• Instrument Rentals: 

    Central Bucks is working with either RUSSO Music or ZESWITZ Music to be the main vendors/resources for Instrument Rentals, repairs, and supplies for our music ensembles. 

    Please contact me  if you have specific questions about instrument rentals.  

    Supplies can also be ordered from any number of stores or online vendors.  If you aren't sure where to get your string supplies, please just reach out and ask.  

     

    Below is a list of "preferred" string instrument accessories string teachers in CB have recommended.  These are by no means the only choices,  but will give an idea of good quality equipment at reasonable market value prices.   String Accessories can be purchased through Russo or Zeswitz or can be purchased at any number of reputable online vendors, such as:  Southwest Strings or Sharmusic.  

    STRINGS

    Instrument

    Bargain

    Mid level

    advanced

    Violin

    D’addario Zyex

    Thomastik Vision or D'addario Helicore

    Thomastik Dominant   OR  Pirastro Obligato

    Viola

    Jargar Classic

    Thomastik Super-Flexible

    Thomastik Dominant OR  Pirastro Obligato

    Cello

    Jargar Classic

    Thomastik Super-Flexible

    Thomastik Dominant  or D’addario Kaplan

    Bass

    D’addario Helicore

    D’addario Kaplan

    Thomastik Dominant

     For strings listed above, make certain you get the correct size for your instrument.   If you have to make a choice for "string gauge",  MIDDLE or MEDIUM is usually the best choice for most players.   Most strings you buy will be "ball end" strings, which is the most common attachment for student strings.  If you do not know whether you need "ball end" or "loop", please ask and I will confirm with you prior to purchasing. 

    I can teach students how to change their strings themselves without needing to take their instrument to a shop.   If you buy new strings, have the students talk to me about helping to switch them out.  

    Rosin

    Instrument

    Bargain

    upgrade

    Advanced

    Violin-viola-cello

    D’addario Kaplan Dark

    Hindersine or Petz

    Kaplan Premium

    Bass

    Hindersine Bass rosin

    Petz Rosin

     Weidoeft Rosin

     

    SHOULDER RESTS

    Instrument

    Bargain

    Mid level upgrade

    advanced

    Violin

    Everest collapsible

    Kun collapsible

    WOLF Forte Primo

    Viola

    Everest collapsible

    Kun collapsible

    WOLF Forte Primo

     

    ENDPIN ANCHORS

    Instrument

    Bargain

    upgrade

     

    Cello

    Xeros cello strap

    Artino (sp10)

     

    Bass

    Xeros bass strap

     

     

     

    FINE TUNERS – violn, viola, cello (not needed for bass)

    Wittner -  all black double prong wide for full size instruments

    (most instruments come with these, but if your tuners stop working, you may need a replacement.  NOTE:  some instruments have these embedded in the tailpiece and cannot be individually replaced, if unsure, ask me to look and see)

     

    MUTES and PRACTICE MUTES

    • Any Tourte style rubber mute for all instruments
    • Any Metal style practice mute (rubber practice mutes do not work as well)

     

    Sheet Music Stand

    Any brand of Sheet Music stand is fine.  

    INSTRUMENT STANDS

    Instruments which are easily accessed are often more practiced.   To help students practice their instruments at home, we recommend having an instrument stand to allow the instrument to be "out and accessible" when at home.    Instruments in their cases are safe, but often get put into a closet or under the bed and then are not practiced as often. 

     

    STRING SWING makes many wall mounted instrument holders for all string instruments.   The instrument and bow hangs on the wall and is easily accessed (we have these at South)

    INGLES or K&M makes wonderful floor stands which allow the instrument to be out and accessible and displayed in your room.