Renting an instrument is one of the best ways to find a good quality instrument in addition to giving students ownership and responsibility for caring for the instrument.
Make sure that you not only have the appropriate sized instrument but also the best quality according to ability. For example, when looking for a student who has two or more years of experience, look for an intermediate/advanced student model instead of a beginner model.
When renting or purchasing an instrument, please bring your child to the local music stores to be measured for the correct instrument size or check with the music teacher first regarding the best-sized instrument. An instrument that is too large or too small is not only difficult to play but harmful to student's health.
Rental information: In general, one may rent violins and violas for approximately $20-40. cellos may be rented for $50-80. Make sure you get the correct size of the instrument for your child. To find the appropriate sized violin, have your child extend their left arm out so that their arm is the same level as their shoulder with the palm facing upwards. Starting from one inch from the neck, measure out to the center of the palm. Then, refer to the following size chart:
STUDENT'S ARM LENGTH FOR VIOLIN/VIOLA:
1) 14-15.5" arm length
2) 15.5'17"
3) 17-18.5"
4) 18.5-20.5"
5) 20.5-22"
6) 22-23.5"
7) 23.5-24.5"
8) 25-25.25
9) 66 cm- arm length for full size viola
VIOLIN/VIOLA SIZE:
1) 1/16 violin
2) 1/10 violin
3) 1/8 violin
4) 1/4 violin
5) 1/2 violin or 12" viola
6) 3/4 violin or 13" viola
7) 14" violin or 15" viola
8) 15.5" viola
9) 16" viola or full size viola
Here are some recommended stores and online resources to start your search:
LOCAL MUSIC STORES:
ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS:
Heaney Violins, Mountain View
Kamimoto String Instruments, San Jose
Ken Su Violins, San Mateo
Palo Alto Violin Shop, Palo Alto
Peninsula Music and Repair, Palo Alto
Rolland Feller (rental and repairs), San Francisco
Sono Strings, Mountain View
West Valley Music Store , Mountain View (all types of instruments for purchase, rentals, music, and more).
GUITAR:
Gryphon Stringed Instruments (guitars only)
The Starving Musician (guitar and orchestra)
West Valley Music Store , Mountain View (all types of instruments for purchase, rentals, music, and more).
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PURCHASING AN INSTRUMENT:
Please do not purchase instruments from the internet unless verified from a reliable online dealer or recommended by a private teacher or here:
http://www.fiddleheads.ca/shop/violin-sizes-viola-and-violin-size-chart.htm
https://www.rolandfeller.com/ violin Luthier in San Francisco
Heaney Violins, Mountain View
https://www.lindawest.com/ specializing in cellos
https://www.ifshinviolins.com/, Berkeley, CA
https://www.clemensviolins.com/, Luthier in St. Louis, Missouri
https://www.benningviolins.com/ cello Luthier in Los Angeles
https://www.cauer.com/, Los Angeles
https://www.carlbeckerandson.com/#home, Chicago
https://beinfushi.com/, Chicago
orchestral central For the buying guide, click on the instrument of your choice. There are also reviews, resources and recommendation for strings, music and interesting articles.
Strings Magazine buying guide The strings magazine also offers a wealth of information about how to choose a bow, choosing different brands of strings, traveling with your instrument, and articles about string players. There's also valuable instrument in teen Strings magazine for role models, student aspirations, and instruments.