Rental Information
If your child is a beginning player, it is very likely your best option is to rent at first. Below are the highlights of renting an instrument.
Size matters! Children need an instrument that is the right size for them. Many students are not ready for a full size instrument until they are in middle school. If you purchase one that is too large it could cause them pain. If you purchase one that is the right size now, it will be too small later.
Cost. The typical rental is between $16 and $50 a month depending on the instrument and the rental company. Some companies even do a flat fee for the first 90 days that is equivalent to one months rent. You can return the instrument at any point and no longer have to make payments. They will also move your child to a larger instrument, for free, as many times as necessary during the rental period. If your child loves playing (that's the goal!), then you could look at purchasing with far more confidence. Most rental companies will also give you "rental credits" which you can use toward the purchase of a new instrument.
Repairs. Accidents happen, and if you have a good rental contract, most or all of repairs are usually covered. It is not hard for instrument repair costs to go up quickly, particularly if the child or parent tries to fix it themselves first. There are some things that I can fix for them in class (new strings, bridge knocked off, buzzing sounds), but anything that requires glue or special tools is beyond my abilities. Be careful, you may be in breach of your rental contract if you do any sort of gluing or other permanent change to the instrument. If you own the instrument and repair it incorrectly there is a chance you could either make it worse, or permanently damage the instrument.
Size matters! Children need an instrument that is the right size for them. Many students are not ready for a full size instrument until they are in middle school. If you purchase one that is too large it could cause them pain. If you purchase one that is the right size now, it will be too small later.
Cost. The typical rental is between $16 and $50 a month depending on the instrument and the rental company. Some companies even do a flat fee for the first 90 days that is equivalent to one months rent. You can return the instrument at any point and no longer have to make payments. They will also move your child to a larger instrument, for free, as many times as necessary during the rental period. If your child loves playing (that's the goal!), then you could look at purchasing with far more confidence. Most rental companies will also give you "rental credits" which you can use toward the purchase of a new instrument.
Repairs. Accidents happen, and if you have a good rental contract, most or all of repairs are usually covered. It is not hard for instrument repair costs to go up quickly, particularly if the child or parent tries to fix it themselves first. There are some things that I can fix for them in class (new strings, bridge knocked off, buzzing sounds), but anything that requires glue or special tools is beyond my abilities. Be careful, you may be in breach of your rental contract if you do any sort of gluing or other permanent change to the instrument. If you own the instrument and repair it incorrectly there is a chance you could either make it worse, or permanently damage the instrument.
Purchase Information
Size Matters: If you have a high school student you should be looking at full size instruments. Viola's have several options that are considered "full size". They should get the largest instrument they feel comfortable playing. elementary and middle school students could be ready for full size instruments. The store can help measure, or I can help.
Quality is an issue: The saying "you get what you pay for" applies to instruments. If you go with a quality retailer, all the ones listed on the instrument resource page are decent or better, then you will be safe. The cheap instruments on Ebay, Amazon, etcetera, are not usually good quality instruments. If you buy from a physical store they should let you play any instruments you are looking at purchasing. You should have your student play them! If you are purchasing from an online retailer they may have an "in home trial" option. This would allow you to try the instruments at home before committing to a purchase. You should also check their return policy to make sure you have options if you don't like what you order.
Outfit vs. Instrument: You can purchase the outfit, which includes instrument, bow, and case; or just the instrument. Some companies do not include the case if you purchase just the instrument. If you aren't sure what is included in the price I would strongly encourage you to find out before you purchase.
Clearance/Used/Blemished Instruments: Many stores have a clearance section that includes instruments. Many of the instruments will meet your need and save you money. There are some keywords to watch for: blemished (only cosmetic, go for it), previously owned (read the description carefully and check the return policy), previous rental (read the description, check the return policy), discontinued (you should be good, but make sure it wasn't because of manufacturing problems), and warped (BAD, do not buy). Any reputable store will disclose any issues up front.
These are just some highlights to consider. If you would like my help in finding or purchasing an instrument please let me know. If you find an online listing that you would like me to glance over, simply email me the link and I will get back to you.
Quality is an issue: The saying "you get what you pay for" applies to instruments. If you go with a quality retailer, all the ones listed on the instrument resource page are decent or better, then you will be safe. The cheap instruments on Ebay, Amazon, etcetera, are not usually good quality instruments. If you buy from a physical store they should let you play any instruments you are looking at purchasing. You should have your student play them! If you are purchasing from an online retailer they may have an "in home trial" option. This would allow you to try the instruments at home before committing to a purchase. You should also check their return policy to make sure you have options if you don't like what you order.
Outfit vs. Instrument: You can purchase the outfit, which includes instrument, bow, and case; or just the instrument. Some companies do not include the case if you purchase just the instrument. If you aren't sure what is included in the price I would strongly encourage you to find out before you purchase.
Clearance/Used/Blemished Instruments: Many stores have a clearance section that includes instruments. Many of the instruments will meet your need and save you money. There are some keywords to watch for: blemished (only cosmetic, go for it), previously owned (read the description carefully and check the return policy), previous rental (read the description, check the return policy), discontinued (you should be good, but make sure it wasn't because of manufacturing problems), and warped (BAD, do not buy). Any reputable store will disclose any issues up front.
These are just some highlights to consider. If you would like my help in finding or purchasing an instrument please let me know. If you find an online listing that you would like me to glance over, simply email me the link and I will get back to you.