Are you getting the most for your rental dollars?  It may sound like a great deal now,  but what about the future?  You need to do your homework to decide what rental plan works best for you and your situation. 

A dozen or so questions you should be asking before you rent an instrument:

* What is the "out the door cost" for the first rental period?   What is the rental per month (both to start and to continue)? 

You may find a low starting rental rate with the cost per month going up thereafter. This may be a good plan for you but remember to calculate the total cost for the year (and beyond if you think it might go that far).  A $35.00  three months initial rental plus the $25.00 per month thereafter will cost more than a $20.00 per month rate for a 9 month rental period. Lashof Violins rate for violins is $15-22 (based on instrument value) per month paid quarterly with no rate changes.

* How much of the rent applies toward purchase? 

The rental credit you accumulate towards the instrument purchase may have a maximum allowable. Make sure this fits to your situation.  Some programs will offer 9, 12, or 24 month maximum credit, and then sometimes only a percentage of that amount. Lashof Violins policy is 100% applicable until you have reached the full rental value.

* What happens when my child grows while I am renting and needs the next size? Will my rental money that I have paid in transfer?

Your child will grow. When you need a bigger size, what will be your financial   responsibility? One common type of rental program applies only to the initial rental instrument. If your child grows and you need an instrument in a larger size, the amount that you have accrued goes away. While you are renting from Lashof Violins there is never a charge to change sizes to instruments of equal value. (excluding damage without insurance coverage)                   

* What happens after I own a rental instrument and need to trade it in for a bigger size? How much trade in value will I get? 

Hopefully you will rent long enough that you will get to own your instrument. If this happens and you need to get a bigger size instrument of the same basic quality, you need to find out what your extra costs will be.  With some programs, once you own an instrument it is yours and good luck trading it back in towards a bigger size.  At Lashof Violins, once a rental instrument is paid off there is a 10% devaluation per year to exchange for another of similar value (less any loss in value due to damage )  If trading for a handmade, step-up instrument the trade in will be 70% of rental money paid (less any loss in value due to damage).

* Is a Maintenance or Insurance plan available? What do they cover? What do they not cover? 

Check what would actually be covered, many policies exclude theft, or limit what maintenance items are covered. Do you need strings covered or is that a frill that you probably won't ever collect on? Remember it is insurance and what you pay in is lost if it is not used. Pay the least that you can for the most coverage that makes sense to have. Lashof Violins insurance covers most things you can think of, including theft, damage, rehairs, touch-up, etc. Insurance costs are $15.00 for violin and $30 for cello (per 3 month period.) Coverage does not include intentional or malicious damage, such as carving or writing on the instrument, or applying decals; nor disposable accessories such as strings or rosin.

* Do I have to make a decision at some point if it is to be a  "rental only" or "a purchase"?

 Many policies have a cutoff date that turn into a permanent rental  after a certain time period. Be wary of that dreaded policy that requires you to decide if it is a rental only or a purchase. The "rental only" means that you never get any credit, and the "rental towards purchase" may lock you into that instrument only. Lashof Violins will allow you to trade in your rental instrument (provided it is in resalable condition) either while you are renting or after you own. You rent until you own or you rent until you return, never with any obligation - it's that simple.

* If I need to return the instrument early how much money will I get back, if any?

 If you have paid into a 6 month or a 9 month school year plan, find out what happens to all that money that you paid in up front if you have to cancel your rental policy. It is normal on those type of policies that any money paid in for a long term rental is lost if you cut the first rental period short. I recommend the shortest initial rental period possible so that you won't lose too much if your plans change. Lashof Violins has a short minimum rental period of only 3 months and after that any unused full months are prorated back to you. 

* Am I required to return the instrument in re-rentable condition, and if so, how much might that cost?

What are you responsible for when returning an instrument? Many policies require you to return the instrument in the condition that you rented it in. If you have used it for 3 or more months, this will probably include new strings and a rehair at minimum - an additional cost of at least $50.00 when returning the instrument. Lashof Violins return is simple, bring it in and get a receipt. Damage charges will apply only if insurance is not taken as an option  (does not apply to intentional damage or other insurance exclusions).

* Are there deposits required above the rental costs?

Do you have to pay an additional amount above the rental fee and for how long is that extra money kept? Many policies will require a deposit equal to  up to 6 months of rent and is kept until you return or purchase the instrument. If something happens and your instrument needs to be replaced and you are lucky enough to have replacement coverage, you are out that much more money. The only thing Lashof Violins requires at rental time are: the first three month payment, a picture ID with the current address, and a valid major credit cards information (under the same name as the renter) on file for delinquent payment collection.  

* Does the facility specialize in the violin family of instruments or is it the corner music store that also sells and rents drums, trumpets,  accordions, and electric guitars?

While a full service music store may have string instruments of adequate  quality, more frequently than not you will be dealing with someone not versed specifically in the violin family of instruments and their unique needs. The child may not be properly fitted for the correct size instrument and you may be pushed to purchase an accessory that the store makes the most money on and not one that is the best fit for your child. Many of these stores also have other facilities that set-up and repair the instruments. Lashof Violins employees have a vast experience in the violin family business from teaching and selling, to renting, playing, repairing, and making. All instruments in our stock are set-up to exceed MENC standards for orchestral instruments.

 * When my child becomes more proficient on the instrument, what are my options to trade up to a better quality of instrument?

If your child sticks with it and practices regularly they will get better.  When this happens, you will find yourself in the situation of needing to get a better instrument.  What quality of instruments does the store carry? Will they be able to assist you in the climb to an instrument with a better sound to keep your child's interest? Does the store have the knowledgeable staff to assist you in selecting a better instrument? How much of your rental equity will you be able to use on the step-up quality instrument? Lashof Violins has a large selection of step up quality hand made instruments to take your child to the next level and beyond. During your rental contract 70% of your  rental equity can apply towards purchase of a hand made instrument. Once a rental instrument is paid off there is a 10% devaluation per year to exchange for another of similar value (less any loss in value due to damage ).  If trading for a handmade, step-up instrument, the trade in will be 70% of rental money paid minus any loss in value due to damage.

 *  Does the store carry the other things that I will need?

Along with your rental or step-up quality instrument you will need some other accessories. Does the store carry a wide variety of violin family products or just the very basic beginner stuff? You don't want to have to run all over town to find what you need and the teacher recommends.  The local everything music store typically won't come close to having what you need. Lashof Violins carries over 15 types of rosin, 12 styles of shoulder rests, 20 or more types of strings, stands, music, and everything else dedicated to the violin family. We have 1000's of in-stock violin specialty products.

* Does the store have an on-site repair department?

Check to see if the store does their own repairs on site or if they have to send them out. Even if they have their own repair department, check to see if it is on site and if they have specially trained violin family repair personnel. A guitar repairmen is not the same as a violin repairmen.  Many teachers will have individual specifications and requirements. It makes the parents' job very difficult if they cannot talk to the repair person directly. In addition, it could take several weeks to get your instrument repaired if it needs to be sent out of the building to another location.  Lashof Violins does all of its own repairs on site and is the repair facility for MCPS and other area music stores which means we know what your teacher wants. All rental instruments are set up to exceed MENC standards for orchestral instruments.

  There are many things to consider, but remember, in the end, it is your money and your decision.  

Now that know what to ask, you will see why Lashof Violins will be your choice for your string instrument rental in Montgomery County.

 Lashof Violins is your best source for all of your rental and string instrument needs.