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Music Instrument Rentals FAQ
At Lamorinda Music, we’re proud to offer the area’s best 100% rent-to-own program, featuring only top-quality brands recommended by local music educators. Whether you’re renting your first flute, upgrading to a better violin, or starting on saxophone for concert or jazz band, we make the process simple, affordable, and fast. This FAQ answers the most common questions so you can arrive prepared, leave confident, and start making music right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the rent-to-own program work?
Each monthly rental payment applies toward the purchase price of the instrument. Once the balance is paid, it’s yours to keep. Most instruments pay off in about three years. You can pay off the balance early and save 20% off the remaining balance. If you rent it all the way to final ownership, you will have paid 20% more than buying it today.
Q: What is included with my rental?
Your rental includes the instrument, a protective case, and basic starter accessories. Woodwind rentals come with 3 free reeds.
Q: Do you offer short-term rentals?
Our standard rental program has a three-month minimum. You will pay for the first three months when you rent the instrument, and then the monthly payments start at the beginning of month 4. You can return the instrument before the three months are up, but there are no refunds.
Q. Can I switch instruments later?
We do allow for moving to a larger instrument and we will carry your equity forward. This is important for strings (violin, viola, cello, bass) because the size changes as the student/renter grows. For band instruments, you can exchange a student model for a "step-up" instrument or a smaller (e.g. clarinet) for a larger (e.g. alto sax) and we will carry forward the equity.
Q. What happens if the instrument is damaged?
You are responsible for any damage to an instrument when it is out on rent. We do offer an optional maintenance plan that covers any damage, including theft.
Q. Can I do the rental online, or do I come into the store?
You can fill out an online rental request form, which will allow us to pre-enter your information and make the rental process go more quickly, but all instrument rentals are done in-store. If time is a factor, we can do most of it on the phone before you come in to pick up the instrument.
Q. Are your rental instruments new or used?
We offer both new and well-maintained used instruments for rent. The rent-to-own will be on that exact instrument you are renting. Many people perfer to rent a used instrument because we maintain them to an excellent quality standard and they are slightly cheaper to rent and to eventually purchase. Note that availability of used instruments may vary during peak rental season.
Q. What if you run out of the instrument I need?
We keep large quantities in stock, but if we temporarily run out, we can put your name on a waiting list and give you a call when it is available, though sometimes the manufacturers we work with run out as well. We suggest renting an instrument early in the rental season (e.g. last couple of weeks in August) if possible and not waiting until mid or late September when the selection may be limited.
Q. Do you rent step-up instruments?
Yes, we rent step up band and orchestra instruments, as well as step up guitars and digital pianos. Prices vary, but they all follow our same rent-to-own model. If you've been renting a student model of the instrument, we will carry forward the equity if you want to start rening the step-up version.
Q. How much does a rental instrument cost?
Following is the monthly rental cost of high quality student instruments:
Monthly Rental Rates - Student Series:
* Used selection may have limited availability
We also rent step-up Band and Orchestra Instruments. Call for availability.
You must maintain the instrument in good working order. You will be responsible for maintenance and repair costs for any issues beyond normal wear and tear unless you have the Maintenance Plan.