One of the most common dilemmas student musicians and their parents face is when it is the right time to buy a string instrument instead of renting. Common concerns underscore important considerations like the child’s age, skill development, finances, instrument quality, and the long-term sustainability of the student’s interest in playing.
Let us guide you through the most common questions that parents are asking so that you feel comfortable moving forward with the decision to purchase a string instrument for your student musician:
- At what age or skill level should I consider transitioning from renting to purchasing a string instrument for my child?
- What are the financial considerations of buying versus renting a string instrument for my student musician?
- How do I ensure that the instrument I purchase is of good quality and suitable for my child’s skill level?
- What maintenance or care is required for a purchased instrument, and how does it differ from a rented one?
- Can I trade in or upgrade the instrument if my child outgrows their current size or advances in skill?
Time to explore the pros and cons of buying versus renting, and when it might be the right time to make that crucial purchase.
Renting is a Stepping Stone for Beginners
For many families, renting a string instrument is an excellent starting point. There are advantages to renting. Renting allows parents to test their child’s commitment to playing a string instrument without a significant upfront investment making it a budget-friendly option for beginners.
Flexibility is another benefit. Young musicians grow rapidly, both in size and skill. Renting provides the flexibility to exchange instruments for larger sizes as the student progresses.
Most rental agreements have the option to include maintenance services such as the Day Violins Strings to Scroll Maintenance Plan, which is beneficial for parents who may not be familiar with the intricacies of instrument care. Regular maintenance ensures that the instrument remains in good condition, promoting a positive learning experience.
However, renting does have downsides such as long-term costs that while manageable each month can surpass the price of a new or used instrument in the long run. Also, renting provides no equity unless your rental agreement includes rental credit such as the rental credit option at Day Violins.
Finally, let’s address the rent-to-own option. Sometimes shops will offer families a rent-to-own opportunity that looks like a deal but is not always the best method to own an instrument. Depending on the payment plan, your student might end up stuck with an instrument that is no longer suitable for them in either size or skill level. If you choose this option be sure to check out the fine print so you know what your upgrade options are.
Buying is a Sound Investment in Musical Development
As students progress in their musical journey, there comes a point when purchasing a string instrument becomes a more financially prudent choice.
Let’s start with the advantages:
Financial Investment: Owning a string instrument is an investment with long-term benefits. The initial purchase cost may be higher, but over time, it generally proves to be a more cost-effective option compared to continued rental payments.
Ownership: The psychological impact of owning an instrument can foster a sense of pride, a commitment to mastering the craft, and a dedication to practicing.
Quality: When buying, parents have the opportunity to select an instrument that matches their child’s skill level and musical aspirations. This ensures that the student is equipped with a quality instrument that enhances their playing ability.
The Right Time to Purchase
The decision to transition from renting a string instrument to purchasing a string instrument depends on several factors. Let’s go back to those questions we asked in the beginning.
- At what age or skill level should I consider transitioning from renting to purchasing a string instrument for my child? The ideal time to transition from renting to purchasing a string instrument for your child is generally when they’ve demonstrated sustained interest, stable size, and reached an intermediate skill level. There is no specific age that this can happen. It will depend on your child’s innate ability, whether they participate in private lessons and regularly practice, and the age at which they begin playing.
- What are the financial considerations of buying versus renting a string instrument for my student musician? We’ve already touched on the financial considerations, but to sum up the difference between renting and buying is really about short-term affordability versus long-term investment. Parents will need to balance their budget constraints with the commitment level of the student musician, aiming for a choice that aligns with both immediate financial capacity and the instrument’s role in their child’s musical journey.
- How do I ensure that the instrument I purchase is of good quality and suitable for my child’s skill level? We highly recommend you check out our last blog “Renting or Buying a String Instrument: A Guide for Parents.” where we get into specific considerations about how to ensure choosing a good quality instrument whether you are buying in person or online. Our top tips are to consult with a knowledgeable shop owner or music teacher and do research on reputable brands.
- What maintenance or care is required for a purchased instrument, and how does it differ from a rented one? String instrument maintenance is about ensuring longevity and optimal performance. It involves regular care to preserve its quality. Parents and students will need to learn about cleaning the instrument, the effects of weather and humidity, and ways to prevent accidental damage. Unlike rentals, where maintenance is often covered, owners bear the responsibility of broken strings, bridges, and more. A periodic check-up with a luthier at a shop like Day Violins is advisable to address any issues.
- Can I trade in or upgrade the instrument if my child outgrows their current size or advances in skill? The short answer is, “It depends.” Many music stores and violin shops offer trade-in or upgrade options when your child outgrows their instrument or advances in skill. This allows seamless transitions to larger sizes or higher-quality instruments without a significant financial burden. Check with your chosen music shop for their specific policies on trade-ins or upgrades, ensuring flexibility to accommodate your child’s evolving needs. When you buy with Day Violins you can count on us helping you upgrade when the time comes.
Reach Out To Day Violins With Questions
We hope you feel more comfortable evaluating the factors that should be considered when you are thinking about transitioning from renting a string instrument to buying a string instrument.
If you are in Northern Virginia we invite you to stop into our shop. If you are interested in purchasing an instrument virtually, please give us a call and schedule a virtual showing with shop owner, Jason Day. We provide quality instruments at a great price whether renting or buying. We look forward to meeting you soon!
