Rent the right-sized instrument the easy way, from a Helsinki workshop.
Serviced violins, violas, cellos and double basses for children and adults. We help you choose the right size, and you can swap sizes as needs change.
Choose an instrument, size and level.
Everything is available to rent, from small sizes for children to full-size instruments for adults. Each one is tuned in the workshop before it is sent out.
Or browse by price range.
Five levels, from beginner to professional.
The How Violins workshop behind the rental instruments.
Every instrument is checked, adjusted and serviced in the workshop before it is rented out.
Same craftsman, same precision. You get an instrument that sounds the way it should from the very start, and every adjustment and service is handled by the same workshop.
Later on, we also help with size changes and with finding the right instrument as the player progresses.
Renting can be the first step to an instrument of your own.
The credit is 100% of the rent you have paid, up to 50% of the value of the instrument you buy.
If the playing continues and you later want an instrument of your own from How Violins, the rents you have paid come off the purchase price under the terms of your contract.
Simple, and never on your own.
You order online, but you get an instrument serviced in the workshop, help choosing the right size, and support later on too, when it is time to move up to a bigger one.
Choose the right instrument and size.
Use the measuring guide, or get in touch if you are unsure about the size. We help you choose an instrument for a child or an adult.
Rent the instrument online.
You pay the first month's rent and a refundable deposit. We make sure the instrument is ready to play.
Collect from the workshop or have it delivered.
You can collect the instrument by appointment or have it delivered anywhere in Finland. It leaves us checked and tuned.
Measure your child's arm. You get the right size first time.
Measure the player's arm from the shoulder to the middle of the palm. The table gives a good starting point for choosing a size, and if the measurement falls between two sizes, we are happy to help.
Violin size chart
| Size | Age | Arm length |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 12 yrs or older | 61 cm or longer |
| 3/4 | 10–11 yrs | 57–60 cm |
| 1/2 | 8–9 yrs | 52–56 cm |
| 1/4 | 6–7 yrs | 47–51 cm |
| 1/8 | 5–6 yrs | 43–46 cm |
| 1/10 | 4–5 yrs | 39–42 cm |
| 1/16 | 3–4 yrs | 35–38 cm |
Measure from the shoulder to the middle of the palm, with the arm held straight out to the side.
Viola size chart
| Size | Age | Arm length |
|---|---|---|
| 16" | 14+ yrs | over 67 cm |
| 15 1/2" | 14+ yrs | 65–67 cm |
| 15" | 12–14+ yrs | 63–65 cm |
| 14" | 10–12 yrs | 59–63 cm |
| 13" | 8–10 yrs | 55–59 cm |
| 12" | 6–8 yrs | 53–55 cm |
| 11" | 4–6 yrs | under 53 cm |
The size is chosen by body length and arm length.
Cello size chart
| Size | Suzuki | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | – | 12–13 yrs or older |
| 3/4 | – | 10–12 yrs |
| 1/2 | – | 8–10 yrs |
| 1/4 | 1/2 | 6–8 yrs |
| 1/8 | 1/4 | 5–6 yrs |
| 1/10 | 1/8 | 4–5 yrs |
| 1/16 | 1/10 | 3–4 yrs |
Cello size is chosen by the seated playing position. Age gives a good starting point, and the Suzuki scale is usually one size smaller.
Double bass size chart
| Size | Age | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 14 yrs or older | over 165 cm |
| 1/2 | 11–13 yrs | 150–165 cm |
| 1/4 | 8–10 yrs | 135–150 cm |
Double bass size is chosen by the player's height. We rent sizes 1/4–3/4 for collection from Helsinki.
A. from the shoulder to the middle of the palm, with the arm held straight out to the side
Choose an instrument
Short answers.
What does it cost to start renting?
The first payment includes the first month's rent and a refundable rental deposit. The monthly price is shown in the online store before you order.
The rental deposit is refunded in full when the instrument is returned in the same condition as when you received it and all rents have been paid.
How do I know the right size?
Use the sizing guide on this page: the right size is chosen by age and arm length. You can find the sizing guide on every product page.
If the measurement falls between two sizes, we are happy to help. You can also book a time and we will help you choose the right size in our shop.
Can I change size as my child grows?
Yes. When the player grows or the need changes, we help you move to the next suitable size. Get in touch and we will arrange the change.
What is included in an instrument set?
Each instrument set comes with the instrument itself, a bow, a case and any necessary accessories, such as rosin and a shoulder rest for violins and violas.
What if the instrument is damaged?
Please notify us immediately. Maintenance required by normal wear and tear is free of charge. Do not repair or attempt to repair the instrument yourself (apart from changing strings).
If the instrument gets damaged, you are responsible for the repair cost or the instrument's replacement cost, whichever is lower.
How can I terminate the rental agreement?
The rental agreement is valid indefinitely, for a minimum of one month. You can terminate it with one week's written notice using the cancellation form.
More questions?See all frequently asked questions →
Choose an instrument and start renting.
Choose an instrument and you will see the sizes, levels and prices. You can change the size later as the player grows.
Not sure about the size?See the size guideor call044 245 1346.