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Measurements for Glasser bows (in inches)

Size

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass (French)

Bass(German/Butler)

4/4

29-1/8"

29-1/4"

28-1/8"

3/4

27"

27"

26-5/8"

28-3/4"

29-1/2"

1/2

24-1/2"

25-3/8"

26-5/8"

27-7/8"

1/4

22-1/4"

23-5/8"

25-1/2"

26-3/4"

1/8

19-1/2"

20-1/2"

1/10

19-1/2"

17-3/8"

1/16

16-7/8"


Nominal weights for pernambuco bows

Violin

55 - 65 grams

Bass (French)

138 - 145 grams

Viola

68 - 74 grams

Bass (German)

128 - 140 grams

Cello

78 - 88 grams


MENC Standards for adjustment (4/4 size)

The Music Educators National Conference (MENC) has established a standard for the adjustment of violins, violas, celli and basses. (All Knilling instruments are adjusted to meet or exceed MENC specifications.)

Instrument

Fingerboard height

Bridge thickness (top)

Soundpost diameter

Bridge height* between strings and fingerboard)

Stg spacing (at the top of the bridge)

Violin

19 - 1/2 - 20 - 1/2 mm

1/16"

1/4"

E - 1/8"; G - 3/16"

7/16"

Viola

24 - 25 mm

1/16"

1/4"

A - 3/16"; C - 1/4"

1/2"

Cello

62 - 65 mm

3/32"

7/16"

A - 1/4"; C - 5/16"

5/8"

Bass

9-1/2 - 11 cm

3/16"

11/16"

G - 7/16"; E - 11/16"

1-1/8"

* for steel strings


Determining correct instrument size

Violin/Viola

Support the instrument under the chin in playing position. The instrument is of proper size if the palm and fingers of the left hand can comfortably cup the scroll with the elbow relaxed.


Cello

Seat the student so that the knees are bent at a 90° angle. The instrument should rest such that the upper rim rests on the sternum (breast bone) and the left knee contacts the curve below the lower bout corner. The C-string peg should be near the left ear, with the neck a few inches from the shoulder. The left hand should be able to reach both ends of the fingerboard with ease, and the first and fourth fingers able to comfortably span a major third (E to G#) in first position on the D-string.


Bass

While standing behind the bass in playing position, the fingerboard nut should be opposite the forehead near eye level, and the right hand able to comfortably draw the bow from frog to tip. The first and fourth fingers of the left hand should be able to easily span a whole tone (E to F#) in the D-string in first position. Continue