How To Rent or Buy and Instrument?

When choosing an instrument for your child, it is important to remember that they will have a better chance of success if they have a well-adjusted, quality-made instrument. This does not mean that you have to buy (or rent) the most expensive instrument, but you will help their chances of success if you stay with the quality brand-name instruments. So many of the lower priced instruments are so poorly made that even a good musician could not play them. Imagine your child's chances of succeeding on an instrument like this. They will think that the reason they cannot play is because of their lack of skill, when actually the problem is with the instrument.

Another reason it is best to get a brand-name instrument is that the lower-priced imports (usually from China, Taiwan or Czechoslovakia) have no parts distributors in the United States. This makes them difficult (more expensive) and sometimes impossible to repair. Even though these instruments appear to have a lower up-front cost, you will end up with an instrument that will be frustrating for your child, have maintenance problems for you, and in the end will have almost no resale value.

Rent to own plans are an affordable way to start your child in instrumental music. Most plans have many options available. If your child enjoys playing the instrument and continues to have an active interest, most or all of the rent you have paid will apply to the purchase of the instrument. Many plans also have a step-up option allowing you to apply your rent credit from a used instrument to the purchase of a new one. However, if your child decides the instrument is not for them, then you have only invested a few month's rent as opposed to purchasing an instrument.

Some "rent-to-own plans" are better than others. The following information will help you make a better decision: Questions to ask when shopping for rentals.

1. Does the store rent quality student-model instruments? (Stay with the quality brand-name instruments on the supplied list)
2. Does all or part of your rent apply to purchase? (The more the better)
3. Is free maintenance for normal wear and tear problems part of the rental agreement? (It's better for you if it is)
4. Does the store carry their own contracts with their own inventory or are they a middleman for another company? (It's better for you if they carry their own contracts)
5. Does the store allow you to apply your rent credit to purchase a step up (or for string players a next size up) instrument? (It's better for you if they do)

How to buy a new instrument

1. Stay with the quality brand-name instruments on the supplied list.
2. Ask about the warranty and if there is a free extended warranty supplied by the dealer.
3. You will actually save money if you learn not to think in terms of price only.

While price will always be a factor in your decision, remember that the instrument will cost you more than just the purchase price. The instrument will need maintenance. The quality of the product, the dealer's warranty and the instruments resale value will determine your true overall cost. Consider the reputation of the dealer. Their ability to provide you with service and honest information regarding products is worth more than a few dollars one way or the other. Also, Internet and catalog purchases may appear a better deal but will cost you more when dealing with repair and warranty issues (shipping costs, lost use time of instrument, etc.)

REMEMBER! IT'S NOT WHAT YOU PAY FOR SOMETHING,
IT'S WHAT IT COSTS YOU THAT COUNTS!

How to buy a used instrument?

1. Stay with the quality brand-name instruments on the supplied list.
2. Many used instruments may need expensive repairs to put them in playing condition. Ask the seller to let you take the instrument to a qualified repairman for evaluation. If the seller is not willing to do this, then you should not buy it. It is reasonable for the seller to ask for a small deposit or some kind of ID as security for letting you do this.
3. Many music stores have (near new) used instruments in very good condition that are sold with warranties.

If this sounds right for you and your child then let's move on to...