Orchestral string instruments are made in different sizes to meet the needs of growing students. At the onset of instruction in 4th or 5th grade, most students will not be large enough to play a full-sized instrument and instead will start on what is typically called a fractional-sized instrument. It is important that students play an instrument that is most appropriate for their size. An instrument that is too large will likely cause strain, discomfort, and even potential injury, particularly in the left arm and hand.
Fractional-sized instruments are considered inferior in tonal quality to a full-sized instrument and represent a compromise where fullness of sound and timbre are traded for playing comfort and the facilitation of proper technique development for younger musicians. Students should move up to a larger fractional- or full-sized instrument when they are developmentally ready to do so. For this reason it is strongly recommended that a string instrument be rented (not purchased) for students in need of a fractional instrument.
Most musical instrument retailers, including Zeswitz and Music & Arts, allow fractional-sized rentals to be traded up to a larger instrument at no extra cost, so long as the instrument is still under contract. Inquire with your retailer of choice about their policy for trade-ups of fractional instruments.
Students will need to be measured to determine the best sized instrument for their current level of development. This can be easily done at home with a yardstick. Please refer to the guide below by clicking the blue button, and do not hesitate to contact your child's director with any questions:
P.S. Music retailers generally do not allow a rental instrument to be traded up for a larger model once it has been paid in full and the rental contract has ended. Should you be nearing the end of a rental contract and your child is still playing a fractional instrument, consider trading up to a full-sized instrument before the contract ends, then renting another fractional instrument as long as necessary until your child grows in to the full-sized instrument. This way you will not be stuck with a fractional instrument that a) your child will almost certainly outgrow and b) will likely be difficult to resell on the used market.