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.