Band Instrument Rental programs
We get a lot of inquiries about school band
rentals. As a leader in the field of school music,
we have definite experience with renting and purchasing programs.
In many situations, renting is a good option
for beginners. Factors such as the student's level of commitment, how well the
music program is established, and family finances may affect the decision
to rent or to buy. Having the security of repair maintenance covered
under a rental program may be a factor for some students.
ABI
maintains a rental program with student level instruments in top playing
condition. All
rentals are brand name, excellent quality instruments serviced by our repair
technicians before being issued to a customer. Basic care and maintenance
is explained to the student as time allows. Repair maintenance is covered during
the term of rental if needed.
We recommend rental of an instrument with a
limited timeframe in mind, since renting will be costlier to you in
the longrun. Making a wise purchase will significantly reduce your total
expenses over a period of time. And
it's also true that owning an instrument can be a great incentive to succeed.
Let's compare: Every hard earned dollar spent in rental charges is money above and beyond
what you spend in purchasing. (That is assuming that when you purchase, it is a
quality instrument at a greatly discounted price.) You may be unaware that
rent-to-purchase dollars do not apply towards the lowest sales prices. With
those contracts, there's a good chance you'll overspend.
ABI is built around our reputation for good service. Whether you rent or buy from us,
we will supply you with a DVD demonstrating
basic instrument care and maintenance.
Our staff of educators and music graduates will help your student gain
confidence with
their new instrument.
If you're looking for purchase price comparisons and
general information, read our section titled "Buyer's Guide"
to learn Industry insights.
Rental FAQ's
Instrument Rental:
When is that a good option?
Tell me about
ABI's rental program
Tell me about ABI's
Buy-Back Guarantee program
Can I
apply rent to purchase at ABI?
Instrument rental:
When is that a good option?
We believe that rentals are designed for the beginning student, especially one who hasn't
played a particular instrument before. Or for a new student who simply
cannot make up their mind what they want to play. In any case, rentals
should be seen as an option used for a "short term".
Consider the total costs. Many school programs have a
high retention rate and performing opportunities for students. Students
will be expected to stay in the music program for at least the school year to learn the
basics and gain confidence, and many stay on for several years. It is often
found that successful music students and high academics go hand in hand.
In contrast, some areas have music programs that are held
after school, or may last for only a short session. Renting in this situation
may be practical since there is less motivation for the student to continue. Learn what you can
about your student's program before you make a decision to rent or buy.
(Return to
rental FAQ's)
Does ABI rent band and
orchestra instruments?
Wind instruments:
Yes, we do offer rentals for
traditional school band
instruments. Our rental program consists of a limited number of well-maintained,
student level brass
and woodwind rental instruments. All rentals are brand name instruments in top
playing condition.
Two months is the minimum rental
period and then the contract becomes month to month. Rental fees include
instrument, case, and tax. Mouthpieces and accessories are
available for purchase at discounted prices. All rental agreements require a major
credit card.
Monthly rental charges for instruments
such as flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone are currently $30. Saxophones,
oboes, french horns, and harmony instruments are more expensive ranging from
$50-70.
Orchestral strings:
We do not offer string instruments in our rental program. Entry
level violins and cellos of good quality are now sold at such low purchase
prices that renting doesn't make dollars or "sense". At ABI, we allow you
to trade-up to a larger size instrument as the child grows.
An excellent entry level violin outfit, including
case, bow, fine tuners and ebony trim can be purchased for $159. Similar
student cello outfits at ABI are priced at $399 and $475.
Percussion: Educational bell kits and snare
kits are available for purchase only. Items are excellent quality, stands are
study and cases have wheels and retractable handles. A well designed
package for just over $200.
(Return to
rental FAQ's)
What is ABI's Buy-Back
Guarantee program
In response to the "common sense" buying habits
of our customers, ABI has created a
Buy-Back Guarantee program on new student
level instrument purchases.
Instruments are sold at our everyday low prices. Then,
as long as you keep the instrument past the required period of 6 months, we'll allow you the option of selling the instrument back to us . The pro-rated sliding scale is very fair (our reputation speaks for
itself) and this program is highly successful.
Since we sell only the best products
available,
and our discount pricing is among the lowest you'll find, we believe that
purchasing is often the best investment. Owning your instrument develops pride of
ownership and will help your student make a commitment to give this new interest
some quality time.
(Return to
rental FAQ's)
What about "Rent-to own"
programs?
ABI does not offer this option because it means we'd have to overcharge our
customers. Please think carefully before overspending on gimmick programs like rent to own. Sure, the monthly payments
SEEM small, but ...
Yes, we said, "gimmick". Compare
the total spent in the longrun and you will discover that possibly:
