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| Violinsmart frequently asked questions |
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 What size of violin to buy?
Violin Sizing Guide
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Arm Length |
Approximate Age |
Violin Size |
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14" - 15 3/8" |
3 -5 years old |
1/16 |
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15 1/2" - 17" |
3 -5 years old |
1/10 |
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17" - 17 1/2" |
3 -5 years old |
1/8 |
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17 1/2" - 20" |
4 -7 years old |
1/4 |
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20" - 22" |
6 -10 years old |
1/2 |
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22" - 23 1/2" |
9 -11 years old |
3/4 |
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23 1/2" and up |
9 and up |
4/4 full size |
Children typically use smaller string instruments than adults. Violins are made in so-called "fractional" sizes for young students: Apart from full-size (4/4) violins, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16, and even 1/32-sized instruments exist. Extremely small sizes were developed for violin students as young as 3. Finely-made fractional sized violins, especially smaller than 1/2 size, are extremely rare or nonexistent. Such small instruments are typically intended for beginners needing a rugged violin, and whose rudimentary technique does not justify the expense of a more carefully made one.
These fractional sizes have nothing to do with the actual dimensions of an instrument; in other words, a 3/4-sized instrument is not three-quarters the length of a full size instrument. The body length (not including the neck) of a "full-size" or 4/4 violin is about 14 inches (35 cm), smaller in some 17th century models. A 3/4 violin is about 13 inches (33 cm), and a 1/2 size is approximately 12 inches (30 cm). With the violin's closest family member, the viola, size is specified as body length in inches or centimeters rather than fractional sizes. A "full-size" viola averages 16 inches (40 cm).
Occasionally, an adult with a small frame may use a so-called "7/8" size violin instead of a full-size instrument. Sometimes called a "lady's violin", these instruments are slightly shorter than a full size violin, but tend to be high-quality instruments capable of producing a sound that is comparable to fine full size violins.
Violin sizes are not standardized and dimensions vary slightly between makers.
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 How to setup the violin?
Congratulations on choosing the violin from ViolinSmart! However, before playing you will need to fully prepare the violin. In order to do this we have detailed below a simple step by step guide to help you obtain the best possible sound.
1 - SETTING THE BRIDGE INTO POSITION
The bridge was wrapped in white packing paper and placed under the tailpiece to minimize damage and ensure the violin remains intact during shipping.
a - Slacken off all the strings so they can be placed either side of the fingerboard. Do not completely remove the strings.
b - Position the bridge (feet touching the instruments top) in an upright position centrally between the two inner 'nicks' of the 'f' holes on the top of the instrument. Note: The bridge has four different sized grooves to accommodate the four different thicknesses of strings. The thickest groove (G string) should be on the left hand side of the instrument and the thinnest groove (E string) should be on the right of the instrument (Most premium bridge comes uncut. You will need to make a notch with a nail file or some other implement so the strings are equally spaced). TIP: Use a soft pencil to apply a little graphite to each groove . This is good for lubrication.
c - Starting with the G string (thickest), place this string into the relevant groove on the bridge and carefully tension the string by turning the appropriate tuning peg. Do not over-tighten.
Repeat this procedure for the remaining strings. Your bridge should now be held in an upright position.
2 - PREPARING THE VIOLIN BOW
The hair on the violin bow when used for playing should be taut.
a - To tighten the bow hair turn the button on the end of the bow stick clockwise (see diagram 2) until the bow hair becomes taut. Do not over-tighten as such could damage the bow hair and/or the bow stick.
b - As a rule, tighten the bow hair so that there is a gap (approximately the width of your little finger) between the bow stick and the underside of the bow hair.
c - Apply rosin (supplied) to the bow hair by running the block of rosin along the length of the bow hair several times. A new bow will require more rosin the first time. Note: If you do not apply sufficient rosin to violin bow hair, the violin strings when played will not respond correctly. This is because the rosin creates the friction between the bow and the strings which in turn is transmitted through the bridge and amplified through the body of the instrument. (Tip: Score the surface of the rosin block several times before applying to the hair).
d - After playing we recommend that the violin bow be slackened off to prolong the life of the bow and ensure it retains its correct shape. Do not over-slacken.
3 - TUNING YOUR INSTRUMENT
Now the bridge is in its correct position and the bow is ready, you should tune your instrument to concert pitch. To help you tune your instrument correctly we would suggest you tune each string to the corresponding note on a piano, organ, tuning fork or pitch pipe.
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The item received is damaged or defective, what should I do?
We proudly stand behind our product, in the rare case that your item is damaged or defect, please contact us to obtain return/exchange procedures. |
I received the electric violin but it's not making sound.
Check if battery is inserted correctly or replace with a new battery. Check the volume setting on both violin and earphone, turn the volume dial to the middle/medium.
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I received the bow but it's not making sound
A bow needs rosin to produce friction with the strings to make sound. Tighten the bow and apply rosin, a new bow needs more rosin before playing the first time.
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My violin cannot hold the tune, what to do?
There are several reasons for pegs slipping:
1. The pegs do not fit. No matter what you do you cannot get the peg(s) to hold. To tell if this is the case, take off the string and see if the peg wobbles in the hole.
2. The string is too close to the peg box wall. When the string is too close to the wall, the peg cannot be pushed in far enough to hold tuning.
3. The peg may just need to be lubricated. - A little LAVA brand soap (bar) put directly on the peg where it rubs in the peg holes will do wonders for both slipping and sticking pegs. Pegs also dry out due to too little humidity during the winters. Protect your instrument; humidifying your case will offer the best protection against the pegs drying out.
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Where is my order?
Most orders are shipped withing 24 hours. You should have received a shipping notification email from us or you can log in to your account to check the status.
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