Sunday, February 4, 2024

Rent or Buy? Good, Better & Best Violins, Violas & Cellos

By Andy Fein, Luthier at Fein Violins


Parents of budding musicians always seem to get to a certain point- "My kid needs a better instrument, but I'm not sure they're going to stick with it".  Or, "Their teacher says they need an instrument in the $ 3,000 to $ 20,000 range (or more!). Yikes! My blood pressure just spiked!"                             

Cool down, we have a solution for you! You can rent better-quality instruments from us! All the way up to more than $100,000. Rent one for months or years, or just for a big recital or audition. These instruments are available in full size (4/4) and 7/8 size. 


We offer this service locally in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Twin Cities (St. Paul/Minneapolis and suburbs), Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Dakotas, and a bit beyond. You have to come to our shop in St. Paul and arrange the rental in person. And return it in person. Sorry! We don't ship rental instruments. If you're in town for a short time, that qualifies!

You can rent our 'Professional' level violins and violas for $80 per month (plus sales tax) and cellos for $110 per month (plus sales tax).  And then... We have 'Soloist' grade instruments from $200 per month (plus sales tax) and up. 

Why rent rather than buy? Well...

1) A hundred or two (or more) a month is easier to swallow than a few thousand in one big chunk. 

2) For the first 18 months, your rental payment will accrue (save up) as a credit towards the purchase of your rental instrument or an even better-quality instrument. 

2) Maintenance is included. We've got you covered when it comes to adjustments,  broken strings, and new bow hair. Even accidental damage!

4) No big commitment! Rent a great instrument while you're here on vacation, playing in town for a short while, for an audition, a recital, or until you're really sure of the level of commitment from your budding soloist. 


5) After 18 months? You can use your credit to buy the instrument you're renting OR use that credit towards the purchase of a better instrument OR keep renting (but no more credit will accrue) OR just bring it back. Financing is available too. 

6) How long can you rent for? As short as one month (that's our minimum charge) or for years. You can rent the rest of your life if you like. We're just happy you're playing music!

Sounds easy? It is! What do we need from you? For all of our rentals, we require two card numbers in your name. You'll have to bring them in to start the rental. They can be two credit cards or a debit and credit card. 

When can you start? Sometimes right away. Sometimes it might take a week or two (or longer during the Xmas season). I'm constantly working on new instruments and restoring old instruments. We have some instruments ready to go and some we might have to get ready for you. It's always best to let us know a few weeks before you need your instrument. 


You can find more information on our website. You can see all of our instruments and bows there as well. 

Want to talk about this? Call us at 651-228-0783 or text us at 651-373-1300. 












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