Frequently Asked Questions


What instruments can benefit from a Fretless Finger Guide®?
The Full (4/4) size Guide fits violins that have a 330mm
(approx. 13") string/scale length.
The Three Quarter (3/4) Guide fits violins that have a 310mm (approx. 12.2") string/scale length.
Our Half (1/2) size Guide fits violins that have a 287mm
(approx. 11.3") string/scale length.
The 13" Viola Guide fits 13" violas with a 310mm (approx. 12.2") string/scale length.

Please Note: The violin and viola fingerboards are mathmatically based on 'intervals'. Intervals have been described as "the spatial relationship between two pitches/notes". In other words, interval is the physical distance between an upper and lower pitch/note. Our Guides are based on interval spacing dictated by modern day standards for Full size (4/4 with a 330mm string length) Three Quarter size (3/4 with a 310mm string length) Half size (1/2 with a 287mm string length) violins and 13" violas with a 310mm string length. Your violin or viola may vary from these standards. Reference for standards: Henry Strobel, "Useful Measurements for Violin Makers". See below for more on how to determine your violin size and string length.


Do you make Guides for any other instruments?
At this time we only have Guides available for Full size (4/4 - 330mm), Three Quarter size (3/4 - 310mm), Half size (1/2 - 287mm) violins and 13" violas with a 310mm string length.


How do I put the Guide on my instrument?
Please visit our 'How to Put it On' page for detailed instructions.


How do I determine the body size of my violin, viola, cello or upright Bass?
Visit our Measure Body Length page for detailed instructions on how to measure your instruments body length. The table of measurements at the bottom of the page contains the modern day standards for instrument body lengths.


How do I determine the string/scale length of my violin, viola, cello or upright Bass?
Please visit our Measure String Length page for detailed instructions on how to determine your instruments string length. The table of measurements at the bottom of the page contains the modern day standards for instrument string/scale lengths.


What are the Guides made from?
The Guides are made from 8 millimeter thick, clear static cling vinyl. They are one piece, reusable and use no adhesive. The professional grade inks are imperviously stable and applied on the top surface of the vinyl so they never come in contact with the instrument. They are similar to the "Change Oil" sticker commonly found on the inside of a car windshield. Our unique patented design allows the vinyl to cling to itself on the back of your instruments neck. When applied according to directions the vinyl forms a smooth 'skin' on the fingerboard and neck.


I installed my Guide according to instructions but I'm getting a little string buzz because the vinyl touches a string or two.
Don't fret, all you have to do is unfold one flap from the back of the neck and re-stretch the Guide across the fingerboard. Re-fold and re-flatten the flap against the back of the neck and you're ready to go. Each time you apply the Guide to your fingerboard you will become more familiar with just how much stretch to apply to ensure no string buzz.


The Guide won't fit all the way up to the nut on my violin or viola.
Follow the instructions for 'Refitting the Guide for Half size violins and "low setup" violins or violas on our 'How to Put It On' page.


Other than the United States and Canada, what countries do you ship to?
Please visit our International Order page for more details.