Orchestra Instrument Purchase information: Please read!

***Note: Buying an instrument is a huge investment.  If the numbers are too high, please consider the rent-to-own programs through Music & Arts or Triangle Strings.  It may seem that they will cost more, but keep in mind that your child will grow, and need a larger instrument (sometimes up to 5 different sizes by the time they are in 5th grade).  Through these companies, you will get higher quality instruments, free repair (with insurance), and free size exchanges when needed.***

Still looking to purchase an instrument instead of renting?  To help you avoid purchasing a V.S.O.  (a “Violin-shaped object”), which you can find cheap, but you always get what you pay for with string instruments (specifically, please avoid Cecilio, Cremona, Mendini, Pallatino, and Bellafina to name a few).  If the craftsmanship suffers, you will more than likely increase your child’s frustration level, and lessen their success. It also requires more classroom time to repair/retune these instruments (limiting your child’s direct instruction time).  Check out this article for more information here.  Also, please understand that you will need a new instrument every time your child grows and needs a larger size (which could mean buying up to 4 different instruments over time).  Below you will find my suggestions.  Please understand that the quality of the instrument your child plays has a large impact on how much effort they will usually put into learning and practicing at home.

You can also look on Craigslist as long as you know what you are looking for.  Please send me links you find, and I’ll be more than happy to do some research for you.  Brands I look for when searching for used instruments include: Strobel, Eastman, Knilling, Glaesel.

When choosing an instrument, make sure you know what size your child needs.  Please check with me before ordering.  I also listed the appropriate options to choose with each purchase.  Thank you!

Keep in mind, violins/violas also need shoulder rests (check to get the right size).

Viola → Violin equivalents

  11” = 1/4

  12” = 1/2

  13” = 3/4

  14” = 4/4

Prices may change - updated 12/1/24 - starred instruments are my suggestions for best deal