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3/4 or 4/4?

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timeofday

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May 12, 2013 - 10:48 pm

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I'm extremely small, so when I was playing the violin as a kid I never grew out of the 3/4 size. I'm looking to buy a violin again but I'm dubious about getting a full size one. Arm length is borderline and I have tiny hands - I'm not sure how difficult it'd be to play it in tune. I've tried some violins out at a shop and I was vastly more comfortable on the 3/4 size, but since that's all I've played and I'm out of practice anyway, I'm not sure if that means anything.

My pinky finger is really crooked as well and I wonder if that would give me more trouble on the 4/4 since it did even on the 3/4. But there's so many more options with 4/4.

Would appreciate any advice.

Ferret

Byron Bay Australia

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May 12, 2013 - 10:57 pm

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It sounds that you would be more comfortable with the 3/4 from what you have said.

It would be good to get FM's @Fiddlerman input here.

Seen it all. Done it all. Can't remember most of dunno ..... What was I saying???? facepalm

Fiddlerman

Fort Lauderdale

May 13, 2013 - 6:03 am

Member Since: September 26, 2010

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You should measure yourself and using this link for instructions.
https://fiddlerman.com/what-size-violin-should-i-get/
You might be right on the border. Some small adults actually do play on 3/4 violins.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."

timeofday

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May 13, 2013 - 6:39 am

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I'm exactly on the border between sizes, according to that. Figures, haha. I'm kind of leaning toward the 3/4 right now...I'm not buying anything really expensive, so I can always change my mind later I guess. I'll probably play both sizes some more before I decide, though.

edited to add: if I wasn't so interested in electric violins I'd definitely go with 3/4 but a lot of the electric ones seem to be 4/4 only.

Fiddlerman

Fort Lauderdale

May 15, 2013 - 9:06 pm

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If you are on the border, there is no question in my mind that you should choose the full size. They have a much better sound and it's not much different from violists vs violin.... size-wise that is.

"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."