Whether it's a string ensemble for classical pieces or any kind of modern genre band, guitars and stringed musical instruments form the backbone for a lot of musical performances. Guitar, violin and cello are also very effective as solo performance stringed instruments.

Whatever kind of strings you're looking for, you can find excellent distributors online. Business types might be looking for a stringed instrument purchase for situations like the following:

1. For use in any kind of performance hall where musical instruments with strings provide support for classical or modern compositions.

2. In schools, camps, conservatories or other educational institutions where guitars or other strings come in handy often.

3. For civic centers or non-profit spaces encouraging learning guitars and stringed musical instruments as part of recreation in a community.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get 'improvisational' stringed instruments like guitars and banjos

Guitars, and their cousins, the banjos and mandolins, are stock string instruments for rhythm in genres like rock, bluegrass or 'old-time' country music. Musicians use these kinds of strings, as well as plugged-in strings like electric guitar or bass guitar, for indoor or outdoor concerts or small recreational groups. If you need these kinds of instruments to re-create the sound of one of these genres, find distributors of these common rhythm instruments.

I recommend: Get guitars from a top manufacturer, Martin, through Lyons Music, a dedicated online distributor. At Stelling Banjo Works, a shop deep in the mountains of Appalachia, you can get custom banjos or other instruments, parts and accessories.

Find classical stringed instruments like violins and cellos

Other strings are more sophisticated and used primarily in concert halls, in orchestras or classical concerts. You can find these items online to outfit a school or performance space.

I recommend: Get access to a variety of quality stringed instrument sellers at Music Moz. Find more deals from US based shops for strings through the classified ads on the Internet Cello Society website.

Look for 'non-standard' stringed instruments for sale by special shops

Other strings, like dulcimers, harps or ukuleles are not traditional fare, but may be useful in a music education facility. Find deals on innovative special instruments from providers selling a wide range of stringed instruments.

I recommend: Steilberg String Instruments in Louisville, Kentucky, combines sales of dulcimers and other special instruments with more traditional options. Get custom Berg dulcimers, lap steels and more from Mountain Made Music, another great distributor of a variety of stringed instruments.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy from localized shops that make custom instruments. Generally, a purchase from a specialized stringed instruments shop is going to beat a commercial buy. Even though you're buying for business, don't make musical instrument purchases just another business decision, or you may suffer from a lack of quality in your gear.