Purchasing a String Instrument
Purchasing a string instrument can be a tricky and expensive adventure. One of the most difficult aspects is shopping when you are not certain what to look for. When it comes to buying, quality is of upmost importance. If an instrument is constructed poorly, it will certainly affect everything from the quality of sound, ease of play, to whether or not it will last or even be repairable should the circumstance arise!
When looking at a string instrument, please make sure that you keep the following things in mind:
(1) Is the instrument being sold by a reputable dealer?
I would highly recommend purchasing your instrument "locally". Many of you are already renting an instrument through Music & Arts (www.musicarts.com), which has a rent-to-own style program that you can be a part of. This could mean that your rental is already going toward the purchase of the instrument your child is already playing!
If you are interested in a better quality student instrument, the String Instrument Shop in Fairport sells quality string instruments at very reasonable prices. They also provide great repairs, as well as very friendly service. The have a large selection of instrument to look at and try. They are located just off of Route 250 in Fairport, and can be contacted at (585) 377-9560.
The String House in Rochester is another reputable, "local", family-owned business. They are located just past the 12 corners in Brighton, at 1531 Monroe Avenue. They can be reached at (585) 442-9272 and also have a website at www.thestringhouse.com. They sell high quality instruments that tend to hold their value if well-cared for and also can be traded up for bigger/better quality instruments as the student grows and/or advances.
(2) How do I know if the instrument is good quality?
Unforunately, the old saying "You get what you pay for" is true. It has been my experience that 99% of the instruments that are appealing to the eye (colored, cool designs, etc.) are often the trade off for a good instrument. They are often cheap and have something significantly wrong with them from the start (that most repair shops won't even bother fixing because the cost of the repair is more than the value of the instrument) or something significant breaks right away and ends up being replaced before even being played more than a dozen times. Please take this into consideration when doing your shopping.
If you are interested in purchasing a instrument but you are not sure where to start, please feel free to ask me for help. I would be happy to help you get started and help your child to have an instrument they can be successful on!
When looking at a string instrument, please make sure that you keep the following things in mind:
(1) Is the instrument being sold by a reputable dealer?
I would highly recommend purchasing your instrument "locally". Many of you are already renting an instrument through Music & Arts (www.musicarts.com), which has a rent-to-own style program that you can be a part of. This could mean that your rental is already going toward the purchase of the instrument your child is already playing!
If you are interested in a better quality student instrument, the String Instrument Shop in Fairport sells quality string instruments at very reasonable prices. They also provide great repairs, as well as very friendly service. The have a large selection of instrument to look at and try. They are located just off of Route 250 in Fairport, and can be contacted at (585) 377-9560.
The String House in Rochester is another reputable, "local", family-owned business. They are located just past the 12 corners in Brighton, at 1531 Monroe Avenue. They can be reached at (585) 442-9272 and also have a website at www.thestringhouse.com. They sell high quality instruments that tend to hold their value if well-cared for and also can be traded up for bigger/better quality instruments as the student grows and/or advances.
(2) How do I know if the instrument is good quality?
Unforunately, the old saying "You get what you pay for" is true. It has been my experience that 99% of the instruments that are appealing to the eye (colored, cool designs, etc.) are often the trade off for a good instrument. They are often cheap and have something significantly wrong with them from the start (that most repair shops won't even bother fixing because the cost of the repair is more than the value of the instrument) or something significant breaks right away and ends up being replaced before even being played more than a dozen times. Please take this into consideration when doing your shopping.
If you are interested in purchasing a instrument but you are not sure where to start, please feel free to ask me for help. I would be happy to help you get started and help your child to have an instrument they can be successful on!