Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass Rental and Lease
A Popplers string lease gives an orchestra student a correctly sized violin, viola, cello, or double bass—educator-approved, shop-adjusted, and on a month-to-month plan where 100% of payments apply toward ownership. As the student grows, you move to the next fractional size instead of buying a new instrument every year. Popplers Music has served the region since 1909 and carries Eastman strings for beginners through advancing players. Start with the lease-to-own pillar or the online lease form.
Which string instruments can you rent from Popplers?
- Violin — strings shop
- Viola
- Cello — cello catalog
- Double bass — named on the lease, sizing guide, and Peace of Mind plan
The strings shop merchandises violin, viola, and cello. Double bass is part of the school lease and sizing program, including fractional sizes for younger players.
Can you rent each orchestra instrument?
Can I rent a violin for school orchestra?
Yes. Violin is the smallest, highest string and the most common orchestra start. Fine motor skills and ear training develop quickly if the instrument is the right size. Rent a play-tested student violin with bow, case, method book, and stand on Popplers’ lease-to-own plan. Do not guess size from age—see sizing below.
Can I rent a viola?
Yes. Viola is slightly larger than violin, with a deeper, warmer voice. It often plays inner harmony. Directors frequently need violas more than extra violins. If the student likes harmony and a warmer sound, ask the orchestra teacher before defaulting to violin. Sizing still uses fractional through 4/4.
Can I rent a cello?
Yes. Cello is played seated, with a wide range that covers melody and bass. Cases are larger; plan transport. Monthly payment is usually higher than violin. Popplers stocks Eastman and other student-through-professional cellos. A correctly sized cello protects posture. Teens typically move to 4/4; younger students use fractionals.
Can I rent a double bass?
Yes. Double bass is the largest, lowest string—foundation in orchestra and common in jazz. Popplers’ sizing guide describes fractional basses (1/16 through 3/4) for younger players and 4/4 for teens and adults. Confirm school storage. Call the shop before you click “bass” on the form.
Why sizing comes before the lease
A violin that is too large hurts the left shoulder and wrecks intonation. Popplers sizes young players from 1/16 through 3/4 and teens/adults at 4/4 (full size), based on height and arm length—not birthday. The right method is a teacher measurement or in-store sizing at Grand Forks or Sioux Falls. Read the Introduction to Orchestra and Instrument Sizing Guide before you select violin on the form. Mid-year growth: ask for the next size. The six-month exchange and lease-to-own path are built for that.
Violin vs. viola vs. cello vs. bass
| Instrument | Best first fit | Lease note |
|---|---|---|
| Violin | Most beginners; smaller case | Easiest first lease. Plan on size changes. |
| Viola | Harmony / warmer sound | Directors often need violas. Ask first. |
| Cello | Can transport a larger case; sits to play | Higher monthly payment. Sizing still required. |
| Double bass | Director need; also jazz | Confirm school storage. Fractionals exist. |
What a string lease includes
Instrument and bow, required accessories, method book, music stand. Name-brand, new or used, shop-adjusted, play-tested. 100% of monthly payments apply to ownership. Return any month. Exchange in the first six months (violin to viola, or a different size). Early purchase discount in the first 18 months. Many families later apply 85% of lease payments to an intermediate Eastman or similar in the strings catalog.
Peace of Mind covers body, pegs, fine tuners, tailpiece, chin rest, bow, bridge, case, open seams, bow rehair, and string replacement as needed, plus a loaner. Rosin is not covered. Unaffiliated shop work can void the plan.
Where orchestra leases go
- North Dakota — Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Minot
- South Dakota — Brandon Valley, Canton, Harrisburg, Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Catholic, Sioux Falls Christian, Tea
- Minnesota — Bemidji, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Grand Rapids
- Iowa and Nebraska — George-Little Rock, Orange City (MOC-Floyd Valley), Rock Valley, Sibley-Ocheyedan, West Lyon, Newcastle NE
Band instead of orchestra? Woodwinds, brass, percussion.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a violin instead of buying one?
Yes. A violin rental at Popplers is lease-to-own: a sized, play-tested instrument, method book, and stand. 100% of monthly payments apply toward ownership. Return any month if the student leaves orchestra.
What size violin or cello should I rent?
Young children typically need 1/16 to 3/4 based on height and arm length. Teens and adults usually need 4/4. Have the teacher measure, or visit Grand Forks or Sioux Falls. Do not guess from age. Use the sizing guide.
Do you rent cellos and double basses?
Yes. Cello is in the strings shop and on the school lease list. Double bass is in the lease, sizing, and maintenance program, including fractional sizes. Confirm school storage before leasing a bass.
What if a peg slips or a string breaks?
Peace of Mind covers tuner problems, string replacement as needed, bow rehair, open seams, and other necessary string repairs, plus a loaner. Do not have an unaffiliated shop work on a leased instrument.