Easy, Secure Online Rentals
Tens of Thousands of families and hundreds of local schools have chosen Williamson 1st for their band and orchestra rentals. We offer affordable, teacher-approved, brand-name instrument rentals delivered directly to your child's school.Rent Now
Rental Program FAQ's
Rent Online in 6 Easy Steps!After clicking on "Rent Now" above:
- Select your School District, School, Teacher (Band or Orchestra), and Instrument – you may choose new or used (See Differences Below)
- Confirm Selection with Red Select Button
- Select Accessories (These may be required by your director; only accessories recommended by your director are shown)
- Choose Your Delivery Method (School Delivery or Customer Pick Up-See Details Below)
- Complete Account Information (DL# not required for Accessories Only)
- Checkout. (Payment will be charged when your order is processed shortly thereafter)
Understanding the conditions of the used instrument:
- Like New: This is as it sounds. You might be able to find a blemish but there will be few and the instrument will look almost like new. In the end, you will save yourself about 20% over a new instrument.
- Pre-Rented is our most common condition as most students do practice and use these instruments. By high school, this is the condition of most of the instruments in the band or orchestra. This will not affect the playability whatsoever and will save you about 40% over a new instrument!
Understanding Orchestra instrument Levels:
- Concert Models: These are the standard instruments used for decades in our orchestra programs. Quality fully carved maple, as well as inlay purfling and all ebony fittings. Some have been upgraded to in-tailpiece fine tuners. They come with a student horsehair bow and Prelude strings.
- Symphonic Models: These are almost exclusively our custom in-house instruments with significant upgrades and only a slightly higher price over the concert models. Better aged woods and finer craftsmanship are the hallmarks of these instruments. Included are also upgraded bows and synthetic core strings. All this adds up to a significantly better-sounding instrument.
Why do you need my child's school information?
Your student's director will prefer or require certain instrument brands and supplies and there is most often a required method book. We ask your child's school to ensure you receive the correct products.
What if I can't locate my school in the school finder?
Please contact us by phone or email to let us know your school is not listed. We generally have every school listed by the district if we service the program. If you are out of our service territory but within a district we cover, please send an inquiry to info@ThornMusicCenter.com and we will reach out to you right away.
What if I don't see my instrument?
Your instrument type may not be available for rental. Please contact us should you have any questions.
Your student's director will prefer or require certain instrument brands and supplies and there is most often a required method book. We ask your child's school to ensure you receive the correct products.
What if I can't locate my school in the school finder?
Please contact us by phone or email to let us know your school is not listed. We generally have every school listed by the district if we service the program. If you are out of our service territory but within a district we cover, please send an inquiry to info@ThornMusicCenter.com and we will reach out to you right away.
What if I don't see my instrument?
Your instrument type may not be available for rental. Please contact us should you have any questions.
About the Instrument Rental Plan
Is it better to rent or to buy an instrument?
Renting requires less money upfront, while purchasing is less cost overall due to our 30% purchase discounts. Renting allows you to check the student’s aptitude and attitude, and then receive the 30% discount on the remaining balance when it is confirmed. All of the instruments we sell are nationally recognized brands that have strong resale value and can be repaired in almost any instrument repair shop. (Lower quality brands may not be repairable due to parts being unavailable or the metals are too deficient).
How long will it take to receive my rental instrument?
Delivery to School: Your instrument will be delivered to your child's school at the time and day requested by the director if you order before August 1st. Your student's instrument will be waiting for them in their band or orchestra locker. If you place your order after August 1st, we may have begun delivering to the schools and your instrument will be delivered on your school reps next regular visit. Our reps visit each campus at least once per week. During the first couple weeks of school, we make every effort to get instruments to the school as quickly as possible.
Pickup in Store: The store will contact you when your instrument is ready for pick up. Please call ahead to ensure we have your order ready at the location you want to pick it up at. Orders are generally filled, with instruments assigned, within 48 hours if the instrument is in stock. Our inventory can change quickly in the month of August so place your reservation early to guarantee your preferred pick-up date.
Do you offer Express Shipping for Instrument Rentals?
We are sorry, but we do not currently offer express shipping on rental instruments.
When is the first payment due?
Generally, the initial payment is due when the instrument is ready for picked-up or delivery. We offer a special delayed payment promotion into September when instruments are ordered early in May to July because early orders help us even the workflow. This also allows customers to receive the instrument and accessories package and make sure everything is acceptable. Call us at one of our stores or email info@ThornMusicCenter.com to ask if our delayed payment promotion is still in effect.
Does my rent go towards purchasing an instrument?
Yes. While you are renting or on a rent-to-own contract, you earn "credit" toward the purchase of either the instrument you have or another similar or higher level instrument. Generally, the purchase of a different instrument is at MSRP, less any sales discounts that may be in effect. This trade or “step-up” purchase is available for any brand we carry. Orchestral instruments earn 100% of rental payment before sales tax and maintenance towards the purchase of a step-up instrument or the largest size your student needs.
