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Old 09-22-2009, 04:40 PM
 
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I've got a 4th grader who needs to rent a musical instrument (strings). Which shops should we look at?
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Old 09-22-2009, 04:42 PM
 
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I've always had a great experience with Music & Arts. They are a "chain" store. I go to the one in Woodbridge but there are other locations.
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Old 09-22-2009, 04:44 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristineVA View Post
I've always had a great experience with Music & Arts. They are a "chain" store. I go to the one in Woodbridge but there are other locations.
Thanks.

Do you have to do a rent/purchase plan or can you just rent? Or does it matter?
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Old 09-22-2009, 04:55 PM
 
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Originally Posted by springfieldva View Post
Thanks.

Do you have to do a rent/purchase plan or can you just rent? Or does it matter?
No, you don't have to do a rent/purchase program. I rented a clarinet for 3 years (probably could have purchased it) but I knew I never wanted it. They were pretty good about telling me about the contract and outlining it and I felt they were very upfront and honest about everything.
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Old 09-22-2009, 06:35 PM
 
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Depends on how much you want to spend and what quality of instrument you want. In addition to the stores mentioned, there is Fox's music in Falls Church (I think they're still there), and the high quality shops are Brobst in Virginia and Potter's in Bethesda, MD. Both the latter 2 have rent applied to purchase programs as well as trade-up deals (like if your child needs a larger size later).
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Old 09-22-2009, 06:41 PM
 
17,349 posts, read 16,485,995 times
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I appreciate the info - thanks!

This will be my son's first instrument/first music class so at this point we're looking to get the biggest bang for our buck. I think he'll enjoy playing more if his instrument is decent quality, but we're not looking for the best just yet.
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Old 09-22-2009, 06:58 PM
 
Location: Reston, VA
2,090 posts, read 4,244,907 times
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I highly recommend Potters. They offer economy rentals (starting at $15/month) as well as better quality instruments at reasonable prices. Also 100% of the first 18 months of rental can be applied towards the purchase of an instrument.

You are right - he will enjoy playing more if his instrument is decent quality.

Violins Rentals Violas Rentals Cellos Rentals Basses Rentals Maryland Bethesda Potters Violins (http://www.pottersviolins.com/rentals.php - broken link)

FYI - I have no association with Potters except that I'm a very satisified customer.
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Old 09-22-2009, 07:07 PM
 
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You should also check out Washington Music Center in Wheaton. I've gotten all of my instruments from them and have never been disappointed.
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Old 09-23-2009, 04:18 AM
 
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I'll cast another vote for Potter's in Bethesda. I have no experience with their rental program, but have purchased from them (a bow) and used them for repairs. They're really good on all fronts.
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Old 09-23-2009, 05:24 AM
 
Location: Woodbridge, VA
63 posts, read 225,186 times
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When our kiddo took band one year, we rented from Dale City Music. Nice guys there. The kid did the trombone and it cost like 12 dollars a month. Could not WAIT for the year to be over to turn the thing back in. Nothing wrong with Dale City Music, but how the kid could loose a trombone..... luckily, it turned up a month later, or was going to cost us a couple of hundred....
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