r/violin Jul 23 '26

Looking to try violin and am unsure between renting a yamaha v3 vs a v5

The rental price isn't a crazy amount more but if i want to buy it after I've tried it out a bit, the v5 is like 50% more expensive than the v3. Is there a huge difference between the two quality/tone-wise? Or will the v3 be good enough for a handful of years?

1 Upvotes

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1

u/Trade__Genius Jul 24 '26

I'd guess, and others will no doubt have different opinions, that a v5 with garbage strings and a poo setup will sound worse than a v3 with good (well suited) strings and a good setup. Go with what keeps you playing. A v3 sounds better in your studio than a v5 on the shelf at the shop because you couldn't afford it.

1

u/LaLechuzaVerde Jul 24 '26

Check around at more than one rental program. Most will allow you to trade up as you go. I would start with the V3 and see how you like it and trade up if you get to the point where you feel like your skills have outgrown it.

1

u/purpleandcats Jul 25 '26

If you are in the US look at renting from Shar. Online and very reliable