JAVS Spring 2025

Body Length (Size) Size is generally associated with the viola’s body length. As already discussed, only considering the body length measurement is a misconception since violas are nonstandard instruments and vary substantially in all other dimensions, proportions, and measurements. A common practice among players is guessing the proper viola size for a violist based on the person’s stature, arms, and hand length, not considering that players of similar body types can have different relaxation, flexibility, and strength levels. When, in fact, discussing viola size, the extension of the left arm is the only parameter considered. Finding a comfortable arm extension angle is a good starting point since the farther the hand is from the torso, the more activation of the Anterior Deltoid muscle is required. 9 A good way to start figuring out a comfortable arm extension is to find an approximate 90-degree elbow angle. From this more relaxed angle, the player can have an idea of how comfortably the left arm will reach the playing position on the viola. An extension of 120-degrees or more can negatively impact the playing as the left hand will be farther from the body’s balance point or center, which in turn causes increasing arm, shoulder, and neck tension, since players usually maintain this position for extended periods. Moreover, the farther away from the torso, the more discomfort is generated. Additionally, tension builds in the left hand due to the wrist rotation required for properly placing the fingers on the fingerboard. In this case, the overall dexterity of the fingers can also be compromised, especially the fourth finger, when playing in the first position on the lower strings. The following pictures illustrate how a slightly larger viola (approximately ½ inch larger) can substantially increase the left arm elbow angle. Furthermore, the arm’s angle can become even more pronounced if the player has short arms.

Upper Bout The upper bout is probably the viola feature that most impact one’s ability to play virtuoso repertoire. For that reason, many modern viola makers have altered the upper bout proportions to alleviate the effort of the left hand when playing in higher positions. Unfortunately, some violas can have a proportionally large upper body (or square shoulder), a characteristic that negatively impacts the player’s ability to perform higher on the fingerboard. Since the upper part of the viola is a physical barrier for the palm and fingers when playing in high positions, violists should be aware of their hand size and possible limitations to fingers length when testing violas. To test if a viola’s upper bout might prevent playing in higher positions, hold the viola in playing position and align the base joints of your fingers with the middle of the upper bout’s curve, placing your middle finger at its center. Let your fingers rest on the top of the instrument. If your fingers fall close to the fingerboard, the upper bout is unlikely to obstruct your hand. However, if they fall way too far from the fingerboard, the curvature may limit playing in higher positions. While hand size and flexibility vary, this test helps players assess how well a viola suits their left hand while playing in high positions. C/Middle-Bout The C-bout or middle bout is an important aspect of the viola that performers sometimes overlook. The C-bout is measured from one end to another and usually has a width between 12cm for smaller violas of 15 to 15 ½ inches to over 15cm in massive tenor violas. The Andrea Guarneri Primrose viola, a great example of a playable viola, has a middle bout measurement of 13.4 cm. 10 Middle bouts over 14cm (5.5 inches) may decrease bow clearance on the A string; however, this

Figure 2. Comparing arm extension between a 16-inch and 16 ½-inch violas.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 41, No. 1, Spring 2025

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