We understand that acquiring the right instrument is a big decision. Here's some information to help!

Benefits to a learning on a quality instrument...
You will have the greatest opportunity to advance by playing a quality instrument from the very start. Poor quality instruments are made of inferior materials, do not sound good, are difficult to play and keep in tune, need to be repaired or replaced often, and make learning frustrating.

Renting option

If you are an absolute beginner we recommend renting. This allows you the opportunity to try a quality instrument and see if it's something you want to stick with, with minimal money out of your pocket. Then when you decide you will continue, all of the rent that you have paid can be applied towards purchase of any bowed instrument. Also, if your child outgrows the size of the instrument, you can simply exchange it for a larger size at no extra cost.

Visit our Rentals section for more information.

Purchasing option

When the time comes to purchase an instrument, here are a few considerations:

Price range
Like other musical instruments, bowed instruments are designed to meet the needs and expectations of various skill levels. Most manufacturers produce three levels of instruments: Student, Intermediate and Professional.

Student instruments perform well for starting musicians. They are durable, modestly priced, and can last someone a lifetime if playing isn't your professional occupation. Intermediate and professional instruments offer features that advanced students and accomplished players appreciate. They are designed for better tone quality and response characteristics through construction techniques and special materials.

For a beginner, there is absolutely no musical advantage in buying an intermediate or professional instrument. By the time you have achieved the level of expertise to take advantage of an intermediate or professional instrument, you will have a better idea of the instrument that works and sounds best for you. When you are starting out, practice is the only thing that's going to make any difference in how well you play or sound.

A word on brands
A a beginner, you are probably not familiar with bowed instrument brands. Therefore, it's important for you to be able to trust the people who help you buy your instrument. We've been in business for 40 years and have a reputation for fine products and for treating people well.

For beginners, we feature Stentor student-level instruments. Stentor instruments have become standard in education and are used by teachers and school music directors around the world. They are sold as an outfit with a case, bow, rosin, and are ready to play.

You can choose from 3 Stentor Student model violins and violas: Student Standard, Student I and Student II. Which one you buy depends on your budget and the use your instrument will eventually get. A serious student is encouraged to purchase the finest instrument that they can comfortably afford, as it will give them room to grow. Want to know more about these instruments? Just click the pictures on the right side of this page.

For information on Stentor cellos or basses, please call us, come by the store, or visit the Stentor website.