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I've done all the measurements, and they all say I need a 4/4 violin.
But no matter what I do, the G string is a major challenge and one that is nearly impossible once my fourth finger or a flat with my first finger becomes involved. I cannot put my first finger on the A flat and reach the B flat on the E string with my fourth finger. My hand simply won't go there, not without a lot of pain-inducing tension or overstretching. And curling my pinky there is out of the question. There simply isn't enough finger.
I love my violin, but I'm beginning to feel like I'm fighting a losing battle every time I play the A flat scale. My teacher doesn't really have any advice other than to move my thumb closer to the first finger, but then I really can't reach with the pinky. Would a 3/4 violin be a better choice for me? (I can't afford a 7/8). I'm 5' 4", and I have long fingers on my hands, but I have small hands. I also have fairly short arms. I also have somewhat limited shoulder mobility, so the amount that I can make up for my arms and hands by moving my elbow farther under the violin is limited.
~Sara
Regulars
@nykteria -
I'm sorry to hear you are having these problems.
You can certainly try a smaller violin & may have a very hard time finding one that sounds as good as a full size instrument, but find somewhere to try out more than one!
Whatever choice you make that keeps you practicing & wanting to play/learn more - is a GREAT choice! 🤗
Many of us have had similar issues - including me! ...but I was at a bit of a disadvantage starting with FIVE strings.
This is what I did to be able to play comfortably:
I had to find the VERY lowest shoulder rest - so my violin didn't perch any higher on my shoulder than absolutely necessary AND it allowed me to tilt my violin some (E string side lower) when I needed to reach my farthest strings, but still gave me some stability. I tried several shoulder rests. The 'low' Resonans worked pretty good - now I use a Performa rest, it's much more expensive, but I LOVE it! If you need height, I suggest making it up with a taller chin rest.
You only have 4 strings & may not need anything more than a shoulder rest that lets your violin sit tilted more toward the E string, instead of parallel to the floor.
I also had to completely change the way I used my hand - it HAS to be able to move. I cannot force my elbow far enough underneath my violin to help, so I have to turn my hand more parallel to the edge of the neck (and tilt my violin) to reach the SIXTH string on my newest violin. I can play on that sixth string (with fingers curved), NOW - and no pain!
This video helped me, but there were others, too (more discussion in "Small Hands or Short LH Pinky? Thread").
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Member
@ELCBK, thanks for all that information. Everyone keeps bumping my shoulder rest up high to fix it and I even just bought myself a BonMusica. It helps me keep my thumb relaxed but doesn't help the reach problem. I have a low shoulder rest, I'll give that a try! And I'll check out the resources you posted. Thanks so much!
~Sara
Member
Regulars
@nykteria -
Glad you posted a video!
Since you just purchased your 4/4 Fiddlerman Apprentice (and like it), you certainly can't go wrong asking to exchange it for the 3/4 size from the Fiddlershop!
Only one last thing I wanted to share, but took me a bit to find it - helped me think differently about my LH elbow.
Just skip to the 'Conclusions' time stamp & start watching there.
Almost forgot we had talked about modifications to the violin neck shape making it easier to play in the Violin/Viola Neck Profile - How About Options? Thread. If you can talk with a local luthier (or ask Fiddlershop if they can help) - they might be able to fit your violin to your hand better, but it may not be worth the cost & I assume it will void any warranty.
Member
Thanks, everyone for the advice and input! I decided to stick with my 4/4. The BonMusica rest did help me get closer, and today I installed my new chin rest. It's one of those over-the-tailpiece models. That really feels like a game changer, and I was able to position my hand much easier. And the violin felt more secure, too.
~Sara
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