Do you offer a maintenance plan?
Repairs and maintenance are offered with a service or maintenance policy. This protection plan covers the costs of periodic repairs (playable condition) to the instrument while you are renting, including ultrasonic cleaning, pad replacements, valves/rotors/slides, and other repairs. Without the plan, you will be financially responsible for all damage to the instrument beyond normal wear and tear.
We have a decentralized repair philosophy, so most of our stores are fully equipped to handle all repairs (some newer stores are developing these capabilities).
Why do I need a credit card to rent?
A credit card is required should you order online. The card you use for the initial payment will be automatically set up on your monthly payment of the monthly re-rental of the instrument. Remember, you can return at any time without penalty, and any further payments will stop.
Do I have to pay return shipping?
No. Should you wish to return your rental instrument, please contact us for return instructions (our reps visit schools weekly and can pick it up if notified) or drop it off at one of our retail locations.
ABOUT RENTAL INSTRUMENTS & ACCESSORIES
Is my rental instrument going to be new?
You get to select, but we generally run out of used instruments every year since they rent and cost 20-40% less, and we have industry-best exchange and trade-up policies. All used instruments are run through our shops and returned to playable condition. Many of these instruments are “like new”. Student instruments are generally built sturdier than upper-level instruments to withstand beginner wear and tear. A new instrument will be subject to less frequent repairs due to normal wear and tear. We decentralize our repair facilities for quick turnaround, a goal of on the spot for small repairs and 1 week for more difficult repairs. We also have well-stocked repair shops prepared for normal maintenance parts on the national brands that we rent.
What brand will my rental instrument be?
We offer all educator-approved, major brand instruments such as Yamaha, Bach, Conn, Selmer, Jupiter, and Buffet for rental and of course our custom in-house Strings: Thorn String Shoppe instruments. You can be assured that when you rent from us, you will receive a quality instrument that meets the requirements of your school's music program.
What comes with the instrument rental?
All instruments include a protective case and requested upgrades from your director, which generally includes upgraded mouthpieces.
Orchestra instruments include a protective case, bow, (shoulder rest or rock stop), and your first standard rosin free.
How do I know what supplies and book(s) my child will need?
Our school educational reps work closely with each of their schools to ensure we have an accurate list of the items suggested and sometimes required by your director. You can find this list by going to our “Rent Now” page and select your district, school, and instrument. If you are unsure of what is required, check your director's list given to you at a parent meeting, or search for the school band website online. Most directors have a welcome letter and supply package recommendation posted for new members.
ONGOING SUPPORT FOR INSTRUMENT RENTALS
Am I able to exchange my instrument?
Yes. You may exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value throughout the life of the agreement. Contact us for details, especially in periods where we offer sales in conjunction with our vendors, generally November-December and April-May.
How do I return my instrument?
You may return the rental instrument at any time and your payments will end. Should you wish to return your instrument, please visit one of our stores, or contact us about the timing for someone to pick it up.
What if my instrument needs repair?
Should your instrument need repair, please take it to one of our stores. If you are not located close to a store location, please send an email to info@ThornMusicCenter.com for specific instructions. We will make arrangements for your school service rep to pick up the instrument and leave a loaner while we repair your instrument.
What do I do when (it will happen) my child outgrows the violin, viola, cello, or bass?
We offer free exchanges when your child is ready for a larger instrument! Please visit one of our stores, or Contact Us by phone at your desired exchange location to ensure we have the correct size in stock if you know the size.
What do I do if my instrument is lost or stolen?
Should your instrument be lost or stolen, you are generally covered (payments have to be current for this to be in effect). Please contact us immediately at info@ThornMusicCenter.com should your instrument be lost or stolen. We will need you to email a case# and a copy of the police or fire report to process your claim.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my account?
Please contact your local store first should you have any questions about your account. Please check here to find your local store and contact number. If you find you need further assistance with your account please send an email to info@ThornMusicCenter.com
What do I do if I get the wrong instrument?
Should you receive an incorrect or damaged item in shipment or school delivery, please contact your local store first. Contact us within 72 hours.
What do I do if I can no longer afford to make my monthly payments?
Please contact us if you know you will need to make a delayed payment. Our goal is to help keep every student involved in their music program. If you have any concerns on how to keep your student in the program please give us a call to see if you may qualify for our scholarship program, or reduced rate rental program. If you are not in a position to work with us then we ask that you please return the instrument and billing will stop.
What do I do if I am moving?
If you are moving, please contact us to find out if you will remain in our service territory, if so, we will update your account.
If you are moving out of state, please contact us for payoff info, or return the instrument to your local store.
How does the loyalty program work?
Our loyalty program accrues credit at the rate of 5% of each qualifying transaction. All purchases will accrue credit on your account with the exception of rental payments for instruments. You can ask for your credit balance in-store or by phone. You can save it for a big purchase or spend it on your next visit. You may also donate the credit to your school program. Please send an email to info@ThornMusicCenter.com if you would like more info on this.
Customer Service
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