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Introduction

About String Instruments
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Shopping for a First Instrument

String instruments come in full size (4/4) down to fractional sizes to fit all heights and arm lengths. Your teacher will size you and help you know what fractional sized instrument fits you best. Once your instrument size has been determined, you are ready to shop!

 

All students will need to either rent or purchase a first instrument in order to participate in SAIF. The most economical route is usually to rent the first instrument in the accurate size for your child, then purchase when your child is ready for a full-sized, advanced instrument.  

 

Some companies have rental programs that allow you to apply monthly rent toward the purchase price of a future instrument. Most allow you to upgrade sizes as your child grows and carry over some of that rent toward the full-size instrument's purchase price. 

 

Rental costs average around $30 month for beginning violins and violas. Purchase cost of a decent beginner/first instrument, case, and bow can depend on the size and average around $500 violins/violas for small fractional sizes and $1200 for cellos.

 

It is very important that you get a quality sounding instrument. Most of these can not be found on Amazon, Wal-Mart, or other such general stores. Beware that purchasing randomly online may result in your receiving a “violin shaped object” that does not play or perform adequately for training your child.

 

We have found the following companies to be helpful to our students:

 

Ferguson Music Company:

Address: 351 East 2nd North Rexburg, Idaho

Email:  

Phone: 208 357 0231

 

Richard Ferguson has been providing instruments in the Upper Snake Valley for the past 15 years. He has one of the most economical and quality rental programs, but fractional size inventory can be limited. He makes a point to bring in a range of full-size instruments as well. 

 

Shar Music Company:

Address: SHAR Showroom 2465 S. Industrial, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Phone: 1 800 248 7427

Website: sharmusic.com or https://www.sharmusic.com/Rentals/

 

Shar is a large string instrument company that ships around the United States. Ask a representative about their rental program or purchasing. 

 

Johnson String Instruments: 

Address: 1029 Chestnut Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464

Phone:   617. 964. 0954  or Toll Free: 800. 359. 9351

Website: https://www.johnsonstring.com/rental/rates.htm#violin

 

Johnson Strings serves string players across the country. 

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Instrument Care

String instruments are made of natural wood materials that are very susceptible to climate, temperature, and humidity changes. 

 

Never leave your string instrument in a car, by a heater or air conditioning vent, or in any location where the temperature would fluctuate outside of 64-84 degrees. A car parked in the sunlight in 60 degree weather can act as a greenhouse and melt the varnish on a violin in minutes. 

 

When flying, always bring your instrument with you as a carry-on, not in checked- baggage. 

 

Always loosen the bow when putting it back in its case. Wipe the rosin off the strings and under the bridge and fingerboard after each practice session or lesson with a clean, chemical free, lint- free, soft cloth. 

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