Every new violinist needs a violin, and one of the first choices a family makes is whether to rent or buy. While a child is growing, many string teachers recommend renting. Here is why, what to ask a shop, and when buying can make sense.

Why many families rent at first

Children move up through the fractional violin sizes as they grow. Writing for the Suzuki Association of the Americas (opens in a new tab), violin professor Ching-Yi Lin advises: "Because of the unpredictable growth rates of children, students should rent instead of purchase in the early stages of violin learning."

One university string program (opens in a new tab) recommends renting before buying "because as students grow, their instrument size will change," and another (opens in a new tab) suggests renting "until your child's growth stabilizes."

Strings magazine (opens in a new tab) notes that many rental programs allow size exchanges at any time, and that many parents wait to buy until they are sure of their child's interest. If you buy, check the trade-in policy first: many shops take trade-ins, but often not at full value.

How to Choose the Right Violin Size covers the sizes and how to check the fit. If your child plays viola, the same reasons to rent apply.

Questions to ask before you rent

Rental terms vary, so ask before you sign:

Can we exchange for the next size when our child is ready?
Does any of the rent count toward buying an instrument later, and can that credit go toward a bigger or better one?
What does the damage or insurance plan cover: accidents, theft, maintenance? (Check your homeowner's insurance too.)
Are new strings and bow rehairs included?
What comes with the rental: a case, bow, rosin, shoulder rest?
Is there a minimum rental period, and how does summer work?
Will you note any scratches or open seams on the contract?

Lin notes that shops sometimes suggest a bigger size when a contract renews. Check with your teacher, who can judge when a child has outgrown a violin. She also advises renting from a string shop over a general music store.

What makes a violin playable

Rented or bought, a violin needs a proper setup, with its parts fitted and adjusted so it plays well. A Strings magazine buying guide (opens in a new tab) lists standards that even an inexpensive violin should meet:

The pegs and fine tuners work.
The strings are neither too high nor too low.
The bridge feet fit the violin, so the bridge does not fall over.
The fingerboard is accurately planed, so every note plays clearly.
The nut, where the strings cross into the pegbox, is shaped so they do not break.
The strings are good quality.

The guide adds that the bow's stick should not warp or twist when the hair is tightened, and its hair should be a flat, even ribbon with no clumps or gaps.

Be wary of bargain violins

Very cheap violins may not meet these standards. One university program (opens in a new tab) warns that violins bought online "may not be in proper working order when they arrive," with pegs that slip or a bridge at the wrong height, and that getting one into working condition can cost more than the violin did. Strings (opens in a new tab) adds that such violins often wear out quickly and are not worth repairing.

When buying makes sense

Buying can make sense when:

Your child plays a full-size violin and their growth has settled, so there is no bigger size ahead.
Your family is sure your child will keep playing.
A younger sibling will play it later. A university Suzuki program (opens in a new tab) notes that families with more than one child often buy from the start so the instrument can be passed down.

We welcome adult students. An adult who plays a full-size violin will not outgrow it, but Strings (opens in a new tab) notes a debate over whether to rent or buy a first violin. If you buy, ask about trade-ins toward a better instrument later.

Ask your teacher before you buy

Before you buy a violin, especially one sold online or secondhand, ask your teacher to look at it. String programs ask the same: one (opens in a new tab) asks parents not to buy online "without consulting a professional," and another (opens in a new tab) examines instruments families get elsewhere "to ensure correct sizing and working condition."

The same goes for gifts. Lin notes that a violin given for a birthday or holiday can be the wrong size or poor quality, and she recommends asking for a return or exchange.

Caring for the violin

A university Suzuki program's care guide (opens in a new tab) lists these habits:

After playing, wipe rosin dust off the strings, violin, and bow stick with a soft cloth.
Loosen the bow hair before you put the bow away, and keep fingers off the hair.
Keep the violin in its closed case when no one is playing, out of reach of siblings.
Never leave it in a car. Extreme heat or cold can damage it quickly.
Skip polish, and do not try repairs yourself. If the bridge leans, ask your teacher.

Violin strings wear out too, and Lin recommends changing them at least once a year. Our toolkit articles cover rosin and spare strings.

Getting started

Triad Suzuki Academy teaches Suzuki violin and viola to families across the Triad. If your child is just starting, see What Age Should My Child Start Violin? and our FAQ, or book a free trial lesson.

Should You Rent or Buy a Violin?