Instrument Rental Overview

Your Predicament:

Your child wants to take violin, viola, cello, or bass lessons, but you're not sure where to start. How much should you spend on an instrument? You want them to succeed, but what if they change their mind? Your child is too small for a full size instrument, so what happens when they need a larger size?

The natural temptation is to economize. "I'll start her on a cheap instrument and get something better if she is serious." Unfortunately, cheap instruments are difficult to play, sound nasty, and discourage children from playing. The same concerns apply to adult beginners as well. Imagine asking someone to learn how to ride on a bike with flat tires and no brakes.

why cheap violins for sale are not a good deal

Our Solution:
Our rental program is the best value for children, beginners, and students. You get a high quality instrument for a small initial investment, and credit which accrues towards the purchase of a new instrument & bow! Leading teachers and music educators helped us create a program with the highest standards of value and quality.

Wide Selection of Quality Instruments:
We rent all sizes of violins, violas, and cellos (basses please call for availability), and 100% of all rental payments that you make can be applied toward the purchase of a brand new instrument. Every single one of our instruments is carved from solid wood (no plywood or laminates), set up with top quality fittings, professional brands of strings like Dominant or Helicore, and maintained in excellent condition by our professional staff of luthiers. We offer two programs; standard and premium quality.

Standard Rental Program
Includes instrument, case (padded bag for cellos), fiberglass bow with real horsehair, rosin, and insurance. The value of these instruments is: Violins $750, Violas $850, Cellos $1700. Please click here to print a descriptive brochure of this program.

Scholastic Strings, our premium program
Includes an instrument of superior resonance and beauty, for players who want a rental of unrivaled quality of tone and playability. Includes instrument, deluxe case, carbon-fiber bow with real horsehair, rosin, and insurance. The value of these instruments is: Violins $2500, Violas $3000, Cellos $5500. Please click here to print a descriptive brochure of this program.

Rental Credit / Rent To Own
When you rent from the LIVS, you not only get a fine instrument and great service, you also build lasting value with our Rental Credit. As long as you continue to rent, 100% of the Rental Fees you pay will accrue to help you purchase an instrument. And unlike many other programs, we do not force you to buy the instrument you are renting - your credit can be applied toward 50% of the purchase price of any brand new instrument that we sell!

Protection Plan
The Long Island Violin Shop’s Instrument Protection Plan is included with every rental. We will maintain your instrument, bow, and case in excellent playing condition. Our Protection Plan includes free string replacement, as well as replacement or repair for accidental damage, theft, fire, or flood. Please click here to see full details, terms, and conditions.

Early Reservations
You may reserve an instrument for the coming school year as early as April. Reservations guarantee you will have your first choice of instrument, and save you from long lines at the start of school. Simply pay the first rental period and your time will not begin until you pick up the instrument in the autumn.

Get Started

It’s easy and never too late to sign up - to rent you need to be 21 years old, with two major credit cards and a current driver's license. Rent Online Now

We encourage you to give us a call or stop by our store during business hours. Our professional staff can help you select the program best suited to your interests.

Additional Information
You may see our Rental Rates in detail here.
You may see the full terms of the Rental Agreement here.