Purchasing or Renting an Instrument

Purchasing an instrument is a big step and an important investment in your student’s musical journey. For students who are just beginning and are still growing, renting is often the best option. Many rental programs offer the opportunity to apply a portion of rental payments toward the future purchase of an instrument.

When your student is ready to purchase, ideally they will be ready for a full-size violin, 16-inch or larger viola, full-size cello, or ¾- to full-size bass. The appropriate size will depend on the individual student, so be sure to consult with their orchestra director or private teacher.

When purchasing an instrument, we strongly recommend consulting with your private teacher, orchestra director, reputable instrument dealer, and/or qualified luthier. There are many important factors to consider beyond the appearance and price of an instrument, including size, quality, setup, playability, condition, and long-term value.

Below is a list of reputable string instrument dealers in the greater Seattle area to help you get started.

Applebaum Violin Shop
1948 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 272-4754
applebaumviolinshop@gmail.com