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Rental Agreement
Complete the form below to start a rental. You will need to know the instrument size.
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Violin & Viola
Measure arm length, then read across for the size.
How to measure arm length
- Have the student extend their left arm straight out to the side.
- Measure from the base of the neck to the centre of the left palm.
- Use the measurement to find the correct instrument size.
| Arm length | Violin | Viola | Typical age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14″ to 15½″ | 1/16 | — | 3–5 years |
| 15½″ to 17″ | 1/10 | — | 3–5 years |
| 17″ to 18½″ | 1/8 | 10″ | 4–6 years |
| 18½″ to 20½″ | 1/4 | 11″ | 5–7 years |
| 20½″ to 22½″ | 1/2 | 12″ | 6–10 years |
| 22½″ to 24″ | 3/4 | 13″ | 9–12 years |
| 24″ and up | 4/4 (Full) | 14″ | 12+ years |
Violas also come in larger sizes (15″, 15½″, 16″) for advanced students and adults. These are typically chosen by players who have been going several years and know their preferred size by comfort and sound.
Cello & Bass
Measuring for cello
- Sit at the edge of a chair, knees bent at 90°, feet flat on the floor.
- Measure arm length from the base of the neck to the wrist.
- Measure the student’s height for reference.
The upper edge of the cello should rest in the centre of the chest (sternum), and the C peg should sit slightly behind the left ear. Knees should lightly grip the lower bouts, with the corners slightly above the inside of the knees.
Measuring for bass
- Measure the student’s height standing upright with good posture.
- When properly sized, the bridge sits at the height of the right-hand knuckles and the nut is near eye level.
Most adults play a 3/4 size bass — even professional orchestral players. It is better to choose a slightly smaller bass than one that is too large.
| Student height | Arm length | Cello | Bass | Typical age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36–40″ | 13–15″ | 1/16 | — | 3–4 years |
| 40–44″ | 15–17″ | 1/10 | — | 4–5 years |
| 44–48″ | 17–20″ | 1/8 | 1/16 | 5–6 years |
| 48–52″ | 20–23″ | 1/4 | 1/10 | 6–8 years |
| 52–56″ | 23–26″ | 1/2 | 1/8 | 8–11 years |
| 56–60″ | 26–27″ | 3/4 | 1/4 | 11–15 years |
| 60–64″ | 27″+ | 7/8 | 1/2 | 15+ years |
| 64″+ | 27″+ | 4/4 (Full) | 3/4 | Adult |
Not Sure of the Size?
Select “Not Sure” in the size dropdown and we will work it out with you at delivery or pickup — or call and we will talk it through.