Guide to Renting or Buying String Instruments
For beginning string students,
deciding whether to rent or buy
an instrument can be a challenging task.
Who Should Rent:
1. Someone who wants to try out the instrument without any financial commitment up front.
2. Someone who wishes to play a higher quality instrument than they could afford if purchasing.
Renter's Insurance:
Renter's insurance is always a good idea - the best kinds are full coverage plans for an additional fee each month. Be sure to ask your instrument renter what they offer - some music stores require that your instrument be covered by your own insurance (homeowner's or renter's) which may not be helpful if you have a high deductible.
Flex Plans/Rental Credit:
Keep in mind whether or not any of your monthly rental fee counts toward an eventual purchase.
Instrument Quality:
Many small music stores carry subpar instruments which they rent for the same price as better music stores. If you're renting in the Bay Area, I recommend Ifshin and Lamorinda Music and Shar Music for online ordering.
Shar Music A musical superstore based out of Michigan. Shar has excellent quality rentals and student instruments, as well as products and supplies.
Ifshin Violins Located in El Cerrito. Ifshin has a large rental selection of both cellos and violins, as well as musical supplies.
Lamorinda Music Located in Lafayette. This is an excellent local music store which carries both rental instruments as well as musical supplies.
Buying an Instrument:
Purchasing an Instrument can be a rewarding endeavor - after one upfront financial commitment, there are no monthly fees - and your instrument can potentially be resold for the amount you paid when you no longer need it or wish to upgrade.
Always make sure you can try out the instrument before committing to purchase it - this way you can decide together with your teacher whether or not the instrument is right for you.
My recommendation for purchasing:
For beginning Instruments, I have found Shar Music to be the best for the price. While they are not located in the area, their flexible trial plans and relatively low shipping fee (which is credited to you if you buy) make purchasing a decent quality instrument an easy task. If you're not completely sure about buying, Shar also has a great rental plan which allows you to try out an instrument while accumulating 1/2 the rental fee toward purchase.