String Instruments

Expert String Shop

What instruments does Meyer offer?
  • We offer a complete range of orchestral string instruments, from the small size beginner level instruments all the way to hand-crafted imported Italian violins.
  • Our string technicians set-up and test all instruments after we receive them from our manufacturing partners so your instrument is ready for your student’s first note.

Complete Rent-to-Own Packages

If I rent-to-own, what does that include?
  • Full repair coverage and maintenance– whether you need a string replaced or a major repair, we’ll keep your instrument in optimal playing condition.
  • Complete flexibility with the opportunity to upgrade or return at any point.
  • The instrument required by their teacher, matching their preference.
  • All accessories required by your student’s teacher if your student is enrolled in school orchestra program.
  • A free school method book and music stand for students starting in their school’s first year of orchestra.
What if the instrument gets broken or damaged?
  • Complete maintenance and replacement coverage is included while renting.
  • The renowned expert techs at Meyer will keep your instrument in optimal playing condition, no matter what!
  • We visit schools each week to pick up and drop off repairs with teachers, saving you a trip to a store.
My teacher wants a special shoulder rest or tuner, is that included?
  • Parents are busy and we want to make joining orchestra as simple as possible! We work closely with your teacher to ensure all required accessories needed to start are included for students who are joining their school’s orchestra program.
  • We also include a free school method book and music stand for students starting in their school’s first year of orchestra.

Flexible Options

How do the rental payments work?
  • Every single dollar goes towards ownership of your instrument or an upgraded one as your student advances.
  • If your student starts on a small size instrument, all your accumulated credit transfers to the next sizes up until you reach a full size instrument to own.
  • There are no finance charges or fees and all taxes are included in your low monthly rate.
  • You may pay off your remaining balance anytime and receive an additional discount.
What if my student needs to switch to a different instrument?
  • If your student needs to change instruments (like from violin to cello) in their first year or at teacher direction, we’ll take all your accumulated credit, transfer it over to their new instrument and make the instrument exchange right at school.
What if my student is ready for a larger size instrument?
  • When your student is ready for the next size, all your credit transfers to the next size up and we can exchange the instruments right at your school, saving you a trip!
  • Let us know when a new size is needed- just call, text, or use this online form
What if we don't need the instrument anymore?
  • We’re happy that your student gave orchestra a try! Even just a few months of music education has been linked to cognitive benefits that last a lifetime.
  • You may return your instrument at any time with no further obligations. Bring it to a store location or let their orchestra teacher know that it needs to be returned to our representative who visits that school.
  • At the end of the school year, if your player is planning to continue, you’ll want to keep your instrument over the summer to prevent learning loss. If you return the instrument, we consider your account closed and you would lose your accumulated rental credit.

All Ages, Sizes, and Abilities

Why are there different size instruments?
  • String instruments come in different sizes so your student can effectively learn and play as they grow.
  • When your student is ready for the next size, all your credit transfers to the next size up and we can exchange the instruments right at your school, saving you a trip!
  • Your student’s teacher will size them to determine what they should begin on. If you are unsure what size your teacher selected, you can measure at home for a rough estimate.
  • With your student’s left arm fully extended out horizontally and palm up, place a measuring tape at the base of their neck and measure the distance to the center of the palm. Use the chart below to determine the approximate best fit based on this measurement. It’s best to size down if they are between sizes and Meyer always provides easy exchanges if you need to switch sizes.

A graphic of string instrument sizes

What if my student loves playing and wants to upgrade their instrument?
  • As your player develops their skills and advances, we offer a range of string package levels, designed to match their abilities.
  • Your player can advance to the next level of instrument anytime and all your accumulated credit transfers.

What’s the difference?

Student LevelIntermediate LevelIntroductory Pro LevelImported Italian
  • made of woods designed for affordability and durability
  • available in smaller sizes for smaller players
  • include a basic level bow
  • designed for progressing players
  • handmade with higher quality tonewoods for increased resonance
  • upgraded strings for enhanced tone
  • upgraded bow for increased response and agility
  • personalized shoulder rest options for violas and violins
  • higher quality case
  • designed for advancing players
  • handmade with select tonewood for enhanced resonance
  • professional level strings for enhanced warmth and brilliance in tone
  • choice of high-end bow for increased strength, flexibility, and clarity of sound
  • personalized shoulder rest options for violas and violins
  • designed for advancing players
  • handmade by a single-maker in Cremona, Italy
  • include certificates of authenticity signed by the violin maker
  • exceptional tonewood quality and craftsmanship
  • professional level strings for enhanced warmth and brilliance in tone
  • available to test-play by appointment only
What about adult learners?
  • Learning to play an instrument is exciting, no matter what age, and we happily work with adult learners.
  • Adult renters enjoy the same rent-to-own benefits, including repair coverage and the flexibility to return or upgrade anytime. Please note that the free method book and music stand benefit is reserved for beginning students in a school program.
  • To complete an adult rental, on the online rental page select “Adult Rental” from the list of school districts.
  • Adult rentals are subject to a credit check and approval.