The first week of school has flown by, and I have already added students to my schedule who are looking to start learning a stringed instrument this year in 4th grade. If you’re a parent who is trying to navigate the rental market for your little one, or maybe looking to upgrade the sound or size of their instrument, read on!

Renting vs. Buying

First, let me begin by saying that I highly recommend starting with a rental for your child as opposed to buying an instrument. It might seem like an annoyance to add that extra monthly expense, but you are rewarded in the following ways:

Your child is always growing; when they outgrow an instrument that you buy, you’ll have to buy a new one. When they outgrow an instrument that you rent, you can simply trade it in.
Some kids are walking hazards. If you buy an instrument and something breaks, you are 100% responsible for the repair costs. Most rental contracts have the option to pay a little extra each month for instrument insurance, which I highly recommend. It depends on the company, but this can include minor things, like new strings or a bow rehair, to more significant repairs, like the neck breaking off.

It might seem obvious if you’re a musician, but to those of you that have zero musical experience, not all instruments are created equally. I frequently get asked if there is a brand of violin or piano I can recommend, and the answer is no. Just like cars, there can be lemons. Additionally, what works for one student might be completely wrong for another. You really have to try it to know what you’re getting. For this reason, I usually advise against renting (and definitely purchasing!) online, although I have known people who have had some success this way. Make sure the seller has a good way to return/exchange in case your child’s teacher does not approve!

Renting from school vs. a store

I cannot emphasize this enough: do NOT rent from your school! Just about the only time I would ever recommend this is for bassists, because it just isn’t feasible to lug a bass to and from school anywhere from 1 to 5 days a week. I’ve done it - it’s really, really hard. Even then, you will need to rent a primary instrument to keep at home and practice on.

School instruments have seen a lot of wear and tear throughout the years. A few years ago, I volunteered to take inventory of a local elementary school’s string instruments. Not a single instrument was in what I would consider working condition. The strings were years (decades?) old, in some cases fraying; the bridges were warped and had been knocked out of place; the bows were warped with stretched out, useless hair. Not to mention the physical appearance - scratches everywhere, corners chipped off, fine tuners either missing or broken.

The purpose of taking inventory of damage was to prioritize repairs. As you can imagine, public schools don’t have the world’s healthiest budget to repair their beater instruments.

Renting from a store or private luthier is generally the way to go. But like instruments and cars, stores aren’t all the same. In general, stay away from chains, especially those who only offer one “level.” You’ll most likely end up with something similar to what your child’s school can provide.

Levels

Depending on the store, they may have different categories or levels of rentals. All of the stores I recommend (see Recommendations below) have multiple levels, ranging from the beginning student, to the intermediate and/or advanced player. If a store only offers one kind of basic rental, in my experience you can expect lower quality equipment.

Beginning instruments might come with a carbon fiber or fiberglass bow. They may have lower quality strings which sound harsh or are tough on tender fingers. There may be miscellaneous buzzing or rattling when being played. If you don’t know how to play, make sure to look it over before leaving the store. Does it look like it’s in good condition, or is it chipped or scratched? Are the strings caked with old, powdery rosin? Is the (rubber) bow grip slipping around? Is the winding coming undone? These are reasons to ask for a different instrument.
Intermediate instruments may come with a carbon fiber or wooden bow. They usually have upgraded strings which have a better tone and feel better on fingers. They probably also have upgraded fittings - a wooden chin rest instead of a plastic one, for example - to enhance the playability and tone quality.
Advanced instruments - if you or your child are renting an advanced instrument, you probably already know what to look for! Expect higher end finishes, like an upgraded tailpiece, matching pegs, an evenly weighted bow, and a proper case.

By the end of the first year of study, if they haven’t already, I ask my students to upgrade their instruments, or go for the ‘intermediate’ rental. Usually at this point they need something that can produce a higher tone quality, and parents are happy to oblige, as the children have proven that they can stay on top of practice! If you can start off with this level, even better. A better quality instrument will help your little one produce a more satisfying sound early on, which encourages them to keep practicing!

Rent to Buy

Most shops offer a ‘rent to buy’ program, where a year or two of your rental payments can be applied to the purchase of either the instrument you currently rent or an upgrade. Although this sounds like a good deal, it doesn’t really help you if you rent from a place that doesn’t have anything worth purchasing in the first place.

Recommendations

If you’re in Northern Virginia, here is a list and comparison of my top picks for renting instruments.

Gary Frisch - www.garyfrischviolins.com
Instruments: Violin and viola
Standard level: $25/month or $250/year*
Advanced level: $40/month or $400/year*

*Optional insurance available

Other notes: I exclusively send my violin and viola students to Gary. The first two years of your rental fees can be applied towards the purchase of an instrument. July and August are free. He operates by appointment only, and it’s best to call him!
Potter Violins - www.potterviolins.com
Instruments: Violin, viola, and cello
Economy level: $20/month (violin and viola); $30/month (cello)*
Standard level: $30/month (violin and viola); $50/month (cello)*
Premier level: $45/month (violin and viola); $65/month (cello)*

*Optional insurance covers 60% of accidental damage repair costs

Other notes: First 18 months of rental price for all plans is applied towards purchase. They are also the only store I’ve found that will accept your ‘rent to buy’ credit from other stores for the purchase of a new instrument, following certain terms and conditions. Wow!
Day Violins - www.dayviolins.com
Violins: Standard ($17.95+), Standard Plus ($20.95+), Encore ($29.00+), Premium ($47.70+)
Violas: Standard ($20.95+), Standard Plus ($23.95+), Encore ($31.00+), Premium ($45.00+)
Cellos: Standard ($29.50+), Standard Plus ($34.50+), Encore ($45.00+), Premium ($59.00+)
Basses: Standard ($55.00 - $65.95)

Optional insurance covers replacement student grade strings, and gives you a 25% discount on advanced strings. Rental fees go towards purchase, though their website is unclear of the amount.

Other notes: Day Violins have very flexible pricing, depending on how they have assessed the value of the instrument. In my experience, rentals are a hit or miss. However, they have always been flexible and understanding where trade-ins are concerned.

In Sum

Rent, don’t buy - especially if this is your first instrument.
Go to a luthier or establishment that has a good reputation among private teachers and sells higher end instruments, even if you plan to start with something more basic.
Take your child with you, and make sure to check that the instrument is in a good physical condition at the very least.

As a courtesy to my students, I always offer to go with them to help them navigate the market. I think I speak for all private string teachers when I say that there is not much worse than having a student show up at their lesson having purchased an instrument without consulting us first! I encourage you to get your teacher’s opinion, and I hope that this post has given you some tools to point you in the right direction.