<p>I started playing in the summer between HS and college. I had fun with it, but my viola was too big (15-inch, I had to lock my elbow to get my hand to the scroll and it was just generally uncomfortable), so I sold it about a year ago. I have no idea why, but I strangely miss reading in alto clef and want to start playing again. I don't have a local source for instruments (we only have one music store here, and all they handle are guitars and drums), so I'm having to guess one size (again). I've found a 13-inch that is quite a bit nicer than my old one for quite a bit less (not on ebay!), but am afraid that it would be too small. Would it be okay, or would I be ahead to try a 14-inch first?
I'm 5'2" and haven't grown in about 7 years, so buying a larger one and "growing into it" isn't really an option.</p>