A Guide To Instrument Rental and Purchase
All students will need a suitable instrument for use in orchestra. Cellists and bassists do not need to bring their instruments to school, as we have a collection of good instruments at the school for daily use. However, they must maintain a suitable instrument at home for daily practice. Violinists and violists will need to bring their instruments back and forth from home every day. Although it’s not required, some students prefer to rent or purchase a second instrument to leave at school.
Should I rent or buy?
If your child is new to playing a stringed instrument, I strongly recommend renting until you are sure they are fully committed to the instrument. Additionally, if your child has not yet grown into a full sized instrument (3/4 sized for bass), it is best to continue to rent.
What size instrument do I need?
An instrument that is too big or too small will be uncomfortable and difficult to play and may lead to frustration and pain. Playing on the correct sized instrument is very important! Every person is built differently, so it is important to be measured by me or a professional at a reputable music store to find out what the appropriate size for your child is before renting or buying any instrument. (Please see the pop-out tab labeled "Instrument Sizing" for further information.)
What if I decide to buy an instrument for my child?
Buying an instrument can be daunting, so please contact me before making any purchases - I would be happy to assist you.
I strongly advise AGAINST buying the "great deal" internet instrument!!! You often get what you pay for- what may seem like a great deal, unfortunately, often turns out to be poorly set up and unplayable. A thought about blue or red instruments (or any other fun color)...I would again advise AGAINST these instruments. Usually the best thing they have going for them is the color. They are most often poorly made, hard to play and rarely stay in tune.
It is important to take your child with you to the store to try out several instruments before making a decision. I have prepared a list of sources that I have had good luck with. The list is by no means exhaustive. You might find a quality instrument somewhere else at a good price. You should call around and compare prices before visiting a shop.
The following is a list of some professional and reputable string instrument renters/dealers that I can recommend:
Please note that Kellenberg Memorial is not affiliated with any of the stores listed
*Samuel Kolstein and Son:
795 Foxhurst Rd, Baldwin, NY 11510
(516) 546-9300
http://www.kolstein.com/home.html
The Long Island Violin Shop:
8 Elm Street, Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 427-3569
250 Main Street, East Setauket, NY 11733
(631) 941-6535
23 W Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 982-1566
http://www.liviolinshop.com/
* Bass specialists – but they handle all string instruments as well.
Local Music Stores
The following music stores carry some decent instruments. Instruments at these stores tend to be a bit more economically priced:
Sound Beach Music:
66 Echo Ave, Miller Place, NY 11764
(631) 476-3850
http://soundbeachmusic.com
Murphy's Music:
447 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville, NY 11747
(631) 549-4510
http://www.murphysmusicshop.com
Music & Arts:
2879 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572
(516) 766-0409
https://www.musicarts.com
Wright Music:
5 Main Street, Port Washington, NY 11050
(516) 883-0043
http://www.wright-music.com
Universal Music:
272 Merrick Rd, Lynbrook, NY 11563
(516) 593-8940
Lewis Music:
278 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 742-3961
http://www.lewismusicstore.com
Thank you for taking the time to read through all of this information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Should I rent or buy?
If your child is new to playing a stringed instrument, I strongly recommend renting until you are sure they are fully committed to the instrument. Additionally, if your child has not yet grown into a full sized instrument (3/4 sized for bass), it is best to continue to rent.
What size instrument do I need?
An instrument that is too big or too small will be uncomfortable and difficult to play and may lead to frustration and pain. Playing on the correct sized instrument is very important! Every person is built differently, so it is important to be measured by me or a professional at a reputable music store to find out what the appropriate size for your child is before renting or buying any instrument. (Please see the pop-out tab labeled "Instrument Sizing" for further information.)
What if I decide to buy an instrument for my child?
Buying an instrument can be daunting, so please contact me before making any purchases - I would be happy to assist you.
I strongly advise AGAINST buying the "great deal" internet instrument!!! You often get what you pay for- what may seem like a great deal, unfortunately, often turns out to be poorly set up and unplayable. A thought about blue or red instruments (or any other fun color)...I would again advise AGAINST these instruments. Usually the best thing they have going for them is the color. They are most often poorly made, hard to play and rarely stay in tune.
It is important to take your child with you to the store to try out several instruments before making a decision. I have prepared a list of sources that I have had good luck with. The list is by no means exhaustive. You might find a quality instrument somewhere else at a good price. You should call around and compare prices before visiting a shop.
The following is a list of some professional and reputable string instrument renters/dealers that I can recommend:
Please note that Kellenberg Memorial is not affiliated with any of the stores listed
*Samuel Kolstein and Son:
795 Foxhurst Rd, Baldwin, NY 11510
(516) 546-9300
http://www.kolstein.com/home.html
The Long Island Violin Shop:
8 Elm Street, Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 427-3569
250 Main Street, East Setauket, NY 11733
(631) 941-6535
23 W Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 982-1566
http://www.liviolinshop.com/
* Bass specialists – but they handle all string instruments as well.
Local Music Stores
The following music stores carry some decent instruments. Instruments at these stores tend to be a bit more economically priced:
Sound Beach Music:
66 Echo Ave, Miller Place, NY 11764
(631) 476-3850
http://soundbeachmusic.com
Murphy's Music:
447 Walt Whitman Rd, Melville, NY 11747
(631) 549-4510
http://www.murphysmusicshop.com
Music & Arts:
2879 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY 11572
(516) 766-0409
https://www.musicarts.com
Wright Music:
5 Main Street, Port Washington, NY 11050
(516) 883-0043
http://www.wright-music.com
Universal Music:
272 Merrick Rd, Lynbrook, NY 11563
(516) 593-8940
Lewis Music:
278 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
(516) 742-3961
http://www.lewismusicstore.com
Thank you for taking the time to read through all of this information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]