Viola size help!

Vay · 03-17-2011, 06:05 PM

My arm measures about 24 inches from the top of my collarbone to my knuckles. I am wishing to buy a 15" viola, is that a wise decision? The Google results say I should use s 14" inch viola, but I am scared that the size might make the viola sound higher in pitch. Does the size of a viola change its range of pitches?

GeddyBass2112 · 03-17-2011, 06:07 PM

No, the pitch doesn't change, because even though it's shorter scale, you're still tuning the string to the same pitch as a standard viola and the spacings for each note will also scale according to the instrument size. The note spacing for a 1/32 size viola/violin is in exactly the same ratio as the 4/4 size in comparison to the string.

Vay · 03-17-2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeddyBass2112

No, the pitch doesn't change, because even though it's shorter scale, you're still tuning the string to the same pitch as a standard viola and the spacings for each note will also scale according to the instrument size. The note spacing for a 1/32 size viola/violin is in exactly the same ratio as the 4/4 size in comparison to the string.

Wow you are fast to respond. Thanks a lot for the info., but one last question, where do you place the chin rest for a viola? Do you push it all the way to the side of your throat, rest it upon the top of your collarbone, or rest in from of your collarbone on your deltoid/arm?

GeddyBass2112 · 03-20-2011, 06:12 PM

Here's a pic. Easier than me trying to explain:

03-17-2011, 06:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Vay Groupie Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2	Viola size help! My arm measures about 24 inches from the top of my collarbone to my knuckles. I am wishing to buy a 15" viola, is that a wise decision? The Google results say I should use s 14" inch viola, but I am scared that the size might make the viola sound higher in pitch. Does the size of a viola change its range of pitches?

03-17-2011, 06:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
GeddyBass2112 Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Posts: 165	No, the pitch doesn't change, because even though it's shorter scale, you're still tuning the string to the same pitch as a standard viola and the spacings for each note will also scale according to the instrument size. The note spacing for a 1/32 size viola/violin is in exactly the same ratio as the 4/4 size in comparison to the string.

03-20-2011, 06:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
GeddyBass2112 Music Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Posts: 165	Here's a pic. Easier than me trying to explain: