Families have several options when renting an instrument. We provide information from some local music stores at the parent information meeting. Below is a complete list of local music stores that rent string instruments:
A quality instrument is essential, even for beginning students. Below are some guidelines to ensure that incoming students have the equipment they need to be successful:
Instrument size: Students should be measured to make sure they receive the correct size instrument. Violins, cellos, and basses come in fractional sizes (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4). Violas are sized by inches (12 inch, 13 inch, etc). Unlike clothes or shoes, if a child is in between sizes, too small is better than too large.
Rent vs. Buy: Unless your child needs a full size (4/4 or 15+ inch viola) instrument, you are better off renting, as your child will need a larger instrument soon. Rental agreements also have the added bonus of covering any instrument or bow repairs that are needed throughout the year. If you are thinking about buying an instrument, please talk to me first. I would love to help you through this process!
PLEASE DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT ONLINE! If you see an instrument for sale online for less than the price of renting, beware! We have multiple problems every year with instruments purchased online—from instruments that were not made of real wood, to missing parts, to instruments or bows that break within a few weeks. Save yourself and your child the trouble of an inadequate instrument and rent or purchase only from a music store with a dedicated section of orchestra instruments.
Recommended Brands: There is significant variation in instrument quality between brands. This can affect the sound quality, ease of play, and whether or not the instrument will stay in tune. When renting an instrument, we strongly recommend that you request one of the preferred brands. You can check the brand by looking inside the holes on the top of the instrument.
Preferred Instrument Brands
Shen
Geo
Eastman
Brands to Avoid
Maple Leaf
Meisel
Yamaha
Amazon Brands: Cecilio, Eastar, Mendini, Glory, etc