Are there any violinist who use a 3/4 violin?

September 12, 2010 at 11:52 AM ·

I use a 3/4 violin.  I have short fingers, hands, and arms.  I also have joint issues with my hands, elbows and shoulders.  It became clear within  a few months of starting that a full size was too big (major right shoulder issues).  For a while I played a 7/8 but then the difficulties with my hands started, and the 3/4 seems to help take off some of the strain.

Even with the 3/4, there are stretches that don't work for me, due to the combination of short fingers/hands/arms, and not wishing to stress the joints.

I don't know if someone with my exact stature, but not joint issues would still need the 3/4.

September 12, 2010 at 03:50 PM ·

Robert --

Are you referring to a professional violinist, or simply any adult who might be using a 3/4 instrument?  I'm a student, but definitely an adult one.  I have both a 4/4 and 3/4 violin.  On a good day, I'm fairly functional with the 4/4.  But on a not-so-good day (for all the reasons that Ann Miller mentioned), my 3/4 comes to the rescue to keep me playing.  I even play my 4/4 with a 3/4 bow to lessen the stress on my shoulder.

The 3/4 doesn't quite have the smoothness of the 4/4 -- better for getting a good "fiddling" sound, whereas the 4/4 has more of a "classical" quality.  But the smaller size has been a lifesaver, no matter what style I'm playing!

September 12, 2010 at 04:43 PM ·

My daughter left her 3/4 behind at 12 years old.  The difference in sound between 3/4 and 4/4 is substantial. I've never heard of a professional using a 3/4 size violin, although I have heard tell of 7/8 violins for those who prefer it.  Also, some Guarneri model violins are slightly smaller than their Strad-model brethren.

September 12, 2010 at 05:07 PM ·

Some while ago we had a professional lady cellist play the Haydn D major with us, and she was using a 7/8 cello (English I believe) because of her size.  That cello had a magnificent tone despite the fact that it was obviously smaller.

September 12, 2010 at 05:46 PM ·

If you mean pros - Midori was playing a 3/4 in Tanglewood with the New York Philharmonic when she was 14. That is, of course, before she broke the E string, and had to switch to a 4/4 (actually  2). I'm sure when Hilary Hahn, Sarah Chang, and other child prodigies started soloing, they also did not perform on a full size violin.

September 12, 2010 at 05:51 PM ·

 Thanks for all your comments.

@Marsha – I was referring to anybody and more so to the professional violinist.  I was wondering if a ¾ violin was used in orchestra and for concerts.

September 13, 2010 at 02:33 PM ·

Robert-- I've recently had discussions with another member of this community about the same thing concerning physical stature and the violin. Your case is, if anything, even more challenging. If you want a 7/8 violin that can hold its own with full-size violins, finding one will be a long and hard search. Only a few are out there. If you need absolutely a 3/4 size, the search gets longer and harder and the instruments fewer.

If you are not fixed on the violin no matter what, but simply love the sound of strings, I seriously suggest that you look at the alto violin. It is essentially a very large viola with a body length of 18.5 - 19" (~483 mm), but it is played on a pin like a cello. Although it seems counter-intuitive, the smaller you are, the better you fit this instrument. Many players find that switching to the alto voice in a chamber ensemble is very rewarding. Even Bach preferred to play the viola because it placed him in the center of the ensemble where he could best hear the harmonies around him. If you are a motivated player, the transition is not as hard as it might first appear.

September 13, 2010 at 03:27 PM ·

Robert,

I am an adult student - started about 5 years ago.  I am definitely not, and not likely to be a professional.

I consider myself to be a beginner, and have experience only in choosing two violins, my 7/8 and my 3/4.  However, there was a huge variety in the sound of the 3/4 instruments that I tried.  There was one with beautiful tone (I thought) and really good projection compared to the others.  Unfortunately, that's not the one I chose, for other reasons.  So if you were looking for a 3/4 instrument to play in an orchestra, there are definitely some more suited to the purpose than others.

How they would compare to the 4/4 instruments is another issue.

September 14, 2010 at 11:10 PM ·

 Thanks all for your replies.  I think I will just stay with my full size violin and not complicate matters. My hands are not that small.