Renting is a great way to get to know an instrument before you make a purchase decision.  Also, you may be renting a fractional size until you are ready to purchase a full size instrument.   We rent many different instruments at Parrish Music, including violins, violas, cellos, flutes, guitars, and banjos, and are ready to help you find the perfect instrument for you.

Our orchestral rentals are unmatched in the region.  We have an excellent supplier of violins, violas, and cellos that are hand carved in Bejing and built and set up to our specs.  These are not your average student grade instruments; they are several steps above in terms of build quality, playability, and tone.  All include a case and a bow.  Our orchestral rentals are teacher approved and highly recommended for all students!  Please stop in to check your size.

We rent guitars in 1/2, 3/4 and full size for all age students.  Nylon and steel string are available.  Please check in with Ted  or Catherine for proper size and string selection.

Rental Care Information

Congratulations on your new rental instrument!  The better you take care of your rental, the more it will give back to you in enjoyment.  Remember, you are responsible for the care of your rental and any damage that may occur.  Here are some important points:

Temperature and Humidity: these are the two biggest issues your instrument will face.  Violins, cellos, guitars and other wooden instruments are made of carved wood that is very thin, and environmental changes can have a big impact.  In addition, the strings put enormous pressure on the structure of the instrument.

In the Summer: do not leave your instrument in the trunk or in direct sunlight.  Temperature can build rapidly, softening glue joints.

In the Winter:  do not leave your instrument in the trunk, in cold areas, or near any sources of heat such as radiators.  If it gets cold during travel, allow to warm up gradually in the case.  The air is very dry in the winter, so be sure to use a humidifier in your instrument case (the kind designed for your instrument, ask your teacher or Ted) from September to April.  Keeping your instrument humidified will help you avoid major dryness issues, such as slipping pegs/tuning problems, buzzing, or even cracking.  Note that a room humidifier is not sufficient; use an instrument humidifier.

At Home: it is best to keep your instrument in the case.  Do not lean the case up against the wall or furniture; better to set it horizontally on the floor.  Do not leave your instrument or bow on the couch or bed, it will be in danger.   Do not polish your instrument with anything other than polish recommended by Parrish Music.

Flutes: Always clean and swab out your flute after playing.

Bows: Always loosen the bow hair after playing, and tighten and rosin before playing.  Avoid touching the hair of the bow with your fingers, because the oils in your skin are bad for the hair.  If you have a loose hair, clip it off at the end.  Don’t pull it out of the end.  Store the bow in the case with the instrument.  For cellos, always remove the bow before the cello, and case up the cello before the bow.  This prevents having a delicate bow in an empty, floppy case where it could easily break.

Strings:  The strings on your rental should last a long time.  Check with your teacher or Ted periodically to see how your strings are holding up.  Depending on the instrument, and your style, you will need string changes from time to time.

Case: your case is designed to transport and protect your instrument.  Make sure the instrument is placed properly before closing, and don’t put too many books or “extras” in the case that would make it difficult to close, or put undo tension on the instrument.  Many plastics can interact with instrument finishes (such as string packages) so store those in the pocket.

Fractional Instruments:  you may have a fractional instrument, such as a 3/4 size violin.  Your teacher will let you know when you need to change to the next size.  You may exchange your rental for a new size at anytime.

See us right away if you have any issues.  It is natural for an instrument moving from one environment (the store, not being played much) to another (your house, constant practice) to change.  It may lose tune right away, or need more tuning for a little while, until it adjusts.  You may bring it to the shop anytime for adjustments and advice.  If something big goes wrong, like a fallen bridge, crack, or a fall, contact us immediately and loosen string tension.  We’ll fix it!  Above all, enjoy your instrument and your music!

Rental Rates
 

Violin $20

Viola $25

Cello $30

Flute $20

Guitar $15

Banjo $20

Upright Bass $30 (as available)

Other instruments may be available by request.

Please call Ted or Catherine.

Rental Contract Details: Payments are due monthly, in advance.  You may pay as many months in advance as you wish.  Contract is month to month and can be terminated at any time by either party. 

Ownership of instrument remains with Parrish Music until purchased outright.  The renter bears full responsibility for any damage/theft incurred while under contract.  

Renter may apply all rental fees towards purchase of the instrument, up to half the purchase price (excluding tax).  This option may be exercised only if the contract is not in default. 

Contracts in default are subject to collections and immediate termination of contract and return of instrument, at renter’s expense.

Please call or e-mail Ted or Catherine if you have any questions.