It is a "rent-to-own" program. Once you have made enough payments, the instrument is yours to keep. That being said, the outright purchase price of an instrument obtained this way will be higher than other options.
Rental includes a maintenance plan. If anything breaks, you do not pay extra to fix it. If the instrument gets stolen or destroyed, you do not pay extra for a new instrument.
If your student switches instruments, money you have already paid for the rental of the first instrument can be transferred to the new instrument balance.
Buying an instrument is a big step and can be confusing. The student instrument your child started on will be sufficient throughout their school music experience. I will never suggest that you must buy a new instrument (vs. a used one) or that you must purchase an intermediate (or step-up) instrument. With that in mind, I will make the following qualifications:
Student line instrument / Beginner instrument: most music stores lease less expensive models. These instruments are made to be relatively inexpensive and relatively durable. They are not necessarily made to play with the best tone quality or to stand up to many years of intense playing. Simply put, they sometimes “wear out” or musicians “grow out” of them as they gain more experience.
Step up instrument / Intermediate instrument: These instruments are made with better quality materials and better quality control. In some cases (woodwinds), these instruments have more keys or have a bigger bore (brass--to help get a bigger sound), or are made of more expensive metals (including gold on some flutes). Some of these options are cosmetic, and some are truly beneficial. Generally, if your child is serious about band and really enjoys playing their instrument this can be an excellent option.
If you are considering purchasing an instrument I recommend the following:
PLEASE DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT FROM THE INTERNET WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR CHILD'S BAND DIRECTOR FIRST!
PLEASE DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT FROM A NON-MUSIC STORE WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR CHILD’S BAND DIRECTOR FIRST!
Some of the large discount & family stores are now selling band instruments. They are very attractively priced and have very nice looking cases. In some situations, the quality of these instruments is SO BAD that they do not play well and CAN NOT BE FIXED. You get what you pay for... a cheap disposable instrument.
If in doubt, please ask me for advice! I want every musician to be successful and I want to help you select the right instrument for your child.
With that said:
Shop around! Get as much information as you can, get the best value you can! Some choices can be found on the Helpful Links page.
Please, talk with your child's band director before you make a final decision!
Used instruments: are plentiful and CAN be an excellent value. However, as with buying a used car, the rule is “Buyer beware.”
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE--- talk to a band director or, better yet, have
a band director play-test any used instrument you are considering.
I am always willing to look at an instrument for general observations and will “play-test” the instrument for you. I can often spot potential problems and help you to avoid a “bad horn”.
In buying a used instrument, consider the following:
Quality of instrument when it was new: was this a beginner instrument or better?
Age of instrument: old is not necessarily bad.
History of instrument: How long was it played and how long has it sat? An instrument that is ten years old but was only played for 2 years may be in better condition than an instrument that is five years old and has been played for five years.
Repair history: Has the instrument had a “GPC”---Good playing condition check? Pads, wood, valves, etc., deteriorate over time and with use.
Appearance of instrument: Are there many dings, dents, or tarnish? This can be cosmetic OR the symptom of abuse and neglect.
Most used instruments will need some kind of repair to put it in the best possible playing condition.
BEFORE YOU BUY:
ALWAYS have your child play the instrument before you buy!!
They need to play with their regular mouthpiece, reeds, etc., if at all possible because different mouthpieces make a HUGE difference! Send the student into another room and have them play scales, long tones and songs they know. The idea is to get a feel for how the instrument plays and how it feels to play. Surprising your child with a new instrument could backfire!
Can you make arrangements to take the instrument to a repair person at a different store for a repair estimate and appraisal?
Can you make arrangements to bring the instrument to Mrs. Zerman for an estimate of repair and play test?
If the seller is unwilling to meet these conditions, remember: “Buyer beware!!!”