Just wondering what sort of things I should be looking out for as indicators that a smaller instrument would be better? I'm coming quickly up to the time when my rental contract is up for renewal and I intend to upgrade to a Conservatoire, which I will probably then buy, so it's important I get the right size.

The only trouble I have thus far is the first note on the strings - I'm often too sharp and find that my hand slips down the neck somewhat. Whether a ½" smaller viola would help in this I don't know.

What are the thoughts of those who have had different sizes of instrument? I'm playing a 15½" at the mo and am considering a 15".

Ask your teacher what they think. I play a 15½" at the moment which really is too big for me because I can't stretch 4th finger without a lot of discomfort (I have very small hands but long arms). If you get the chance to try both sizes that would probably give you a bettr idea...

W

I play a 15" simply because I knew from experience that a big viola does my neck and back in.

I assume that "stretch" changes as you get used to playing, but I don't know how much by.

How tall are you?

If you are finding it comfortable playing a 15 and a 1/2 " viola then you probably do not need to get a smaller one. Your problem with first finger intonation may just be because you need to adjust your left hand position slightly, or you may just need to get used to what it feels like to hit the correct spot on the fingerboard. I find it is important to have my left hand in the correct position (with my left elbow further to the right than when I play violin so my hand curls over the fingerboard more) so that I can get my fourth finger in the correct place comfortably.

I play a 16 and 1/2" viola and I find it OK even though my fingers are fairly short.
Remember that viola size is not the only thing that affects the left hand stretches - string length is also important. Violas of the same size can have different string lengths. Some larger violas have shorter string length than smaller violas and can therefore be more comfortable to play (depending on your anatomy).

I am not sure if this is useful but I found this chart of maximum viola sizes for different arm lengths:
To measure arm length extend the left arm out straight and level with the shoulder with the palm facing up and measure the distance from the neck to the center of the palm.

Viola Size Arm Length (neck to center of palm; in inches)
16 1/2" 26 1/2"+
16" 26"
15 1/2" 25 1/4"
15" 24 1/2"
14" 23"
13" 21 1/4"
12 1/4" 20"

You know when you can't reach the fingerboard!

I started with 16" viola then had to downsize. I did try the 15-1/2" but my pinky still way too short. I manage the 15" well now with daily finger stretchings/exercises.

I am 5'6" and normal arm length 24-3/8", but just have short chubby fingers. My left handspan is currently 8" long streching from tip of thumb to tip of pinky. I can curl my hand around the scroll on the 16" and I did well through out for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd finger positions on it. I think Elisabeth mentioned at the different thread that you and I are using the same book and I think you were about to play "Ode de Joy" if not already. It was during this piece that's when Teach & I discovered that my fingers won't stretch so far on the 16" when playing from the 3rd to 4th finger and all the intonation issues sprouted up, plus all the over-extention were causing pains. We initially thought a 14-1/2" might be best fit since it's closer to a 4/4 violin size but I couldn't found one to try out & didn't really want to sacrafice the tone (I loved my 16"). Anyway, I ended up with Ying, the 15" Gliga Gama, which I love dearly, both in tone & comfort now.

Thanks guys!

Liz, I'm 5'5", dunno about the other measurement at the mo.

I haven't started 4th finger as yet, although I had a go at it pizz last night (I daren't bow too late on.....). I literally had to place my 4th finger with my right hand! It just doesn't want to know!! Maybe it's a case of time and practise there, but I suspect that, at my age, my fingers aren't going to alter too drastically in which way they bend and stretch. Maybe I need some finger exercises too. Anyone know where I can see some on-line? (Non-yoga related by preference.) So far, my pinky will reach 3.5 rather than 4th finger position without help from my right hand!!!!

Any thoughts?

Well then I'd say get a 15 inch.

Liz

Elisabeth, here is a link I used for my daily finger exercises.
Flexibility and Strengthening Exercises The Door Opener one really helps stretching my little pinky.

There was an article that was related to bowing techniques that also has some useful stretching exercises, but it's at home somewhere... I will try to find it when I get home from work...

Thanks for the link, KC, I've bookmarked it!

Liz, I think I will try out a 15" at the shop I hire from this week or next. My renewal is 30 Apr and they say they don't mind for a few days either way, so I can give myself a week to decide finally. Trouble being that my teacher is a violinist who, I think, learned viola as an extra instrument and am not sure she's that clued up on the technicalities of sizings. Will talk to her tomorrow though as I'm pretty sure we'll be starting on 4th finger...

Will report back

Elisabeth, here's follow-up on that article I mentioned:
"Conversations with Kievman by Carolyn Waters Broe"
I like the 3rd finger independence exercise listed in this article because I can do that while driving (with eyes on the road, of course )

Cheers, have bookmarked that as well.

Anyway, here's the promised update:

I went to the shop I hired Vicki from and tried out 2 15.5" and 1 15" violas. There was no discrenible difference in the 4th finger stretch and the chap who works there and knows his strings says he doesn't see any reason why I couldn't manage at 15.5 OK long-term. (He saw me try out all 3). There is a huge difference in size though, I was amazed! I felt like I'd picked up a re-strung violin instead! Also, I'm finding the 4th finger not as bad as at first now and that I can do it way better standing up than sitting down (is that wierd or did anyone else have that experience?).

So, I'll think it over a bit more and see. Interesting also was the weight of those good quality Paesold 702 and 703 instruments. They were far lighter than my cheapie Schroeter and I think that was a deal more comfy as well. I'm told the Conservatoire is a relatively nice instrument and, hopefully, will be a bit lighter than Vicki, but that will remain to be seen. I then need to learn to play really well whilst I save up for a Gliga Gama or Maestro - depending on how long I save up for!!