Rental Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the brand of your instruments?
    • The instruments we rent are Henry’s brand. These are very high quality instruments made for Henry and professionally set up here in the shop. Instruments include Dominant strings, Wittner tailpieces, ebony fittings, and ongoing support while you are renting.
  • What instruments do you rent?
    • We have Violins, Violas, and Cellos in all sizes for rent. We do not rent or sell String Bass.
  • How much does rent cost per month?
    • We rent in 3-month periods. The rent is automatically charged each quarter to the credit card on file. Our prices vary by instrument and size and are listed HERE. We will refund a pro-rated amount if the instrument is returned early.
  • What size instrument do I need?
    • You will need to bring your student with you to your appointment or ask your teacher what size is best. All our staff are string players and we are able to get the right size for your student.
  • What if I need to switch to a different size or different instrument?
    • You can switch to a different instrument any time by appointment. You don’t have to wait for the end of a quarter.
  • How long is my student going to be in this size instrument?
    • On average students stay in a size for about a year.
  • How will I know when we need the next size instrument?
    • The teacher will tell you when your student has outgrown their instrument. You are also welcome to come to the shop by appointment and we will measure your student.
  • Is insurance included? What if it breaks?
    • All our rentals have a deductible insurance included in the price. The deductible amount is only due if the instrument is broken.
  • What other charges might be needed in addition to rent?
    • Your rent includes the instrument, bow and case. Other accessories such as rosin, shoulder rest, music stand, are purchased not rented. These become yours and are an additional cost.
  • What forms of payment do you take?
    • We take all 4 major credit cards for rentals. We also require ID to rent.
  • Do you have the instrument ready now?
    • YES! You will take your instrument home the day of your appointment.
  • What are your hours?
    • Our hours are by appointment only and vary by day. You can choose a time by scheduling an appointment online HERE.
  • Do you do rent-to-own?
    • No, we do not have a rent-to-own program. We do apply up to 9 months of rent toward the purchase of a full size instrument.
  • Should I just buy instead of rent?
    • We do not recommend purchasing a small instrument. The child will grow out of it and will need the next size. We do not trade in or buy back the small instruments.
  • What if a string breaks?
    • If a string breaks or the instrument needs any other repairs bring it to the shop by appointment. Beginning students (and families) should not tune the instruments as this is the most likely cause of broken strings. The teacher will tune every session, or we can tune any time by appointment at no charge.
  • What if it goes out of tune?
    • Beginning students (and families) should not tune the instruments as this is the most likely cause of broken strings. The teacher will tune every session, or we can tune any time by appointment at no charge.
  • What if my student changes their mind?
    • You are welcome to return the instrument any time. We pro-rate and refund unused rent.
  • Can we try rental instruments to pick the one we want?
    • It is generally too busy to be able to choose your own instrument. If this is a requirement for you please email us to make arrangements.
  • I bought a violin online, can you fix it for me?
    • Violins purchased online have very low quality parts and workmanship. Almost always the cost of repairs or set up on these instruments is much more than the instrument is worth.
  • What if I have additional questions?
    • Feel free to email, call or text (425-822-0717) any questions you have!