Tips for Purchasing a Step-Up Instrument
Congratulations on taking this next step!
If you are here, your student has most likely proven their dedication to the instrument, purchasing them their own instrument might make sense. Purchasing an instrument is also a good investment. When properly cared for and maintained, a stringed instrument can last for several lifetimes and can be handed down from generation to generation. In some cases, stringed instruments can actually increase in value over time. Purchasing an instrument is also a great lesson in responsibility. If your student already demonstrates responsibility and you’re ready to take it to the next level, an instrument will give your student something to be proud of and take care of on their own. Purchasing any instrument is an investment in your student’s future, and the decision shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time and consult your student’s teacher for advice.
If you have ANY questions during this fun (and sometimes overwhelming time), please ask! We are here to help!
If possible, we would love to go with you to start this process!
Do NOT purchase anything off the internet. In our combined years of teaching, we have NEVER met an instrument purchased online that is playable. You spend more money to repair the instrument than what it is worth. Trust us on this one!
If you are here, your student has most likely proven their dedication to the instrument, purchasing them their own instrument might make sense. Purchasing an instrument is also a good investment. When properly cared for and maintained, a stringed instrument can last for several lifetimes and can be handed down from generation to generation. In some cases, stringed instruments can actually increase in value over time. Purchasing an instrument is also a great lesson in responsibility. If your student already demonstrates responsibility and you’re ready to take it to the next level, an instrument will give your student something to be proud of and take care of on their own. Purchasing any instrument is an investment in your student’s future, and the decision shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time and consult your student’s teacher for advice.
- Start at the company you have been renting from. Depending on the company you used, some of your rental money may be used towards the purchase of an instrument! Call and ask if such an agreement exists and how much money you have acrued toward a new instrument. Ask to schedule an appointment to look at some instruments.
- Before you go to your appointment, talk to your student's orchestra teacher or private lesson teacher to help determine an appropriate level instrument and a reasonable pricing range.
- Try lots of instruments in your price range. Orchestra teacher tip: Don’t forget to spend some money on a bow. A $5,000 violin paired with a $100 bow is not a good match. It is better to spend less on an instrument and put some money towards a nice bow.
- Have your student bring music with them to the appointment. The best thing to play is a 2 octave scale that starts on their lowest string. Play the same scale on every instrument you are trying…you’ll start to notice a difference in sound as you move up in price. When you’ve narrowed your choice down to two or three instruments you like, ask to borrow them for a few weeks. Take them home with you. (This is standard practice) Once you have your instruments, have your orchestra director and private lesson teacher evaluate the instruments you have selected.
If you have ANY questions during this fun (and sometimes overwhelming time), please ask! We are here to help!
If possible, we would love to go with you to start this process!
Do NOT purchase anything off the internet. In our combined years of teaching, we have NEVER met an instrument purchased online that is playable. You spend more money to repair the instrument than what it is worth. Trust us on this one!
