Violas of between 16 and 16 ½ inches [40.6 to 42 cm] are considered as medium size, with small violas sometimes being as short as 15 inches, [38.2 cm] with large violas occasionally reaching 18 inches.
The viola has no standard size, but the most frequently made viola body is 16”-long, and other typical sizes are the 13”, 14” and 15”. 13.5”, 14.5”and 15.5” sizes are less common. For youth, a child-size violin is sometimes strung with viola strings to achieve the same sound at a smaller size.
The viola is larger than the violin. The violin's body is usually about 35 centimetres (14 inches) long. The viola, on the other hand, can be as big as 45 centimetres (18 inches) long. In addition, the viola is wider.
1/2 Viola = 335mm or approx. 13 inches. 1/4 Viola = 310mm or approx. 12 inches.
Players of shorter stature or with small hands also benefit from a smaller instrument, and talented younger players use these instruments while still growing. We have the best collection of antique small violas available online and can also produce new violas to order in small sizes (38cm and upwards).
The student holds the instrument on their left shoulder and under their neck as if playing it. The left hand is then extended out under the instrument with the Scroll resting in the palm of their hand. If the arm is at a 90° angle or less, the instrument is too small.
Viola sizes are defined by measuring the reverse side length from the side of the button to the centre line at the base. Violas of between 16 and 16½ inches (40.6 to 42cm) are classed as large-sized and suitable for most adults.
So what are the differences between a viola and violin? The most obvious difference you'll notice when you place a violin and viola next to each other is their size. The viola is bigger, with an average body length of between 15.5 and 16.5 inches for adults, compared to the violin which is between 13 and 14 inches.
As previously stated, there's a rumor that the viola is for musicians who want to avoid the dedication it takes to play the violin. However, the viola is actually often more difficult to play than the violin. Some of the reasons for this are the viola's larger size and commensurate heavier weight.
Violinists can learn to play the viola, though the change may present challenges, including holding the larger structure of the viola, plucking and bowing the strings, fingering, and learning to read alto clef.
If you have small hands, it does not make you a lesser viola player. In fact, it can make you more conscious of staying flexible and loose, and you will always be looking for better technical solutions, without ever becoming complacent.
The smallest viola measures 12 inches. The largest is 16 ½ inches, and is used by professional players. Professional players prefer a bigger viola for deeper sound.
The size differences among the four can be easily recognized even by novices. The violin is the smallest, followed by the viola, which is only slightly bigger and looks similar. The cello is significantly larger than the first two and the bass is the largest.
Recommended For: Beginner
For a beginner outfit, Cremona violas are great quality for a decent price tag. Made out of select tone woods, such as hand-carved maple, spruce, and ebony, these violas stand up well on their own, but can be made significantly better with small improvements.
All four instruments are difficult. Tl/dr: violin and cello parts are usually harder, but viola and bass are physically more difficult instruments to play. The cello requires the least unnatural body position to play.
The larger the viola, the richer and louder the produced tone would be. However, many modern violas no longer play by these rules. While a larger instrument will still project more than a smaller one, most modern violas will produce a full, rich tone regardless of size.
Body and Neck Length
Finding the appropriate sizes of violas can be challenging. Add the back and neck length to determine how far you will need to stretch your arm while playing. Then, deduct the length of the strings from the result to know how far you need to stretch your right arm.
Playing a viola that is too large for you might result in neck, shoulder and arm pain that will take years to recover from. If you're shorter than about 5 1/2 feet (as an adult, no problem if you're still growing!) you might consider that the viola should not be your primary instrument.
A 16 inch viola gives a more cello size full sound and is the size people choose most. It's still easy to play and to handle, even if you aren't very tall. Some of my viola students even tell me their 16 inch viola plays easier than a 15 inch.
Our recommended starting age for the viola is five or six, though exceptions can certainly be made for a younger student who is capable of handling the instrument properly and with sufficient strength in the fingers and hands.
Both violins and violas are difficult in their own ways but many consider the viola harder to play due to its larger size, heavier weight and alto clef notation. Others believe the viola is easier as the music is often less complex due to its supporting role.
Summary. While everyone has their reasons, most violinists aren't particularly fond of the lower tones, larger size, and musical hierarchy that violas possess. In the orchestra, Violas often play more boring harmonizing melodies rather than the tune. To many, this makes the Viola an undesirable instrument.