Yes, you should find a teacher even before renting or buying your instrument. Playing a string instrument, even if you are "just seeing if you like it" truly requires a teacher to get you started.  We have put together a list of local teachers and schools for your convenience.  Please know that our list is by no means complete.  We are extremely lucky in the Rochester area to have many wonderful string teachers available.  (Teachers - please contact us if you would like to be added or removed)

 

Rentals are designed for the new student and provide a short-term commitment option while the student masters the basic skills of his or her instrument. Once the student begins to make the decision to play for an extended period (longer than 1 year) it is beneficial and cost-efficient to buy the instrument.

 

The regular quality rentals offered at The String House are good-working instruments with great sound quality. They are ideal for the beginning student during the first year of instrument exploration. Superior quality rentals are for those students who are not quite ready to make the commitment to purchase, yet are progressing quickly through their lesson materials. These instruments offer the superior rich tone quality and exceptional playability necessary while the student develops his or her ear and perfects technique. 

 

We have in stock over 1000 titles of sheet music and books, all Suzuki materials, violin viola cello and bass strings, violin viola  cello and bass cases, violin viola cello and bass bows, mutes, tuners, shoulder pads, rosin, stands, and musical novelties for gifts to students and teachers...everything you'll need for your stringed instument!

Our rent-to-own program offers you $100 towards violins/violas and $150 cellos at the end of a School Year or 12 month contract. This offer is in addition to our already discounted prices!  

 

 

Our rates include insurance on your instrument rental. Our insurance cover any damage to the instrument, bow or case. This insurance also covers string-replacement in our shop. 

 

No, we are specially trained to work with violins, violas, and cellos. All our instruments are serviced here in the shop. 

 

We are happy to switch the rental size throughout the contract period at no additional cost. 

   

 What if I need to return my instrument early?

You may return your instrument at any time.  If you decide to purchase an instrument from us, we will apply the unused portion of your rental to the sale price.

 

Most of our violins and violas are strung with high-quality Dominant strings, however the strings are hand-selected for each individual instrument and some rentals may be strung with Obligato or Evah Pirazzi strings to generate a more brilliant tone. All of our rentals are strung with very high quality strings. 

     

 

 

Instruments, bows, and cases purchased from The String House may be traded-in for a different size, or a higher quality (or both!). Any violin, viola, or cello has 100% trade-in allowance with no refurbishing fee. All bows excluding fiberglass, has 100% trade-in allowance with no refurbishing fee for upgrades.  All cases have 100% trade-in allowance with no refurbishing fee if a case is necessary to accomodate a larger instrument purchase from The String House.  All trade-in items must be inspected by The String House for damage in which case, an adjustment would be made.  

 

An outfit is the instrument, case, and bow.

 

An appointment is not necessary, and we are always happy to show instruments during our store hours. However, if you know ahead of time a date and/or time you will be coming, an appointment is advised to enable us to best accommodate your specific needs. 

 

Yes we ship instruments out for trial and purchase. Contact us if you are interested in our shipping option.

 

We will consider trade-ins not purchased from us on an individual basis.

 

Yes!  Ask us about our 0% financing options.

We can add fine tuners to the instrument you choose to purchase at no additional charge. 

  

 

Upon purchase of your new instrument please contact your home owner’s insurance agent and inquire about obtaining a “no deductible insurance rider” for your instrument. This will save you much unnecessary grief and heartache if an accident were to occur. 

  

 

The standard turn-around time for a bow rehair is 24 hours. This time period may be adjusted according to the number of rehairs waiting to be completed. Loaner bows are available upon request. 

 

It is standard to rehair a bow every 6 months to a year; however this period may vary depending on the amount of use the bow gets. 

 

Broken or false strings should not be used. Additionally, overused strings may start to sound dull, and should be changed to ensure optimum sound quality in your instrument. We are happy to check your strings for you here at the shop at no charge, or your teacher can suggest when the strings are in need of replacement. Please inquire about our string prices. The String House recommends washing your hands before you play to better preserve your strings. 

 

Changes in humidity can make tuning difficult. It is best to try to limit these humidity changes as much as possible. The

String House recommends using a humidifier in the winter, and a dehumidifier or air conditioner in the summer. There are also adjustments that should be made to the pegs at the start of each new season. 

 

 

**Please note that it is best to avoid home repairs. The String House is always glad to give you an estimate on repairs upon examination at no cost.