By Don Stinson, Band Director, Joliet Central High School (IL)

Rent vs. Buy Orchestra Instruments: What Parents Should Know First

With strings there is a sizing factor that does not exist in other music classes.

Quick answer: For most first-year orchestra students, renting provides sizing flexibility, professional setup, and fewer unexpected costs. Buying may make sense later once the student is done growing, commitment is clear, and a reliable, teacher-approved instrument is selected.

Rental forms come home. Online prices look lower. Some violins and violas cost less than a few months of rental payments. So what should you do? This is one of the most common questions families ask each year.

Why this question comes up

Renting feels like an ongoing cost; buying online can seem quicker and cheaper. But cheap upfront can get expensive fast. With strings there is also a sizing factor: a violin or cello that fits this fall may not fit next fall.

What you’re paying for when you rent

Teacher-approved beginner models
Professional setup before your child plays
Maintenance and normal wear repairs
A rockstop for cellos and basses
Replacement parts when needed
Size exchanges as your child grows

Beginner string instruments need proper adjustment before the first note. The bridge has to be fitted and standing straight. Pegs need to turn smoothly without slipping. Strings need to sit at the right height for small hands. Most cheap online instruments arrive without any of that.

Make sure the instrument fits

Sizing surprises most parents. Violins and violas are sized by arm length and finger reach; cellos by arm length and hand size; basses are typically rented in 1/2 or 3/4 size for school use. Do not purchase until your child is done growing — a purchased 1/2 size cello becomes impossible to play once outgrown. Playing on an instrument that is too big can also cause injury, which is why teachers lean toward the smaller of two sizes.

A word on online “violin outfits”

Do not buy an online beginner string outfit without a teacher’s approval first. Many arrive with warped bridges, pegs that slip within a week, and bows that will not hold rosin. Some cannot be serviced locally because parts are not available. If you find a deal that looks too good to be true, send a link to the teacher before you buy.

Questions to ask before you rent or buy

For rentals: Are broken strings covered? Are size exchanges included? Is a rockstop provided for cello or bass? How long do repairs take, and is a loaner available? For purchases, ask the teacher to check that the bridge is fitted and straight, the pegs hold tuning, the bow stick is straight and holds rosin, and the instrument produces a clear, even sound.

What often costs less over the first year

Consider the full year, not the sticker price: upfront price, repair and maintenance costs, resale value, and the cost of replacing an outgrown instrument. Many rental programs apply a portion of payments toward a future purchase, letting families evaluate commitment and final size before a larger investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is renting an instrument a waste of money?

No. Rental programs often include maintenance, repairs, size exchanges, and support. Many also apply payments toward a future purchase.

Are very inexpensive string instruments good for beginners?

Some lower-cost instruments work well, but extremely low-priced models often have setup or quality issues that cannot be repaired economically.

When should we switch from renting to buying?

Many families consider buying once the student has reached full size and demonstrated long-term commitment.

Why do school-recommended instruments cost more?

They are typically built with quality wood, properly set up, and can be serviced by local repair shops.

Can very inexpensive string instruments be repaired?

Sometimes. However, repair costs may exceed the instrument’s value, and parts may be hard to obtain.

Don Stinson

Band Director, Joliet Central High School (IL)

Don Stinson teaches band at Joliet Central High School in Illinois. With more than 20 years of experience working with music students, he was named a Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator and is the author of books on helping school music programs succeed. He writes about practical ways families and schools can support students in music.