What is a 7/8 violin?
A 7/8 violin is slightly smaller than a full-size (4/4) violin and can be an excellent choice for adults with smaller hands, teenagers moving up from a 3/4 instrument, or anyone who finds a full-size violin uncomfortable. In this guide we explain who should play a 7/8 violin, how it compares with a full-size instrument and when it might be the right choice.
Who should play a 7/8 violin?
Although other fractional instruments are usually for young players, 7/8 size violins can be played by both children and adults. As mentioned above, it is a useful size to bridge the gap between a 3/4 and a 4/4 instrument for a young person, however this size is also a very good option for smaller adult players.
A 7/8 violin may also be useful for anyone who feels as though a full-size instrument is uncomfortable, perhaps due to an injury or pain. A simple way to judge whether a 7/8 violin might suit you is the 4th finger stretch in 1st position: any tension or discomfort here is a good indicator that a 7/8 may be a more comfortable fit.
7/8 size violins can be found in the hands of the very best professional players: the Dutch violinist Berent Korfker has a lifetime loan of the 1702 Stradivari ‘King Maximillian Joseph’ which has a length of back of 347 mm.
Why choose a 7/8 violin instead of a full-size violin?
Having the correct size of instrument is vitally important. A violin that fits will be much more comfortable to play. A comfortable fit also enables the player to develop good technique as it reduces the need to stretch or contort.
When considering a violin for a growing child, it is tempting to miss out the 7/8 size in favour of a full-size instrument which they will not outgrow. Many young players can move straight from a 3/4 violin to a full-size instrument. Others outgrow their 3/4 before they are physically comfortable on a full-size violin. For those players, a 7/8 violin can be the ideal stepping stone. Our part-exchange scheme was set up to ensure instruments can be easily traded in if outgrown.
What size are 7/8 violins?
These violins typically have a length of back of around 345 mm. They are more specific in size, varying only slightly above and below that length of back. In contrast, full-size violins fall into a relatively broad range, from around 350 mm all the way up to 360 mm.
How does a 7/8 violin sound?
These violins typically sound very similar to a full-size instrument. As a general rule, smaller fractional violins don’t sound as good as full-size instruments, however, 7/8 violins are much closer to the ideal full-size design than their younger siblings.
Don’t forget, many fine Cremonese instruments are at the very smallest end of what we would consider to be full-sized, particularly the instruments of Giuseppe Guarneri ‘del Gesù’. His instruments are often as small as 350 mm, meaning that a typical 7/8 violin is only a fraction smaller than many a great Italian fiddle!
As with any instrument, it is all about quality/ A good 7/8 violin will outplay a lesser full-size any day, even without taking into consideration how much better the sound will be if the player is comfortable.
Do 7/8 violins need a special case or bow?
A full-size bow is typically used with a 7/8 violin, although the player may well decide that a bow on the lighter end of the spectrum best suits their instrument. Very occasionally, someone struggling with the weight of a full-size may choose to seek out a good 7/8 or even 3/4 bow: these are harder to come by than full-size bows.
A full-size case is a perfectly good fit for a 7/8 violin. Occasionally a duster might be used to pad the end very slightly. We are very happy to advise.
Looking for a 7/8 violin? Browse our current selection of fine and antique 7/8 violins.
We currently have five 7/8 violins for sale. The first is a 2023 violin by Linus Andersson which has a length of back of 349 mm with a correspondingly shorter string length. This violin is a copy of the 1735 'Plowden' Guarneri 'del Gesù'.
The second is a stunning contemporary violin by Gareth Ballard which also has a length of back of 349 mm. This makes the violin just a hair smaller than full-size, making it easier to get around for someone with smaller hands without any compromise on tone.
We also have two violins made by the Markneukirchen maker Ekkard Seidl in 2003 and 2012. These violins both have a length of back of 348 mm and are fitted with geared pegs to make tuning easier for those with small hands. Geared pegs can also be a brilliant solution for anyone struggling with joint pain!
Finally, we have a lovely antique French 7/8 violin made around 1900 in the Collin-Mezin workshop. This violin has a length of back of 349 mm and a string length of 311 mm.
Need advice about choosing a 7/8 violin?
Every player is different, so we're always happy to advise if you're unsure whether a 7/8 violin or a full-size instrument would suit you best. Please do get in touch if we can help.
If you'd like to hear several excellent 7/8 violins side by side, Tim demonstrates and compares three of the instruments mentioned above in the video below.
