Violin/Viola
Cello
Good for
Violin/Viola
Standard
$30 per month
$50 per month
Higher-quality for beginners and advancing players
All sizes
Premier
$45 per month
$65 per month
Best sound for advancing players
1/8 – 3/4 sizes
More flexible than a “rent-to-own” program
Free ID tag, rosin, and cleaning cloth
Free tonal adjustments for your rental
Benefits
Nationwide shipping and FPO/APO/DPO addresses.*
100% of the first year of rent may be applied toward the purchase of a higher-quality instrument
Each instrument is thoroughly inspected and undergoes a custom set-up in our workshop
Optional Protection Plan covers 60% of accidental damage
Change size or plan any time
Only a three-month commitment
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the rental credit added up?
Rental credit is accumulated for up to 12 months by your monthly rent as agreed upon in your contract. Tax and Protection Plan are not accumulated.
What does the Protection Plan cover? Do most people get it?
The protection plan reduces the costs of accidental damage to your rental instrument by 60%. Strings and bow rehairs are not included in the protection plan. We strongly encourage it.
Will I keep all the rental credit if I change rental sizes?
Rental credit is not affected by size change. Rental credit is, however, affected when a change in rental plan is executed to accommodate for the new rent.
Can I buy an instrument that costs exactly the amount of rental credit?
No, the rental credit may be used to pay for UP TO 50% of the purchase price of an instrument. For example, if you had $500 credit and wanted to buy a $1000 instrument you could use all of your credit and pay only $500 additional out of pocket. If on the other hand you chose to buy a $500 instrument you could only expect to use $250 of your credit, the remaining $250 you would have to pay out of pocket.
How long is the contract?
There is a 3-month minimum for all of our rental contracts. The rental contract is indefinite and will be closed when the rental is returned. Rental credit is then usable for 60 days after the instrument is returned.
Can I change grades and/or sizes with the rental?
You may change sizes at any time.
Is there a fee change sizes?
There is a fee of $20 for violin/viola and $25 for cello to change sizes. This fee does not go toward rental credit and no rental credit is lost. The charge assists in readying the instrument for the next person who uses it.
What do I do if I need to change my credit card for the rental?
Please call us at (301) 652 – 7070 to update your credit card with us. We do our best to notify you when payments are declined; however, please call us when there are changes. Additionally, please notify us of any address and phone number changes.
Is this a rent to own plan?
No, the instrument you are renting is not for sale. With so-called “rent-to-own” programs, you are forced to buy the instrument you have been renting meaning you have ZERO choice about quality or size. You rental credit may be applied toward the purchase of a step-up instrument.
Am I liable for every little mark on the instrument?
We expect some wear and tear, we make a point of noting any existing damage (major scratches, cracks, etc.) when you first rent the instrument. However, please notify us within 4 days of receiving the instrument if you notice something beyond normal wear and tear.
What do I get with the instrument?
All of our outfits come complete with a case or cello bag, a bow that has been recently serviced, and rosin for the bow. We do not provide sponges, shoulder rests, chinrest covers and other accessories along with the rental. These are personal items which you are expected to purchase separately at the direction of your teacher.
What if the instrument is damaged in shipment?
Call us immediately and we will instruct you as to how to proceed.
Do I have to buy replacement strings or get the bow re-haired?
Yes, you are expected to maintain your rental instrument as though you own it, this way good maintenance habits are developed so that when you decide to purchase a good instrument, you will already know how to care for it. Strings and bow hair should be replaced every six months for violins and violas. For cellos, the bow needs to be serviced at the same rate but the strings will typically last a year. Please remember that if you return an instrument that has not been recently serviced, you will be expected to pay for any upkeep that is needed to make it ready to go to the next player.
Is the contract automatically charged to my credit card?
Yes
When will I be automatically billed each month?
Charges are processed during the course of the month. Please call for more information about billing.
Can I use some of my rental credit towards any Suzuki or ASTA event?
Yes, you may use rental credit to pay for up to half of the cost of tuition for any approved Suzuki or ASTA event. Please call us for more information.
Is closing my rental at the end of the school year the best plan if I think my player will play again next year?
You are welcome to return your rental if you will not be using it for several months, however any rental credit you have accumulated will only be usable for 60 days after the return. If you return to rent, a new contract will be started.
How do I know what size my player is? How do I know when he/she needs the next size?
We are glad to give you our opinion on sizing any time. Often times the teacher will recommend when it’s time for a size-change.
When is the best time to purchase?
We feel the most effective way to apply your rental credit is when you are changing form one size to the next. Most children over the age of 6 years will be in each size for about a year and a half. The teacher is usually the one who will let you know that your child has grown enough to consider the switch. Whether you have been renting for just six months or over two years, the time to purchase is when you switch sizes.
What are the differences between the three categories of rental?
We like to offer people a choice. The “Standard” is by far the most popular with the private teaching community, while the “Premier” is really for students who are a bit more advanced and need a “step up” instrument for more challenging repertoire. The “Economy” level is provided for people who are interested in an inexpensive way to get started without a big financial commitment.
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What Our Clients Say
Thank you for the excellent service and in particular the kind, helpful, and competent service provided by your cello specialist, Louis. I am very happy with my upgraded cello! -Felicia…
After years of playing on a J.B. Vuillaume lent from the Library of Congress, I wanted to move to a classic Italian instrument. Jim Kelly and the staff at Potter…
Dear Mr. Kelly, Thank you so much for your help and work on my viola. It was a very generous act of yours and I appreciate that you and wor work…
Dear Potter Violins family, Thank you for hosting us for such a wonderful day of playing and learning about beautiful instruments. We are so lucky to have you in our…
Dear Jim, Thank you so much for my bow! My other one was so heavy. I was having a hard time playing with it. Thank you for the help with…
Since my daughter started playing cello in August, I have been to your fabulous establishment 3 times. My experience each time has been wonderful. Everyone is so helpful starting with…
I just wanted to say thank you so much for adjusting my violin. It took some time to adjust to Jacksonville weather, but now my violin sounds better than ever!…
Dear Mr. Potter, I write to tell you what a kind and valuable employee you have in Melanie. She has helped my son and me with his rentals since 2013,…
Jim Kelly is my “go-to” person, an adviser that I count on when shopping for violins and bows at Potter Violins. He is welcoming and personable. He can tell me…
I visited to fix minor damages to my violin before my deployment to Afghanistan. They happily took it and made these minor fixes in a jiffy with no costs. I…
Thank you so much for your help. I think I received the best service in a while. I know how busy you are this time a year, but you made…
