VIOLIN

Violins come in sizes ranging from 1/16 (smallest) to 4/4 (largest).
Have the student stand up tall and hold his/her left arm straight out to the side (perpendicular to his/her body) with the palm facing up.  Measure from where the neck meets the shoulder to the center of the palm.  Use the following measurements as a guide of which size the student will need:
 
14-15.4”: 1/16
15.4-16.9”: 1/10
16.9-18.5”: 1/8
18.5-20.4”: 1/4
20.4-22.2”: 1/2
22.2-23.6”: 3/4
23.6+”: 4/4
 
If the child is between sizes we always recommend choosing the smaller size, because an instrument that is too large can be difficult/uncomfortable to play.  You can always exchange for the larger size as the child grows while you are renting from Elefante Music.
 
VIOLA
Viola sizes (12"-16.5") are based on the actual measurement, in inches, of the body of the viola.  It is best to measure with the viola itself, but if that is not an option use the following guidelines for choosing size:
Have the student stand up tall and hold his/her left arm straight out to the side (perpendicular to his/her body) with the palm facing up.  Measure from the neck to the center of the palm.  Use the following measurements as a guide of which size the student will need:
 
Measurement Viola Size
below 21.5" 12"
21.5-23" 13"
23-24.5" 14"      
24.5-26" 15"
26" & up 16"
 
If the child is between sizes we always recommend choosing the smaller size, because an instrument that is too large can be difficult/uncomfortable to play.  You can always exchange for the larger size as the child grows while you are renting from Elefante Music.
 
CELLO
Since both body height and body proportions are helpful when sizing for a cello, it is best to have a cello present when measuring for size.  However, if the cello isn't available, use the following height guidelines for choosing size:

Student Height Cello Size
3.0 feet 1/10    
3.0-3.5 feet 1/8
3.5-4.0 feet  1/4
4.0-4.5 feet 1/2
4.5-5.0 feet 3/4
5.0 feet & up 4/4
 
If the child is between sizes we always recommend choosing the smaller size, because an instrument that is too large can be difficult/uncomfortable to play.  You can always exchange for the larger size as the child grows while you are renting from Elefante Music.

GUITAR


 Student Height Guitar Style and Size 
 3' - 4'   1/4 size guitar (nylon strings)
 4' - 4.5'   1/2 size guitar (nylon strings)
 4.5' - 5'    3/4 size guitar (nylon strings)
 5'+  4/4 guitar (nylon strings) or acoustic guitar (steel strings)