FAQ

All Strings Attached is a specialty string shop for violin, viola, cello, and bass.  We are dedicated to providing the highest quality instruments in the Twin Cities.  From our popular rental program to professional sales instruments – we are proud to have one of the largest selections of string instruments in the state and serve musicians of all levels!

There are a couple of ways to rent an instrument.

If you know your instrument and size details, the easiest option is to complete our “Online Rental” agreement. Once we have received your rental agreement, we will set up your account and prepare your instrument, which typically takes 24-48 hours. Once your instrument is ready, we will contact you to schedule an in-store pickup or schedule a school delivery (where applicable).

If you do not know the size of the instrument, we encourage you to either contact your school teacher or visit one of our store locations so that our highly trained staff can help you determine which size is the best fit for you or your child. While here, you can fill out the rental application and you can walk out with the instrument on the same day!

It is always recommended that students be sized by a teacher or our staff due to the many variables in determining the correct instrument size (height, arm length, hand size, etc.).  If this is not possible, please refer to the “At-Home Sizing Guide” in our Rental section or select “Don’t Know” on the Online Rental form, and we will be happy to walk you through the process.  Also, don’t worry – we always provide complimentary size exchanges so we can easily switch out instruments/sizes once classes start.

Yes, all rental instruments are covered with our full maintenance and insurance program.  This covers any damage to the instrument, including loss and theft.

Yes, all of our rentals include a comprehensive Maintenance & Insurance Program (M&I), which covers any damage, including but not limited to, broken strings, bridge, bow hair, cracks, accidental damage, loss, and theft.  The M&I Program provides families with peace of mind that all issues are covered without exclusions, and includes complimentary school deliveries (where applicable).

You are always welcome to choose whichever option works best for you. However, most of our customers start by renting, especially if the student is a beginner and playing on a smaller instrument. The rental program provides flexibility of switching instruments and sizes at any time.  The instrument grows with the student and there is no cost to switch to a larger instrument.  Renting at the beginning also gives you a budget-friendly way to test the player’s long-term commitment to the instrument before purchasing.  Once the student is ready for a full size instrument, you can then use your rental credit to purchase one.

As the student grows, rather than having to buy several new instruments throughout the child’s growth period.

Yes.  For security and billing purposes, we must have a valid credit card on file for all rental instruments. If you cannot provide a credit card number, please contact us to discuss alternative options.

As the student grows, rather than having to buy several new instruments throughout the child’s growth period.

Yes.  With the monthly rental option, rental payments are processed on the same day each month. With the Annual Rental Program, you are billed once per year and receive a discount.  Annual rentals customers will receive their renewal invoice 30-45 days in advance to make any changes.  Customers are welcome to update payment/credit card information at any time.

Yes! All rentals automatically receive “Equity/Rental Credit” – this program combines the savings of a rental program with the added flexibility of using your credit towards the purchase of any instrument of equal or greater value in our shop once the student is ready.  Please see our rental brochure for details

Yes! All rentals automatically receive “Equity/Rental Credit” – this program combines the savings of a rental program with the added flexibility of using your credit towards the purchase of any instrument of equal or greater value in our shop once the student is ready.  Please see our rental brochure for details

You are always welcome to choose whichever option works best for you. However, most of our customers start by renting, especially if the student is a beginner and playing on a smaller instrument. The rental program provides flexibility of switching instruments and sizes at any time.  The instrument grows with the student and there is no cost to switch to a larger instrument.  Renting at the beginning also gives you a budget-friendly way to test the player’s long-term commitment to the instrument before purchasing.  Once the student is ready for a full size instrument, you can then use your rental credit to purchase one.

As the student grows, rather than having to buy several new instruments throughout the child’s growth period.

Yes.  For security and billing purposes, we must have a valid credit card on file for all rental instruments. If you cannot provide a credit card number, please contact us to discuss alternative options.

As the student grows, rather than having to buy several new instruments throughout the child’s growth period.

Yes.  With the monthly rental option, rental payments are processed on the same day each month. With the Annual Rental Program, you are billed once per year and receive a discount.  Annual rentals customers will receive their renewal invoice 30-45 days in advance to make any changes.  Customers are welcome to update payment/credit card information at any time.

We do recommend scheduling an appointment in advance for purchasing an instrument – please call, email or fill out the “Request an Appointment” form on our website.  We may contact you for some additional information to help prepare the right selection of instruments.  Sales appointments typically take 1-2 hours and some families invite the student’s school or private teacher to join – which is always welcome.  The goal is to narrow down the selection to one or two instruments and/or bows for a one-week complimentary trial.

Other than the “trade-in” program described above, we do not generally purchase or buy back used instruments.  The rare exception is for basses, or rare/unique instruments that would address a need in our shop’s inventory.

Please feel free to contact us or email us with instrument details and photos.  We are always available to look at the condition of the instruments, estimate repairs, and recommend some options for selling the instrument through third-party platforms such as Craig’s List, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.

Generally, we are not accepting instruments for consignment at this time.  The rare exception is for unique instruments that would address a need in our shop’s inventory.  Please call or email us and we would be happy to discuss and take a look at your instrument if this would be an option.

Yes, for any instruments that are purchased through our shop we can provide a bill of sale or an insurance appraisal.  We do not provide certified appraisals or certifications of value in other instances.  Depending on your instrument needs, we can direct you to other shops locally or international experts in the field that are certified appraisers.