Shar Music® has been a leader in providing fractional sized instruments for the beginning student, and the Koe is a well-rounded addition to our Franz Hoffmann line. It was designed with small learners in mind who need reduced-sized instruments.

Like the other Franz Hoffmann instruments we sell, the Koe is available by itself or as part of an outfit. The Koe outfit contains the instrument, a Toshira™ Deluxe TC100 Violin Case, a Schmidt™ Brazilwood Violin Bow, and a cake of Magic Rosin® personalized with the Japanese kanji for Koe. While the Koe is available in most sizes, its fractional sizes of 1/16, 1/10, and 1/8 are especially resonant and audible. Small violins (especially those smaller than a 1/2 size) often can’t produce enough volume, so the Koe was designed to have 15% more internal volume. This helps kids produce a bigger sound more easily, thus amplifying their musical voice. Another feature of the Koe is the way the neck and fingerboard are shaped. The neck and fingerboard were designed to allow children with small hands an easier time holding the violin and handling the instrument. Little considerations like these can make learning to play violin just a bit easier for your child and encourage more practice—and more smiles.