General Tips and Things to Keep in Mind:

• Not all stringed instruments are created equal. 

  • Craftsmanship and materials make a difference in sound and their play-ability. An instrument that sounds pleasing to the ear and stays in tune will increase progress for students. 

• Weather affects the instrument in many ways.

  • Since we live in a somewhat harsh climate, humidity and temperature can cause strings to slip if the peg and pegbox hole are not accurate in size. Instruction time is maximized when tuning takes less time.  Instruments purchased locally from shops with skilled craftsmen in their repair departments are usually adjusted well for our winter/summer extremes and can be returned if problems develop or repairs are needed. 

• Renting an instrument often gets you credit toward future purchase.

  • Most stores offering rental programs also offer a smaller sized purchasing policy with a generous return credit to be applied to the cost of the next size up.

• Does the size of the instrument really matter?

  • YES!!

  • Playing a stringed instrument is often seen as one of the most complicated tasks one can learn. Making complex muscle moves with an improperly sized instrument is similar to running on the track team with shoes that are a few sizes too big or small. 

  • Here are APPROXIMATE sizes for students -- varies greatly with student stature:

Grade 4: 1/4 or 1/2 size

Grade 5: 1/4- 3/4 size

Grade 6: 1/2- 3/4 size

Grade 7: 3/4 - full size

By Grade 8, most students have full sized instruments.

• Who should I rent an instrument from, and why do only certain vendors come service our school?

  • Many years ago, ISD 621 string staff desired to simplify orchestra registration and give parents an instrument purchasing option that offers a quality instrument for beginning and full size use for a reasonable price. We interviewed many stores and played sample small and full sized instruments from their inventory, selecting two stores that met our criteria. The process has proved to be positive and helpful for students and parents as a consumer resource. 

  • Contact the following stores that service our schools for rentals :

    • All Strings Attached 763-542-8542  https://allstringsattached.com/mv/

    • House of Note 952-929-0026 https://www.houseofnote.com/rental-program 

• What about purchasing an instrument online? (Amazon, Craigslist, etc.)

  • A WORD OF CAUTION: 

    • There has been a recent outbreak in instrument sales from non-music vendors (department store catalogs, discount membership warehouses, on-line purchases (i.e. Amazon, and private party sales)). These instruments are often inexpensive and poorly or partially constructed, often without a fitted bridge. They generally require frequent repairs (sometimes not possible), and we encourage you to stay clear of these options. Please do not purchase anything that you cannot easily return. We cannot take class time to try to fix instruments that are not functional.

Students will also need a shoulder rest (violin/viola) or rock stop (cello/bass).  

There are details about these items on the Resources Page.

We care about the instrument your child uses and therefore welcome your questions about instrument purchase. Thank you for your support of your student by providing instruments.