Beginner Violin/Viola: Rent vs Buy, Sizing Chart & Setup You Won’t Outgrow

Starting violin or viola shouldn’t be confusing—or squeaky. This guide shows you (1) when to rent vs. buy, (2) how to pick the right size in 60 seconds, and (3) the setup that makes tone easier from day one (for kids and adults).

We teach in-home private violin & viola lessons across Winter Garden, Windermere, Lake Buena Vista, Ocoee, Clermont, and Apopka. All instructors are background-checked. Love your teacher—or we’ll make it right.

---

Quick answer (so you can act today)

• Kids in fractional sizes (violin 1/16–3/4; viola 11"–14") → Rent. Kids grow; rental outfits include maintenance and easy upsizing.
• Teens/adults in full size (4/4 violin; 15.5–16.5" viola) → Buy or rent-to-own. Worth investing once fit is stable.
• Setup beats brand. A well-fitted shoulder rest/chinrest, fresh strings, and a proper bridge do more for comfort and tone than a fancy label.

---

Rent vs. buy: which makes sense right now?

Situation	We recommend	Why
Ages ~4–12 in fractional sizes	Rent (student outfit)	Includes case, bow, maintenance; easy size swaps; lower upfront
Middle school “almost full size”	Rent-to-own	Build equity while likely upsizing once
Teen/adult full size & committed	Buy (quality student/intermediate)	Better long-term value and tone
Unsure if your child will stick with it	Rent for 3–6 months	Low risk; upgrade later with teacher guidance

Pros of renting: low upfront cost, maintenance included, painless size changes.
Pros of buying: better woods/fit at the same monthly cost over time; keeps resale value.
Deal-breakers: Avoid mystery box instruments with poor setup (high action, sharp fret edges on fingerboard nut/bridge, slipping pegs). They make learning harder.

---

Violin & viola sizing in 60 seconds

How to measure

1. Stand tall, shoulders relaxed.
2. Left arm out to the side (as if holding the instrument), elbow slightly bent.
3. Measure from base of neck to the center of the palm.
4. Use the chart below as a starting point. A teacher fit test has the final say.

Violin size chart (guide)

Arm length (approx.)	Size
< 15" (38 cm)	1/16
15"–17" (38–43 cm)	1/10
17"–18.5" (43–47 cm)	1/8
18.5"–20.5" (47–52 cm)	1/4
20.5"–22" (52–56 cm)	1/2
22"–23.5" (56–60 cm)	3/4
> 23.5" (60+ cm)	4/4 (full)

Viola size chart (guide)

Violas are measured by body length (inches).

Arm length (approx.)	Viola size
~20"–21.5"	11"–12"
~21.5"–23"	13"
~23"–24.5"	14"
~24.5"–26"	15"
~26"–27"	15.5"
> 27"	16"–16.5" (full)

15-second fit test

• With the instrument on the shoulder and chin resting naturally, the left hand should comfortably reach the scroll with a soft elbow bend.
• Instrument stays parallel to the floor; no shrugging shoulder; wrist stays straight (no “pizza wrist”).

---

Setup you won’t outgrow (comfort + tone)

Shoulder rest / sponge (must-fit):

• Choose the exact size for the instrument. Adjust height so the head can rest, not clamp. If you’re tilting or squeezing, refit.

Chinrest:

• A common, comfy start is Guarneri style. Different jawlines may prefer center-mounted or higher plates—your teacher will spot this fast.

Strings:

• Fresh student sets help tone and tuning stability. If fingers are sensitive, start with lower tension options (your teacher can advise).

Bridge & action:

• Bridge should be upright and properly curved; string height comfortable for the left hand. If pressing hurts or notes buzz, it’s a setup problem—easy to fix.

Pegs & fine tuners:

• Pegs should turn smoothly without slipping. Beginner violins often use fine tuners on all strings; violas at least on A (often more for beginners).

Must-have accessories:

• Rosin, clip-on tuner (or a tuning app + reference A), soft cloth (wipe rosin), music stand at eye level, and a practice mute for quiet evenings.

---

Florida care (so it survives our humidity)

• Aim for 40–50% RH indoors. Keep instruments away from AC vents and direct sun; never leave in a hot car.
• Store in a closed case when not playing; use a case humidifier if your room runs dry (rare here, but happens with strong AC).
• Wipe strings and top plate after each session to keep rosin from building up.

---

A 2-Week tone starter plan (10–20 minutes/day)

Goal: clean, non-scratchy sound; relaxed posture; simple, in-tune finger patterns.

Week 1 — Bow first, no left hand

1. Body reset (1 min): two slow breaths; jaw/shoulders loose.
2. Long bows (5 min): D string, 8 slow strokes midway between bridge and fingerboard. Listen for a smooth start/finish.
3. Contact “triangle” (4 min): Change one variable at a time—contact point, bow speed, or arm weight—to keep tone even.
4. String crossings (3–5 min): D↔A with small elbow level changes (no wrist flapping).

Week 2 — Add fingers 1–2 + tiny phrases

1. Warm bows (3 min): 6 slow bows on D, then A.
2. Finger drops (5 min): On A string, play 0-1-2-1-0 in long notes; same idea on E (violin) or D/A (viola).
3. Mini-melody (4–6 min): Two short phrases using 0–1–2; shape one small crescendo.
4. Intonation helper (optional): Practice over a sustained A drone (tuner/app) to center pitch.

Pro tip: Keep left fingertips close to the string; place quietly; let the bow do the singing.

---

Common issues & quick fixes

• Scratchy E/A string: Move slightly toward the fingerboard or increase bow speed; too much weight near the bridge scratches.
• Squeaks on crossings: Freeze bow direction, change arm level first, then move.
• Neck/shoulder tension: Refit shoulder rest; head rests—don’t clamp.
• Notes a bit flat/sharp: Use a drone and make tiny finger adjustments; keep fingers hovering over home positions.
• Tuning slips: Check peg fit; fine-tune with adjusters; ask your teacher if pegs need compound or refitting.

---

FAQ

Should beginners use finger tapes?
They’re optional—but helpful early. We remove them as the ear develops.

How often do strings need replacing?
Usually every 6–12 months for new players (depends on practice time and acidity of hands).

Do I need a carbon-fiber bow?
Not required, but a decent student bow (wood or carbon) with even balance helps produce steady tone.

Can lessons be virtual on busy weeks?
Yes—virtual make-ups keep momentum when schedules change.

---

Want help with fit and setup at home?

We’ll size the instrument, fit the shoulder rest/chinrest, tune safely, and personalize your 2-week tone plan—right in your living room.