BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?

Subject: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 04:18 AM

Hello...

I am taking my 6 year old neice with me now to the Irish music lessons I teach at...

(I teach whistle and bodhran)

Now, not knowing much about fiddles... they are a different kind of beast. My neice showed an interest for having a go at the fiddle...

Great thinks I, I have a 1/2 size or it might be a 3/4 sized fiddle at home doing nothing... It will probably do for my neice.

Now, my friend the fiddle tutor (who is not sure himself about the right size fiddle) says it might be a bit big for her... how do you tell, how do you get a fiddle the right size.

Is there anything you should measure - length of arm?

Any advice please?

She's already being taught the whistle by me and the bodhran... not sure how much more her mom can take.. but ha ha ahahaahahahaha I'm not the one who hears the practi

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: bill\sables
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 04:25 AM

I was measuring my grandson for a fiddle and was told that with the fiddle in the correct position under the chin and with his hand on the fingerboard there should be a 45% to 25% angle at his elbow. He was five years old at the time and I found a 1/2 was just a little too big.
Bill

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: weepiper
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 02:02 PM

My man (he teaches fiddle) says you can figure out the right size thus: with the fiddle under chin in playing position, the player should be able to reach along underneath the neck with left arm and curl fingers round the scroll on the head, so that the fingertips are touching the front of the pegbox, or at least most of the way round the scroll. Mind you I started lessons at school aged 9 on a full size fiddle and I managed, although I can see how it would have been easier with a smaller one.

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 02:08 PM

With fiddle under the chin and arm outstetched she should just be able to cup the end with her fingers. Maddie, now 7, has just gone on to a 3/4 size but she is VERY tall for her age and has long arms. She started on a 1/4 size just before her fifth birthday and moved on to the 1/2 size (Bill's in fact) when she was 6. That said in China they beleive in them all learning on a full size and I have been told that its better to have one slightly big than too small. If you've got a fiddle and she can cope with it I should let her try. she won't stay that size for long!!!

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 04:34 PM

trivia: Sarah Chang's first release was performed on a 1/4 size violin. Sounded fine.

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: SarahC
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 02:18 AM

My son started learning fiddle when he was just short of four and he used a 16th sized fiddle for nearly two years and then went up to and 8th.

If you are in England then I still have both these instruments, unfortunately the kids no longer play as they lost interest.

The 16th is definitely for sale if anyone is interested. I am in West Yorkshire near Huddersfield.

Cheers Sarah C

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 03:19 AM

Thank you all...

I'm taking the 11 year old neice to my other teaching evening tonight, perhaps it will suite her more... Who knows. Ta for the advice.

My plan is, youngest neice on a Tues, eldest neice on a Thurs... as they have this tendancy to put each other off, and bicker when together.

Hard work, this being an Aunty lark.

Cheer all

Ella

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 05:32 PM

Hi Sarah C,

My 3 year old daughter says that she would like to play the fiddle - it's probably juat a passing fad from watching me playing. I am undecided as to wether to go ahead and get her one for Christmas or just wait until she is a bit older - what do you think ? How much are you asking for your 16th size fiddle ? I live in Cheshire.

Ian S

Subject: RE: BS: What sthe right size fiddle 4 a 6yr old?
From: Hawker
Date: 27 Sep 01 - 06:59 PM

My 6 year old was advised to purchase a quarter size - it seems to be the perfect size. In the UK they are fairly easy to pick up second hand, as they are often traded in for a half size as the child grows (or gives up - as the case may be!)
Lucy