FAQ

What are the store hours?

We’re here Monday through Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday 10 to 4.

How much does it cost to rent an instrument?

Visit our About Rentals page to view our rental program details.

How does the rental program work?

Visit our About Rentals page to view our rental program details.

Is the rental program rent to own?

No. The rental credit you accumulate can be used for up to 50% of the purchase price of a new instrument of your choosing.

My student is using a full size instrument and we want to purchase. What do I do?

For purchases, schedule a sales appointment at our shop or, if you are not local, you can request instruments be sent to you on approval. Contact the shop for full details.

If you a currently renting from us you can use your rental credit towards the purchase of an instrument. Your rental credit can be used for up to 50% of the retail price of the instrument you wish to buy. Here are some examples:

Example 1: You have paid $350.00 towards violin rental fees, and you decide to purchase our P.S. 300 Violin retailing for $950.00, your rental equity amount of $350 will be deducted from the purchase price, leaving a balance of $600 plus tax.

Example 2: You have paid $500.00 towards violin rental fees and you decide to purchase the same P.S. 300 Violin for $950.00, your rental equity of $500 is over the 50% threshold, $475 will be deducted from the purchase price, leaving a balance of $475 plus tax.

How can I find out how much rental credit I have accrued?

Call us during business hours at 1.866.846.5469 or 513.541.2000.

What do I do if my rental instrument needs serviced?

Come into the shop and we’ll either fix it while you wait, or swap out your instrument for a new one. If you rented from one of our regional reps, contact them to make arrangements for how to get it repaired.

How can I pay my bill?

The easiest way to pay is online using your credit/debit card or bank account or you can give us a call to and we will take your card information over the phone. If these options don't work, you can mail a check payable to: Baroque Violin Shop 1038 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224 be sure to include your account number in the memo.

What is my account number?

Your account number is unique to your particular rental. If you have forgotten your account number please contact us at the shop 513.541.2000

If I need to return the instrument to you in the mail, what's the best way?

The best way is to return it to us in the box it was sent to you in. If you don’t have that box, or it wasn’t sent to you in the mail, then any box is fine. Just make sure to put a layer of packing peanuts on the bottom of the box then put the instrument in the case, and put the case on the layer of peanuts. Then fill the rest of the box with peanuts and mail it to us through the post office, UPS, or Fedex. Whatever is most convenient for you. You do not need to insure it.

What is the best violin (viola, cello, or bass) for a beginner?

You can read our blog post on this topic for the full details. The short version is the best instrument for a beginning student is a high-quality rental from a music shop. There are many factors to consider with string instruments, first is that they come in fractional sizes based upon the size of the student. String instruments less than full size don't have much of a market except for beginners. If you purchase a fractional size instrument you may have a hard time reselling and you're out that expense. Many shops, ours included, offer upsizing through the life of the rental agreement so once the student grows to the next size it is a simple exchange process.

Another consideration is the quality. If a student is to learn properly they need an instrument that is setup correctly and made of the proper materials. There are many "violin shaped objects" available for purchase but they will only hinder a beginning student.

Lastly, the maintenance of string instruments can be challenging for those who don't have the correct tools or know-how. Rental programs should include some form of maintenance, and also insurance, so that if something happens with the instrument a luthier can make the repair. At Baroque Violin Shop we include maintenance and insurance in the rental fee and there are no additional charges for these features.

What are the best resources for learning to play a string instrument?

There are numerous resources available for new students. Most of our rentals are to school age children and they have access to their orchestra teacher who can offer a lot of guidance, but a lot of the learning is still in the hands of the student and using their method book. All of our new rentals come with a 1^st year method book included for free, so students have it ready for their orchestra class. These books are also great for adult learners and they can be followed step-by-step to learn many of the basics. Many method books also have supplemental lessons and materials online that can be accessed for additional learning.

Beyond the method book there are videos online that can be found, but the best bet for taking your playing to another level is through a private string teacher. Many teachers now offer both in-person and virtual lessons so there is more flexibilty in how you can connect with them for lessons.

How to I tune my violin (viola, cello, or bass)?

To get the correct notes for your instrument we would suggest getting a tuner. You can purchase a standalone tuner or there are many apps available for smartphones that offer the same functionality.

When tuning a violin, viola or cello as you turn the pegs to tighten you also need to push them inward so that the peg will wedge into the scroll. If you don't apply this pressure the peg will simply return to its previous state. This is something that can be tricky for beginners. On a bass, this is not a concern as the tuners are mechanical and they will stay where you put them.

Once you are close the the correct note on a violin, viola or cello you can use the fine tuners (located where the strings connect to the tailpiece) to adjust the note more preciscely. Checking your tuner or tuner app to make sure you have the correct note.

Can I fix my violin on my own?

Our recommendation is that for any issues beyond a string replacement you work with a trained luthier to make adjustments or fixes to your instrument. Sometimes a poor fix can cause more issues than it solves. We offer included maintenance on all of our rental instruments and our team of luthiers is available to assist with personal instrument repairs.

If you are a string player it's important that you find a reputable luthier in your area and have a good understanding of their prices, services and turnaround time. Having a good relationshop with a trusted luthier is something we highly encourage. If you don't have a luthier in your area you can always ship your instrument, or bow, to us for repair. All we ask is you let us know before you ship something so owe can be prepared to receive it.