When it comes to picking the best violin for kids, there are several factors to consider. The size is the first and foremost consideration. In order to learn to play an instrument correctly, a child must have one that is the appropriate size. Other considerations include the instrument’s quality and setup, the strings used, and the presence of fine tuners on the tailpiece.
Violins come in a variety of sizes, including those designed specifically for young players. A smaller violin will not produce the same rich sound as a full-size violin, but it is a necessary trade-off to ensure that a child does not have a violin that is too large for them to play. Given the importance of size, if the child is young, you might want to consider renting a violin rather than purchasing one because the child will most likely outgrow the instrument quickly.
Violins are generally available in fractional sizes ranging from a full size 4/4 violin down to a 1/16 violin. Smaller ones can be made to order, but the sound quality will suffer with each reduction. You can either measure the length of the child’s arm or simply have the child hold the violin to determine the best size for a kids’ violin.
Extend the child’s arm to shoulder level and measure from the mid-palm area to the crook of the neck. A full-size violin is appropriate if the measurement is 23.5 inches (59.7 cm). Anything shorter than 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) necessitates a smaller violin. Most music stores will have a chart to assist you in determining the correct size for your child based on their measurements.
If you’re having a child hold the violin to determine the size, have him or her place the violin on the shoulder at the chin, as if preparing to play it. Then have the child wrap his or her hand around the scroll’s curved end, which is where the tuning pegs are located. The child’s arm should be relaxed and comfortable, with only a slight bend. The violin is probably too small if the arm is bent at a sharp angle. The violin is too big if the arm is stiff or the child can’t reach the scroll.
When it comes to choosing the best kids’ violin, the quality of the instrument is just as important as the size. Many inexpensive children’s violins can be found in stores and on the Internet, but they are frequently cracked, warped, or otherwise damaged. The violin will not play properly if this is the case, and the child may have difficulty learning the instrument.
The best children’s violin is also one that is properly set up. Consider the strings, pegs, and bridge when determining whether or not the instrument is properly set up. The strings should be properly connected to the tuning pegs, and each peg should be properly positioned in its slot. Ebony or rosewood pegs are usually preferred over cheaper wood pegs because they stay in place better and don’t cut into the strings.
An appropriately sized bridge should be installed on the body so that it aligns well with the fingerboard as part of the proper setup. A poorly set-up children’s violin is not only difficult to play, but it also sounds terrible. If you purchase the violin in a music store rather than through mail order or the Internet, someone from the store can usually assist you in properly setting up the instrument.