Getting Your First Instrument

When first getting an instrument, the take home message is this: you’re probably better off renting than buying. Learn helpful things below to keep in mind when choosing an instrument shop–know before you go!

Should I rent or buy?

If you choose to buy, keep in mind:

• You will also need to buy a bow and a case.
• You will be responsible for maintenance, whereas with renting, maintenance costs are normally covered in the rental price.
• Unless you are a very experienced musician and know string instruments thoroughly — don’t buy from Amazon, Ebay, Facebook, etc. Extreme caution is warranted. An instrument is an investment, and buying from a reputable shop or from luthier directly will consistently yield good results, and you’ll know where to find the responsible party if anything goes awry.

The Luthier Shop — Offering a 15% discount to Denton HSO students

My family has been doing business with them for over 30 years. The quality of their rentals is great, and their new instruments are outstanding. They don’t pitch you things you don’t need, and they have a fantastic rental credits program.

Call for an appointment and remember to tell them that you are part of Denton Homeschool Orchestra. Their shop isn’t flashy, but you’ll get wonderful service at a great price from people who love their craft. It is also the only place in north DFW to have a luthier in-house.

If the Luthier Shop doesn’t work for you, here are some things to consider when choosing an instrument shop–

Things to look for in an instrument shop:

In person

It’s tempting to go with an rent-on-line, delivered-to-your-door option, but being properly fitted for your instrument is essential. There is more to consider than just height or arm length. A poorly fitting instrument will create frustration and hamper progress, and may stamp out the excitement of a first-time learner. Having a flesh-and-blood expert on hand to make fitting recommendations and answer your questions is not only comforting, but helps build a relationship with the shop that will take care of you and your instrument for (hopefully) years to come.

Rental credits

Most shops have some kind of program in which a significant portion of your monthly rental fee accrues toward the eventual purchase of a new instrument. This can add up to substantial savings should you choose to eventually buy. This information is often, but not always, on a shop’s website. Call before you go to find out for sure.

Location matters

You will probably visit your rental shop 1-2 times per year after your initial visit for routine maintenance, to upgrade to a bigger instrument as you grow, or if any repairs are required. Having a shop that’s conveniently located can be helpful.

Maintenance included

Remember the peripherals

You’ll need more than just the instrument itself, of course. Expect to get the following when renting your instrument–

• A bow
• A case
• Rosin (the stuff you rub on the bow hair to make it sticky which enables it to make the string vibrate)
• A shoulder rest (violins and violas only)
• A rock stop (cellos and basses only)
• A set of spare strings (optional)

All of these items are generally bundled together and rolled into your instrument contract (except for the rosin, which is cheap and often purchased outright). Some shops will require you to purchase the shoulder rest or rock stop as well.

Things you DON’T need that might be pitched to you:

• A tuner (a device that you can clip on to your instrument to help you tune the strings) — there are free phone apps for that.
• A humidifier to keep in your case — our climate in North Texas is plenty humid to keep our instruments happy.
• Anything fancy — you don’t need expensive rosin or a fancy shoulder rest, or decorative pegs. Especially for beginners, you just don’t need them.
• Fingerboard markers (stickers that indicate where to put your fingers) — I will install those in class as part of our teaching.
• Wood oils or special cleaners — a simple soft cloth will do
• A bow holder buddy (a finger placement guide to assist with correct bow grip) — helper items like this give a short term boost, but can create dependencies and don’t allow for proper muscle development. Bow grip is a skill we will repeatedly and insistently cover in class.

Keeping it simple in the beginning allows your new musician to focus on what’s important: their growing technique and love of music. It helps your wallet hurt a little less, too!

Luthier shops — small inconvenience, big benefit

A luthier is an instrument maker — the artisans that actually create the instruments themselves. These shops are often smaller than a big chain store, and since their main focus is on making fine instruments, they will likely not have the most user-friendly websites or store hours.

In my experience, it is worth the inconvenience of having to call ahead for an appointment, or work with less-consistent store hours in order to get an instrument from a luthier. The quality of the instruments is often a matter of personal reputation for them. Not only do you have a chance of getting a nicer sounding rental, but if you want to eventually purchase, the chances of finding a quality instrument in-house with them is very high. Therefore, your rental credits, if offered, will go to good use!

String instrument shops near Denton (for rentals):

(listed alphabetically)

• Bell’s Music Shop* – Keller
• Brook Mays
  • Frisco (AKA Music 1st)
• Dallas Strings – Allen
• The Luthier Shop* Aubrey/Crossroads
  • – Our official sponsor!
  • – call for appointment
• Music and Arts
  • Fort Worth
  • Frisco
  • Lewisville
• Young Musicians – Fort Worth

*These shops have a luthier in-house.