size is still too big. Not sure what to do......

[Violin Hero]

Do most people use the 3/4 size for as long as possible before moving to a full size or is there something to be said for getting a 7/8 or small or ladies' full size violin in between?

Claudia's 3/4 size is starting to get a bit small for her but a full size is still too big. Not sure what to do......

I used a 3/4 until I was big enough for a 4/4 violin aged 12. My suggestion is try and rent a 7/8 but if not possible just stick with the 3/4 until a 4/4 becomes a sensible option. Don't buy a 7/8 violin because it won't be used for very long because she will quickly grow into a full size violin.

[miffy]

Most people move happily from 3/4 to full size. I like my pupils to be properly full size before they move so they can just slot in with no problems.
However, I do have a very nice 7/8 (with full size bow) that I lend out when parents are saving up for a good quality full size, and when it's not on loan I use it for a couple of the junior schools I teach at as it's not as valuable as my violin! Also keeps it being played.

[Sunrise]

Most people move happily from 3/4 to full size. I like my pupils to be properly full size before they move so they can just slot in with no problems.
However, I do have a very nice 7/8 (with full size bow) that I lend out when parents are saving up for a good quality full size, and when it's not on loan I use it for a couple of the junior schools I teach at as it's not as valuable as my violin! Also keeps it being played.

I would say persevere a little longer with the 3/4 and then go to full size. BUT I have both a full size and a 7/8, I used my 7/8 when I played folk in the band, it's not as valuable as other, but also everything is under the hand, I find it's less tiring to play fast for a long time!! I have been lending to my new student who is waiting for her full size to arrive (takes a month in the post to here...)
I was given my 7/8 by a family member when I was 9 and started playing it straight away (even though it was a little big). I treasure it for being a little different too.

[viola-mad]

Must admit, I never even knew you could get a 7/8 size violin!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) And how long have I been playing?

Anyway, if the full-size is still a bit too big I would recommend being cautious and keeping the 3/4 until she is big enough to manage a full-size. If Claudia plays an instrument that is too big for her she risks straining her left hand which could cause long-term problems.

It certainly won't hurt to play a slightly-too-small instrument. After all, how many men do you see in the violin sections of orchestras, playing what are obviously full-size instruments but look as tiny as matchboxes against their huge frames? A small instrument is no problem unless you have chunky fingers, and I mean really chunky - over and above what any woman would have unless there is a medical condition involved.

[Claudia's Mum]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

[Minstrel]

Phone Ealing Strings, we had a beautiful one from them for a couple of years to bridge the gap when my daughter was at that stage. I think they only have one or two and they may be currently out on loan but it's definitely worth asking and we found them very helpful to deal with. Rent was very reasonable for the quality of instrument, something like £150 per annum. To start with my daughter used her old but good 3/4 size bow which we upgraded to a good full size after about a year when she had got a bit taller and longer in the arm.

What does Claudia's teacher recommend? I excpect that he/she has a firm view on what size violin he/she would like to be teaching with in the next year, bearing in mind what he/she sees as Claudia's next main areas for development (eg if shifting/vibrato and moving around the violin particularly need work then smaller is probably better, if sound production then that may be different...)In our local 'network' there are a couple of good, older small size instruments that are passed around when there's a particular pupil who needs a good instrument to bridge a gap. It may be that your teacher knows of something suitable either to buy with a view to selling back or selling on locally.

Good luck, M

[Violin Hero]

Phone Ealing Strings, we had a beautiful one from them for a couple of years to bridge the gap when my daughter was at that stage. I think they only have one or two and they may be currently out on loan but it's definitely worth asking and we found them very helpful to deal with. Rent was very reasonable for the quality of instrument, something like £150 per annum. To start with my daughter used her old but good 3/4 size bow which we upgraded to a good full size after about a year when she had got a bit taller and longer in the arm.

What does Claudia's teacher recommend? I excpect that he/she has a firm view on what size violin he/she would like to be teaching with in the next year, bearing in mind what he/she sees as Claudia's next main areas for development (eg if shifting/vibrato and moving around the violin particularly need work then smaller is probably better, if sound production then that may be different...)In our local 'network' there are a couple of good, older small size instruments that are passed around when there's a particular pupil who needs a good instrument to bridge a gap. It may be that your teacher knows of something suitable either to buy with a view to selling back or selling on locally.

Good luck, M

I agree with the idea of renting a 7/8 if at all possible. I have had dealings with Ealing strings before and although I ended up not making a purcahse from them I thought their staff were friendly and very accomodating.

[ffliwt]

I'm 19 and i play on a 7/8 permanently (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Though i am very very little! Though it's not a case of me not being able to play on a 4/4 - i had a 4/4 before the 7/8... i just liked this particular instrument (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

But if you think you'll outgrow a 7/8 then i'd wait and just go straight to the 4/4 - there's really not much difference, my 'lady's violin' measures barely half a cm shorter than a 4/4 but its generally slimmer and stuff

[jojo]

I'm 19 and i play on a 7/8 permanently (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Though i am very very little! Though it's not a case of me not being able to play on a 4/4 - i had a 4/4 before the 7/8... i just liked this particular instrument (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

But if you think you'll outgrow a 7/8 then i'd wait and just go straight to the 4/4 - there's really not much difference, my 'lady's violin' measures barely half a cm shorter than a 4/4 but its generally slimmer and stuff

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/offTopic.gif)
ffliwt, how do you like your new sas chinrest?

[ffliwt]

I'm 19 and i play on a 7/8 permanently (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Though i am very very little! Though it's not a case of me not being able to play on a 4/4 - i had a 4/4 before the 7/8... i just liked this particular instrument (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

But if you think you'll outgrow a 7/8 then i'd wait and just go straight to the 4/4 - there's really not much difference, my 'lady's violin' measures barely half a cm shorter than a 4/4 but its generally slimmer and stuff

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/offTopic.gif)
ffliwt, how do you like your new sas chinrest?

i took it off (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)
it was ok but... i dunno. it didn't solve my problems =/ i love the shoulder rest though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) i might try again with the chinrest soon - seeing as it cost like £50 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) (i did end up sending it back for the higher one in the end!)

[jojo]

i took it off (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)
it was ok but... i dunno. it didn't solve my problems =/ i love the shoulder rest though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) i might try again with the chinrest soon - seeing as it cost like £50 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) (i did end up sending it back for the higher one in the end!)

the main thing to watch with the high one is how your violin case closes, with some the bow will crush against the chin rest and break it in half, it happened to me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) so close slowly and with caution and any hint of case not closing totally easy then stop!