Frequently Asked Questions

For a rental fee FROM $37.00 to $220.00 per month (depending on the instrument you select), you can start your child in the school band or orchestra. All musical instruments come with the basic accessories (ex: reed, strap, oil) and case. Fees vary on smaller violin outfits, double French horns and other background instruments.

Yes, payment can apply toward the purchase of an instrument. However, purchase is NOT required. You can rent the instrument as long as you like.

Yes, you need to rent the instrument for basically one semester (minimum 4 months).

After your initial payment, the monthly payment will be withdrawn from the checking account we have on file. No more late fees, postage, or envelopes necessary — it’s the most convenient way to make your payment.

Yes, you can send us a check or come in to one of our stores and pay cash when making a monthly payment, but please make sure it is in before the due date or your checking account on file will be drafted for payment. Your due date is printed on your contract, and is usually the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, or 25th of each month.

We prefer not to, but in some instances, we may accept a debit/credit card for payment over the phone, at our discretion. However, please note: there is a service charge incurred with each ACH withdrawal. Your payments by check have no additional fees.

Instruments that are shown in our store, as well as at scheduled band parent meetings, are available in new, like new (rental returns), or used condition. The choice is yours, based on overall cost and monthly payment. Most, but not all, of the online rental instruments have been previously rented. However, ALL “like new” and “used” instruments have gone through our repair shop and have been evaluated, tested, refurbished and sanitized. In the majority of cases, the instruments look as close to new as we can make them. All of our rental instruments have a one year warranty, and are of course subject to you and your band director’s approval. Economy (used) models, at lower price points, tend to show more wear and tear.

Absolutely. ART’S is one of the largest suppliers of musical instruments in the country. Our brand name instruments include many manufacturers: Alpha, Armstrong, Bach, Backun, Buffet, Conn, DiZhao, Eastman, Fox, Getzen, Haynes, Holton, Jupiter, King, Leblanc, Ludwig, Omega, P Mauriat, Pearl, Powell, Selmer, Shires, Soloist, Tomasi, Yamaha and more.

The main item(s) we need are your application and your checking account information for the monthly payments.

Yes. An Ed Pak typically contains a maintenance kit, your method book, and a music stand. Maintenance kits have all the items in them that help you to keep the instrument sanitary and working well. The woodwind Paks also include extra reeds. A music stand is needed for at-home practice, and your method book is used daily for lessons, classroom work and at-home practice.

All previously rented and used instruments have been evaluated, tested, refurbished and sanitized. They are in great working order and ready to rent/play.

Yes! Please call in and one of our School Service Representatives will contact you with options, information and more.

Notify us of your intention to return the instrument, and  return it one of our stores. Do NOT leave it in the band room for “automatic” pick up. Make sure that all parts (mouthpieces, case covers, accessories, etc) are included.

You are responsible for the overall care of the instrument. We do offer R&R coverage for things that might happen that are beyond the child’s control (see contract). Many repairs can be done at school (depending on our service area and the school schedule) at no cost to you by an Art’s School Service Representative.

In addition to the manufacturer’s one-year warranty, ART’S offers service on all of the instruments we sell or rent. We have an up-to-date repair shop with full-time, full-service factory/school-trained technicians. Adjustments can be made in-the-band room by an ART’S School Service Representative that calls on the school (at no cost to you, within our service area, and subject to school scheduling), or you may bring it by one of our fine in-store repair shops (where service/repair fees may be assessed). Repair personnel are traditionally available during regular store hours, six days a week.

There is no additional charge, provided the instrument that is returned to us is in good shape and complete, with all parts and accessories. There could be a higher or lower rental rate depending on the new instrument that is chosen, and there might be some sort of price adjustment if an Ed Pak is involved in the trade.

Renting the instrument gives your child the opportunity to start playing on a quality, well-adjusted instrument, so that you (and the school director) are comfortable with the choice that has been made prior to making a big purchase. There are also exchange and trade-up options available.

Yes, your child is welcome to try out the basic instruments (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin) at either a scheduled band parent meeting in your area, or in one of our stores.