FAQ: Rentals
How much does it cost to rent?
Violins are $34/month
Violas are $39/month
We do not rent cellos at this time.
Why should I rent from Annapolis Bows & Violins?
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ABV was founded by a luthier who is also a former violin teacher. We know and love string instruments, and we have a high standard for what we provide here. A poorly set-up instrument can be a hindrance to learning and loving music, so we ensure every rental is operating to its fullest potential.
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Because every rental is set up here in the ABV workshop and play tested, each one is ready to go with new strings and a professional set up. If there are any issues, we take care of our instruments for no additional cost.
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We include extras with every rental, such as rosin, a shoulder sponge, a cleaning cloth, and a helpful “Instrument Care Tips” card.
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No long term contract. You can try out playing the violin or viola, and stop anytime after the first month!
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We love having the chance to help students of any age get off to a good start in learning how to play a stringed instrument!
What size instrument should I get?
We will help determine the correct size instrument you should rent when you come to the shop in person!
What does the protection plan cover?
Maintenance: ABV encourages practicing regular instrument maintenance - to help with this, we include an annual checkup, new strings, and bow rehair/replacement for no additional cost.
Repairs: for any incidents/issues/accidents, we understand things happen! Your rental plan covers most repairs.
It does not cover broken bridges or broken string replacements; loss or theft; willful destruction/vandalism; total destruction devaluing the instrument; or DIY repairs done by anyone not authorized to repair the instrument. It is at the discretion of an ABV luthier to determine the repair situation at the time. The cost will not exceed the replacement cost of the instrument outfit (listed in your rental contract details at the time of the rental).
If there are any questions, reach out by phone or email anytime, or visit the shop to discuss in person.
What if my child outgrows their instrument?
If your child outgrows their instrument, come to the shop anytime to trade up to a larger size. You will be charged a $20 trade-up fee, and you’ll receive a new outfit, including the case, bow, and extras. Don’t worry; all of your accumulated equity will transfer over to the new instrument!
Do my monthly charges count as credit towards ownership?
- 100% of your monthly rental fee will build store credit for the first 12 months of renting. (This does not include Maryland Sales Tax.)
- Rental credit may be used at any time toward up to 50% of the purchase of a retail instrument or bow at ABV.
- Credit will continue to accumulate during the first 12 months even if the rental is traded for a new size or instrument.
- A maximum of 12 months rental credit may be applied toward the purchase of instruments, regardless of how long the instrument has been rented.
- Rental credit from multiple contracts may not be combined, even if the contracts are within a family, individual, or account.
- Rental credit must be used within 30 days of cessation of the contract, and unused rental credit will be forfeit after that time.
- Rental credit may not be used to pay for past-due rent or fees and costs associated with delinquency or repair.
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If something happens to my instrument, can I give it to my handy neighbor to fix?
Your rental instrument is still the property of Annapolis Bows & Violins, and we are the only people who can perform repairs on it. Please make sure you bring your instrument in if you are experiencing any problems. We reserve the right to charge for the work needed to correct any unauthorized repairs, up to the full replacement cost of the instrument.