Rental Frequently Asked Questions

How is the rental credit added up?

Rental credit is accumulated for up to 18 months by your monthly rent as agreed upon in your contract. Tax and Protection Plan are not accumulated. Rental credit may be used toward the agreed upon percentage per your contract.

What does the Protection Plan cover? Do most people get it?

The protection plan reduces the costs of accidental damage to your rental instrument by 60%. Strings and bow rehairs are not included in the protection plan. Example: If an instrument develops a crack while in you are renting it and the cost to repair it would normally be $500 it would only cost you $200.

Will I keep all the rental credit if I change rental sizes?

Rental credit is not affected by size change. Rental credit is, however, affected when a change in rental plan is executed to accommodate for the new rent.

Can I buy an instrument that costs exactly the amount of rental credit?

No, the rental credit may be used to pay for UP TO 50% of the purchase price of an instrument. For example, if you had $500 credit and wanted to buy a $1000 instrument you could use all of your credit and pay only $500 additional out of pocket. If on the other hand you chose to buy a $500 instrument you could only expect to use $250 of your credit, the remaining $250 you would have to pay out of pocket.

How long is the contract?

There is a 3-month minimum for all of our rental contracts. The rental contract is indefinite and will be closed when the rental is returned. Rental credit is then usable for 60 days after the instrument is returned.

Can I change grades and/or sizes with the rental?

Of course, you may change sizes at any time.

Is there a fee change sizes?

There is a fee of $20 for violin/viola and $25 for cello to change sizes. This fee does not go toward rental credit and no rental credit is lost. The charge assists in readying the instrument for the next person who uses it.

Can I trade in the one I bought for the next size instrument?

Instruments that are traded are subject to minimum reconditioning fee based on the type of instrument. Assuming there is no actual damage to the instrument, you may use the remaining equity in the instrument as a trade-in credit toward the purchase of another instrument. Instrument reconditioning fees are as follows: $250 Violin; $300 Viola; $350 Cello.

What do I do if I need to change my credit card for the rental?

Please call us at (301) 652 – 7070 to update your credit card with us. We do our best to notify you when payments are declined; however, please call us when there are changes. Additionally, please notify us of any address and phone number changes.

Is this a rent to own plan?

No, the instrument you are renting is not for sale. With so-called “rent-to-own” programs, you are forced to buy the instrument you have been renting meaning you have ZERO choice about quality or size. You rental credit may be applied toward the purchase of a step-up instrument.

Am I liable for every little mark on the instrument?

We expect some wear and tear, we make a point of noting any existing damage (major scratches, cracks, etc.) when you first rent the instrument. However, please notify us within 4 days of receiving the instrument if you notice something beyond normal wear and tear.

What do I get with the instrument?

All of our outfits come complete with a case or cello bag, a bow that has been recently serviced, and rosin for the bow. We do not provide sponges, shoulder rests, chinrest covers and other accessories along with the rental. These are personal items which you are expected to purchase separately at the direction of your teacher.

What if the instrument is damaged in shipment?

Call us immediately and we will instruct you as to how to proceed.

Do I have to buy replacement strings or get the bow re-haired?

Yes, you are expected to maintain your rental instrument as though you own it, this way good maintenance habits are developed so that when you decide to purchase a good instrument, you will already know how to care for it. Strings and bow hair should be replaced every six months for violins and violas. For cellos, the bow needs to be serviced at the same rate but the strings will typically last a year. Please remember that if you return an instrument that has not been recently serviced, you will be expected to pay for any upkeep that is needed to make it ready to go to the next player.

Is the contract automatically charged to my credit card?

Yes

When will I be automatically billed each month?

Charges are processed during the course of the month. Please call for more information about billing.

Can I use some of my rental credit towards any Suzuki or ASTA event?

Yes, you may use rental credit to pay for up to half of the cost of tuition for any approved Suzuki or ASTA event. Please call us for more information.

Is closing my rental at the end of the school year the best plan if I think my player will play again next year?

You are welcome to return your rental if you will not be using it for several months, however any rental credit you have accumulated will only be usable for 60 days after the return. If you return to rent, a new contract will be started.

How do I know what size my player is? How do I know when he/she needs the next size?

We are glad to give you our opinion on sizing any time. Often times the teacher will recommend when it’s time for a size-change.

When is the best time to purchase?

We feel the most effective way to apply your rental credit is when you are changing form one size to the next. Most children over the age of 6 years will be in each size for about a year and a half. The teacher is usually the one who will let you know that your child has grown enough to consider the switch. Whether you have been renting for just six months or over two years, the time to purchase is when you switch sizes.

What if the child wants to switch instruments?

Again, this is a discussion for the teacher to resolve. We stand ready to help but always defer to the teacher’s opinion.

What happens if my account becomes past-due?

There is an 18% late fee each month for unpaid rent. We do our best to notify you when we are unable to take a payment, but it is the responsibility of the client to inform us when there are changes. If the rental account remains delinquent for 4 months, the account will be referred to a collection agency where further fees will incur.

What are the differences between the three categories of rental?

We like to offer people a choice. The “Standard” is by far the most popular with the private teaching community, while the “Premier” is really for students who are a bit more advanced and need a “step up” instrument for more challenging repertoire. The “Economy” level is provided for people who are interested in an inexpensive way to get started without a big financial commitment.