Rental FAQs
RENTAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We encourage you to take time to review information about our rental program below. If you have additional questions, please call the Rental Coordinator at 1.800.284.6546, or locally 505.889.2999. Thank you!
What kind of instruments do you rent?
How do I get the rental contract to the Rental Coordinator?
What happens after I submit the rental contract?
What happens if I don’t pass the “soft” credit check?
What is the purpose of a rental account?
How much will my first instrument cost to rent?
How will I know what size instrument to get?
How long is the term of the rental contract?
How many rental contracts do I need?
Can I apply rental payments to the purchase of a rental instrument?
How much does it cost to purchase a rental outfit?
After rental credit is applied, how do I pay off the balance for my rental outfit?
How do I trade instrument sizes as my child grows?
How much credit do I get for returning a rental outfit that I purchased and want to trade?
What if my rental instrument needs repair?
I live locally. Can I just come in and get a rental instrument?
I need music and other accessories. How do I order those?
What kind of instruments do you rent?
Only bowed stringed instruments: violins, violas, and cellos. Not guitars, pianos, or band instruments.
How do I get the rental contract to the Rental Coordinator?
Please email your completed rental contract to ariah@robertsonviolins.com, or mail it to:
Rental Coordinator
Robertson & Sons Violin Shop
3201 Carlisle Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
You should receive an automated response from the Rental Coordinator by email.
If you did not receive the auto-response, your email did not go through.
What happens after I submit the rental contract?
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The Rental Coordinator performs a “soft” credit check in the name of the person who filled out the contract.
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A score of 675 or higher is required to qualify.
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If the score meets the requirements, an instrument order is placed with the rental technician.
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It will take a few days to a week for the order to be prepared, as it goes into the line of current orders.
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3. The instrument is brought to the Rental Coordinator’s desk to be invoiced and taken to the shipping department, or you will be called once your order is ready if you are local.
What happens if I don’t pass the “soft” credit check?
If a customer does not pass the soft credit check, the Rental Coordinator can run a spouse’s credit and list them as the main renter. The spouse would need to put their payment method on file and pass the credit check.
A family member, friend, or teacher may also apply to rent on the customer’s behalf. They will need to complete the rental contract in full, pass the credit check, and have the payment information listed under their name. The original customer would make their own reimbursement agreement with that individual.
Customers are also welcome to purchase an instrument outright, which does not require a credit check.
If the customer is local to Albuquerque, they may also rent through Baums.
What is the purpose of a rental account?
Your account tracks instrument rentals and returns, rental payments and credit, shipments, and purchases.
As a matter of convenience, your account makes it possible for you to do business with us with a phone call.
How much will my first instrument cost to rent?
Your first rental payment will be a combination of the current month (prorated) and the full second month.
This amount, along with shipping and any requested accessories, will be charged before shipping.
Your next rental payment will be due on the first day of the third month and every month thereafter.
Rental prices:
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1/16–1/2 violins = $20.00/month
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3/4 and 4/4 violins = $25.00/month
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12” violas and smaller = $20.00/month
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13” violas and larger = $25.00/month
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All cellos, regardless of size = $40.00/month
All rental instruments come with a case, rosin, and a fiberglass bow strung with horsehair.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping charges vary by instrument type, size, and location.
All rental instruments are shipped UPS Ground, with signature required. Rental customers are responsible for paying shipping costs both ways.
How will I know what size instrument to get?
Typically, your student’s teacher will measure for the correct size. If you do not yet have an instructor, please call us for assistance.
The most important measurement for the violinist is arm length. With the student holding the left arm parallel to the floor, palm up, measure the number of inches from the base of the neck to the wrist bone:
1/4 cellos come in small and large sizes. Your private teacher will be able to assist you with sizing. You may also come into the shop to be sized if you are local.
Do you rent string basses?
We do not rent basses. Basses are available for purchase, and we have a large selection.
How long is the term of the rental contract?
The rental contract is open-ended, you may return your instrument at any time. Keep in mind that the first two payments are non-refundable, but rental payments after the first two months can be refunded if the rental is returned before the 15th of that month.
How many rental contracts do I need?
Only one! You do not need to fill out another contract when you trade up in size or add another rental instrument to your account. The only time that you may need to fill out the rental contract again, is if you have not had a current rental in two or more years. If it has been two years since you have rented, then you will need to fill out the rental contract again.
Can I apply rental payments to the purchase of a rental instrument?
Yes. You can apply 6 months of rental credit at any time, but only the first 6 months will apply toward purchase.
The credit stays on your account indefinitely and can be used whenever you decide to buy.
How much does it cost to purchase a rental outfit?
Violins
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1/16–1/2 = $550
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3/4 = $625
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4/4 = $695
Violas
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12” = $550
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13” = $650
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14” = $750
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15–16.5” = $850
Cellos
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1/10 = $1,200
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1/8–1/4 = $1,400
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1/2 = $1,500
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3/4 = $1,600
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4/4 = $1,700
Although we do not buy back rental instruments, we will always take them back in trade toward an instrument of equal or greater value.
After rental credit is applied, how do I pay off the balance for my rental outfit?
You can pay the balance in full using a credit or debit card, or set up an interest-free payment plan divided into four equal payments over three months. The first payment is due the day your purchase, and the following payments will be due over the next three months.
How do I trade instrument sizes as my child grows?
Call us to confirm the new size and arrange an exchange.
Keep your current instrument until the new one arrives. If you are local, keep your current instrument until your new one is ready for pickup.
If you are shipping back to us, use the provided shipping materials to return the old instrument.
How much credit do I get for returning a rental outfit that I purchased and want to trade?
As long as the instrument is returned without needing touch-up or repairs, you’ll receive 100% of the value of your instrument as trade credit.
What if my rental instrument needs repair?
Please call us immediately if your instrument requires repairs. If something has broken off, please save the missing piece, as it may lower your repair costs.
Many repairs are covered under the Maintenance Plan. If you are enrolled, review the Maintenance Plan to see what repairs are and are not covered.
I live locally. Can I just come in and get a rental instrument?
You are welcome to come in to have your student sized; however, please keep in mind that the correct size instrument may not be ready the same day, and we may need to place an order.
To avoid multiple trips, we recommend confirming the correct size with your teacher and emailing your completed rental contract in advance. If you are exchanging your current instrument, please call us to place your order.
I need music and other accessories. How do I order those?
You can use the Accessories Order Form attached to the Rental Contract or note the items you need on the front page of the contract. The Rental Coordinator will contact you if there are any questions.
If I want to stop renting, what do I do?
You may return your rental instrument at any time. If shipping, follow the instructions on our Packing & Shipping page
Other Important Information
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You must be over 21 to rent an instrument.
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Avoid purchasing inexpensive “Internet” string instruments — they often fail quickly due to poor materials and assembly.
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For assistance, contact:
Ariah Deason, Rental Coordinator
Email: ariah@robertsonviolins.com
Phone: 505.889.2999 or 1.800.284.6546