Violin, viola, and cello rentals

What we rent

We carry advanced quality Eastman Strings and equivalent instruments for the best tonal results, in nearly every fractional size for cellos, violas, and violins. Premium instruments and carbon fiber bows are available in select sizes.

Every rental includes the instrument, case, bow, and rosin. Various shoulder rest options are available for purchase. Advanced instrument rentals are typically 50% more than the prices below; Master instruments are 100% more per month.

Rental prices, 2025–2026

Includes rent and coverage. Does not include state sales tax.

Instrument	Monthly	School Year	Annual
Violin	$31	$250	$292
Viola	$33	$259	$304
Cello	$47	$396	$469

Advanced and Master instruments are also available — pricing on request.

Rental equity

We offer a generous promotional rental equity program: a portion of every rental can be applied toward the future purchase of an instrument. Customers who decide their child is sticking with playing often roll their accumulated equity straight into a step-up instrument.

Insurance and coverage

Coverage includes replacement strings and other parts that might be broken or malfunctioning. We take total responsibility for the instrument working as expected — normal wear and tear included. Total loss or destruction of the instrument is subject to a small deductible: $250 for violin and viola, $450 for cello.

How it works

1. Reserve online. Use the New Rental form to enter your information and the instrument size you'd like. Your card is saved securely with Stripe — nothing is charged at sign-up.
2. Stop by the store. Come in during normal hours. We'll size you up, fit the instrument, run through care basics, and start the rental.
3. Billing begins. The rental — and the billing — starts the day the instrument leaves the shop. Not before.

Existing rental customers can update payment information any time at rentals.bridgesandbows.com. For any rental question, please email or call (978) 692-0670.

Sizing

For students new to playing, fractional sizes range from 1/16 (very small) up to full-size (4/4). Sizing depends on arm length and the player's comfort more than age alone — a sizing chart gets you close, but a quick fitting at the shop is more accurate.

• Violin sizing chart — a useful starting point for parents
• Cello sizing video — short and informative
• Or simply bring your child to the store — we'll confirm the right size in a few minutes

Music school partners

Looking for the premier music school in our region? Groton Hill Music School is our official partner for violin, viola, and cello private lessons, classes, and small and large ensembles. We're also the preferred music school referral in southern New Hampshire — Nashua Community Music School.