Question on instrument options for new music student..

I seemed to have lost the fact sheet from ER regarding instrument rentals for music class (6th grade). Anyone have any feedback regarding buy vs. rent, or recommend a local shop to purchase/rent from?

Will be needing a clarinet this year...

many thanks

 

Rent it unless you are positive that they will be playing it ore then 2 years. Most of the students start with band in 6th and then leave it by 8th.
We rented a Clarinet from AA music in Brambleton. We got the warranty with it so that when ever we had an issue they simply gave us a replacement instrument and sent ours out to be fixed. They were super easy to work with and they have a rent to own program. If I remember correctly the rent to own would have run me about $250 more then purchasing it out right.

Staci

 

I would search on craigslist, there are 46 listing right now for clarinets. I would compare the rent cost with the cost of buying one, after your child is done with it, you can sell it to someone else and get some of your money back. I bought one of the drum kits that is needed for my aspiring John Bonham. If his sister doesn't want it in a couple of years then we will sell it to the next Neil Peart.

Good luck

 

We have a gently used flute that we would be willing to sell if someone is in need. My daughter used it for 3 years and decided that she was done this year (she is going into 8th grade). :/

Purchase price was $600. I would sell for $250.

Wish I could help you on the clarinet- we had one of those too, but gave it to a friend for her child to use.

 

I found the rentals to be significantly more expensive than purchasing the instrument, although it was difficult to compare as the rental places were not very willing to tell me what brand/model instrument they would be renting, or telling me what it would cost to purchase it after a year of renting!

I was able to purchase the same flute (fluteworld.com), for about the same price as 1 1/2 years rental cost, but without the benefit of the insurance program. Assuming we can sell it if she quits, it seemed a better way to go.

I was pretty turned off by the rental process.

 

I also have a full sized violin for sale. As with others, did the rent to own. Paid it off 3 months after my daughter stopped playing it.

Purchase price was $800. I would sell for $400.

 

awesome, thanks for everyones input.

 

Sorry to bring back such an old thread but I am going through the same sets of questions. My son wants to play Trombone (joy) and so when is the best time to rent? Should I be looking for a rental now before school starts so I have better selection to rent? And what options are there to rent - which places?

Any other advice? thanks