What’s a good music family? If you’re a new musician dreaming of a string instrument like a violin, cello, or bass, you might want to consider renting before dropping major cash on a purchase.
Renting is a solid and cool option that comes with a ton of low-key perks, and we’re here to break it all down for you!
Accessibility and Affordability
Let’s keep it real – top-quality string instruments can cost an arm and a leg, especially for beginners still finding their groove. That’s where renting comes in handy and hassle-free!
Renting allows you to get your hands on A-grade gear without sweeping your bank account. I know many music shops offer rental programs with monthly fees that are way more manageable than shelling out the full price upfront.
Plus, most places will let you apply those rental payments towards an eventual purchase if you decide to make it official down the line. Such a great deal, right?
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the top advantages of renting instruments is the flexibility it provides. Maybe you’re not quite sure if the violin life is for you yet, or your kid is still figuring out their musical path. With string instrument rentals, you can easily swap instruments if needed without the commitment of an outright purchase.
And if life hits you with a curveball and you need to put the music dreams on hold for a bit, most rental contracts are short-term, so you’re not locked in long-haul. It sounds too good to be true to believe, but that’s exactly how it works.
Maintenance and Support
Maintaining a string instrument is a whole job in itself, but when you rent, those headaches are basically non-existent. Rental companies handle all the repairs, replacing strings, adjustments – you name it. They’ve got experts on deck to ensure your gear stays in tip-top playing condition. And if anything goes wrong, just take it back to the shop and let them work their magic. No muss, no fuss.
Here’s how rental companies handle maintenance and support:
- Many rental outfits have luthiers (stringed instrument repair specialists) or certified repair technicians on staff. These experts inspect, adjust, and repair rental instruments as needed at their in-house repair shop or workshop.
- Rental contracts often include regular maintenance check-ups every few months.
- Part of the rental fee covers the cost of replacement strings, bridges, bows, and cases when these items need replacing due to normal wear and tear.
- Most rental contracts have a damage protection plan built into the fees.
- For larger repair jobs that are beyond their in-house capabilities, rental companies will ship the instrument to an authorized repair shop and manage that repair process for the customer.
- While a rented instrument is undergoing repair, the company will provide a loaner or short-term replacement instrument to the renter so they can continue playing.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, renting offers string musicians a stress-free way to get their feet wet without the heavy financial burden of an upfront purchase. With greater accessibility, flexibility, and pro-level maintenance backing you up, it’s an option worth seriously considering – whether you’re a fresh-faced newbie or an experienced player testing new waters. So don’t sleep on renting, it just might be the key to unlocking your musical potential while keeping your pockets semi-full.