Hi everyone! Joel Kennedy here from Kennedy Violins. Today, I want to discuss an important topic for aspiring violinists and parents alike: the cost of renting a violin.

While I've previously made videos on how to rent a violin, today's focus will be on the rental costs and what you should consider when choosing a violin rental service. For this discussion, I'll use Kennedy Violins' rental rates as a baseline to help you understand typical costs and factors to consider. Let's dive in!

Understanding Violin Rental Costs

Base Rental Rates

Rental rates for violins can vary significantly depending on the provider and location.

At Kennedy Violins, we aim to offer competitive rates that are accessible to violinists across the United States.

Renting a Ricard Bunnel Violin

Our most affordable option is priced at $19.95 per month. This rental is ideal for students who are part of a school orchestra or those just beginning their violin journey. It's designed for parents who want to provide a quality instrument without making a substantial upfront investment.

We have many other violins that depending on the student's budget and quality needs which go up to $33.75 a month.

Setup Fee

In addition to the monthly rental cost, there's an initial setup fee of $19 when you first receive your violin. This fee covers the shipping, setting up the instrument with brand-new strings, and ensuring it's ready to play. If you need to exchange your violin for a different size or want to try a higher-level instrument, there is an additional $19 fee for each exchange. This fee helps us maintain the quality and readiness of our rental instruments.

Insurance Options

We also offer an insurance option for an additional $6 per month. Our insurance covers everything, including complete loss due to theft or damage. Whether the instrument is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged—perhaps even during an adventurous attempt to float it down a river—our insurance policy will have you covered. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially for parents of young students who might worry about accidental damage.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

When comparing rental options, it's essential to be aware of any hidden fees that might not be immediately apparent. Some companies may have additional charges for returns, exchanges, or contract obligations that could catch you off guard. Always make sure to read the fine print and ask about any extra costs upfront to avoid surprises later on.

Ease of Exchange

The Importance of Easy Exchanges

When renting a violin, you might need to exchange it for various reasons—whether it’s a size upgrade as your child grows, or you want to try a different instrument. At Kennedy Violins, exchanges are straightforward, involving just the $19 setup fee mentioned earlier. This process ensures that you receive a properly set-up and tuned violin every time. Other companies might have restocking fees, lengthy turnaround times, or other hurdles that can complicate the exchange process. Ensure you choose a rental service that makes exchanging instruments simple and hassle-free.

Credit-Towards-Ownership Options

Another key factor to consider when renting a violin is whether the rental payments count towards ownership of the instrument.

At Kennedy Violins, 12 monthly rental payments go towards the purchase price of the violin if you decide to buy it eventually. This option is perfect for those who may start by renting but want to keep their instrument long-term. Not every rental provider offers this, or some may charge higher monthly fees for rent-to-own options. Make sure to clarify these terms before signing a rental agreement to ensure it meets your needs.

Choosing the Right Rental Provider

Specialization in String Instruments

When selecting a violin rental service, try to rent from a company that specializes in string instruments. Stores that also rent a wide variety of other instruments (like trombones, guitars, or flutes) may not provide the same level of care or expertise as a violin-specific shop.

Violins require particular attention in terms of setup, maintenance, and storage. Renting from a specialist ensures that your instrument will be properly cared for, maintained, and cleaned, providing you with the best playing experience.

Summary of Rental Costs

To sum up, you can expect to pay around $20 per month for a good-quality rental violin, with a one-time setup fee of about $19. If you opt for insurance, that’s an additional $6 per month.

These rates are quite competitive and provide excellent value, especially when renting from a company that specializes in string instruments like Kennedy Violins.

Final Thoughts

I hope this overview of violin rental costs has been helpful. Remember to consider factors like hidden fees, ease of exchanges, rent-to-own options, and the specialization of the rental provider when making your decision. Renting a violin can be an affordable and flexible way to begin your musical journey or support your child's musical education without a significant upfront investment.

If you have any more questions about violin rentals, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I try to respond to as many questions as possible to help you make informed decisions. Thanks for watching, and happy playing! Have a great day!