Here are some helpful guidelines to consider when choosing between renting or purchasing an instrument.

If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, please visit our online store at pemusicstore.com

If you are participating in a Paul Effman Music program at a private or parochial school and are interested in renting an instrument, you will have the option to do so at registration.

When to Rent

You should consider renting an instrument if the following are true:

It’s your child’s first time playing an instrument

New students sometimes prefer a different instrument after getting started. With our rental programs it’s easy to switch instruments.

You don’t have confidence your child will stick with it.

Maybe your child is on the fence about starting an instrument or loves to try new things but doesn’t always follow through.

Your child is playing a stringed instrument, which changes in size.

Violin, viola, cello, and upright bass all grow with your child. It’s based on their physical size, not age or grade. Some students will upgrade their size multiple times within a single school year.

Damage protection is an important factor (I.e. your concerned your child will drop or damage their instrument).

All of our rental programs include comprehensive damage protection plans, including all maintenance, repairs, and accidental damage. Blatant or intentional damage is not included.

When to Purchase

You should consider buying an instrument up-front if the following are true:

You're confident your child is going to stick with their chosen instrument for at least the next two years.

Between two and three years, the costs of rental and purchase are similar, and even after purchasing, the instrument can be resold at a later date (provided it is still in good playing condition).

Your child is playing a stringed instrument that is full size.

Once a student reaches a full-size violin, cello, or 3/4 bass, you can choose to purchase an instrument without worrying about them outgrowing it. Note: There isn’t a specific “full-size” viola, and viola players may grow to play anywhere from a 14″ to a 16.5″ instrument, so take care before purchasing to make sure you get the right size for your student.

Other things to consider

  • At Paul Effman Music, rental credit is always applied towards the purchase of an instrument.
  • There are often discounted buy-out options on rental instruments.
  • Many families choose to rent the first year or two, and as their confidence of long-term participation increases convert their rental to a purchase.
  • In the long run, purchasing an instrument is usually a better value than renting an instrument.
  • When evaluating your options, always be sure to compare “apples to apples”. Many inexpensive instruments have trouble out of the box, are not serviceable and can make it difficult or impossible for a child to learn. Paul Effman Music only rents the very best brands of student instruments with each music educators approval.