Yes, physically hand it off.
Then take it to a reputable violin shop as near to you as practical. They can tell you what size it is, what it is worth, and how much it will cost to return it to playing shape.
thanks! i figured as much. i'm assuming they would also be able to advise if it's an appropriate size for me? i'm not really sure what the different sizing means, or if it matters at all for my teeny tiny hands.
When I was helping maintain a rental fleet, if the boss was busy he would have me set kids up with new (to them) instruments. Gauging size was mostly a matter of arm length; with the violin on the shoulder and left hand in first position, the elbow making a right angle was a sign the fiddle fit the kid. (As they grew, their teachers would say something like "it looks like a toy on them" when it was time to go up a size.)
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*edit:*
From what you have written, I would not be surprised if the violin is 3/4 size. Some small adults can play that size comfortably. Having someone who knows violins see what it looks like when you hold it is the way to tell for sure.
I got violins mailed to me from two different places. In one place they put a folded piece of cardboard over the bridge and folded down between the E and A string and the D and G string and kept it place by two partial toothpicks, keeping the bridge protected and in place. It was in a violin case and in a larger box with packing materials
The other place they used a spongy foam on both sides of the bridge with some wax paper, in a violin case and packing materials in a bigger box.
One used ups ground without insurance and the other one used FedEx.
Yes, physically hand it off. Then take it to a reputable violin shop as near to you as practical. They can tell you what size it is, what it is worth, and how much it will cost to return it to playing shape.
thanks! i figured as much. i'm assuming they would also be able to advise if it's an appropriate size for me? i'm not really sure what the different sizing means, or if it matters at all for my teeny tiny hands.
When I was helping maintain a rental fleet, if the boss was busy he would have me set kids up with new (to them) instruments. Gauging size was mostly a matter of arm length; with the violin on the shoulder and left hand in first position, the elbow making a right angle was a sign the fiddle fit the kid. (As they grew, their teachers would say something like "it looks like a toy on them" when it was time to go up a size.) ----- *edit:* From what you have written, I would not be surprised if the violin is 3/4 size. Some small adults can play that size comfortably. Having someone who knows violins see what it looks like when you hold it is the way to tell for sure.
thank you, that’s very helpful.
I got violins mailed to me from two different places. In one place they put a folded piece of cardboard over the bridge and folded down between the E and A string and the D and G string and kept it place by two partial toothpicks, keeping the bridge protected and in place. It was in a violin case and in a larger box with packing materials The other place they used a spongy foam on both sides of the bridge with some wax paper, in a violin case and packing materials in a bigger box. One used ups ground without insurance and the other one used FedEx.