Practical information

You have hired or reserved a stringed instrument. A few things need your attention.

Finding the right instrument size

Before a child starts with violin or cello lessons he or she needs to be measured for the right size violin/ cello.Usually this is done by the teacher but can also be done by us in the workshop. You’ll need to make an appointment for this.
As soon as you know when your child’s music lessons will start and which size instrument they need you can reserve an instrument with us. You can either do that in person or by phone.

If your child’s lessons begin after the summer holidays, it is advisable to book an instrument ahead (if possible before the summer holidays).
The start of the new school year is a very busy time.We try to have all the reserved instruments ready for the start of the lessons. If we’re not able to have an instrument for you we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Payment

The rent is about €13,50-16,50 per month for a violin/ viola. Extraordinary instruments can cost up to €30,00 per month. The monthly rent for a cello varies between €27,50 and €32,50. You hire the instrument for an unlimited time.
This means that you can change to the next (bigger) instrument at any time. It also means that you can end the contract at any moment. The rent is payed in advance either per year, or per quarter (3month period). If you end the contract before the payment term we will reimburse you the rent for the unused months.
If you move up to the next instrument size with a different monthly rent, the new amount due will be adjusted when you pick up the new instrument.
You will need to pay a deposit of €50,00 when you first receive the instrument. You’ll receive this back when the instrument is returned in good condition.

There are 2 options for paying the rent:
1. per year. We will send you a bill once a year. You will get a discount of 5%.
2. per quarter (3 month) with direct debit. You sign an authorization for us to direct debit the amount of the rent from your account every quarter. We need the IBAN number of your bank account and the BIC code of your bank, so you’re kindly requested to have those at hand.

No matter which payment option you choose, you’ll have to pay for the deposit and up to 3 months of rent. We have an automated banking machine (PIN). The rent includes an instrument with a bow, a case and a shoulder rest. The rent does not include rosin for the bow. We sell rosin in our shop from €3,50.

Insurance

Our instruments come without insurance. It is up to you to decide whether to get insurance yourself. Some insurance companies cover the instrument within the house and contents insurance policy (inboedelverzekering).
Accidents (if the instrument gets dropped or stolen) are usually not covered by a liability insurance (WA-verzekering). You might also be able to include the instrument within an insurance for valuables policy.
Another option is to take out a specific instrument insurance. We can recommend Mr Robert Blom in Amsterdam, ph 020 6252166, who specializes in insuring instruments.

Looking after the instrument

Before playing the hair of the bow has to be tightened by turning the screw at the end of the bow stick. It needs to be tightened approximately enough to fit a pencil between the bow and the hair at the narrowest spot.
After playing, the bow must always be loosened! Failing to do so damages the bow. The hair of the bow must not be touched as the oil of the skin makes the hair slippery. Every now and then the bow hair needs some rosin. Frequency of rosining depends on how much the bow is used.
Apply rosin if the bow seems to slip over the strings. The bow needs to be stored in the case securely and without damaging the instrument.
The shoulder rest always has to be taken off the instrument before putting it in the case. Most cases provide enough space to store the shoulder rest next to the neck of the violin/ viola. Otherwise it is safest to carry the shoulder rest in the bag with your music.
We recommend to carry a soft cloth with your instrument (i.e. cover the violin/ viola with it while in the case) which you can also use to wipe the instrument and the bow after playing.

Packing/ un-packing the cello

Never leave the bow in the soft case without the cello! The soft case doesn’t have enough stiffness of its own to secure the safety of the bow.
When un-packing, always take the bow out first, then the cello. Packing up: first put the cello in the case -taking care that the zip doesn’t scratch the varnish of the cello- then pack away the bow.

Transport

All of our instrument cases come with 2 shoulder straps. When carrying the instrument on your back be aware of how high or low it is, for example when getting on and off your bike, or walking through a door with a cello.

Last but not least

As well as hiring out instruments we also sell violins, violas and cellos. There is the option of buying the instrument you’re renting, in which case we deduct up to 6 months of paid rent off the purchase price. Or you can choose from the other instruments in our shop which range from factory instruments for beginners to instruments for young professionals and advanced amateurs. I also make instruments for professionals.