Understanding
Open String Length on Violas
Contrary to popular belief, the playing comfort of a viola is determined not only by its body size, but also by its open string length. These two dimensions are not directly linked: a large viola can have a surprisingly short string length, while a smaller instrument may have a much longer one.
To understand why, it helps to take a closer look at how the string length is determined.
Body Size vs. String Length
The open string length of a bowed string instrument is determined as follows:
- First, measure the distance from the neck root to the bridge. The bridge position is defined by the nicks of the f-holes.
- Divide this measurement by three and multiply the result by two.
- The result is the length of the neck.
- The illustration compares the outline of a Maggini viola (black) with that of an Andrea Guarneri viola (red). Although the body lengths are almost identical, the bridge is positioned noticeably higher on the Maggini model. As a result, its open string length is considerably shorter.
