Musical instruments: Buying vs. Renting |
Posted: August 25, 2017 |
Renting a musical instrument can provide a number of benefits over purchasing – but there is also a point where the requirement to purchase a musical instrument far outweighs the rental. Music instrument rental is generally something that a student should consider, particularly when starting to learn how to play that instrument. From a financial standpoint, renting can make good sense. For example, a young student who has developed interest in an instrument should have an opportunity to become acquainted with that instrument before committing to a purchase. This stands to reason since a new student might not know if they’re going to like or proceed in a course of study with that instrument. Many great musical careers have started this way, where a player who started on one instrument later changed to something altogether different. Renting a musical instrument offers a number of benefits. Gaining familiarity with an instrument before purchase is perhaps the key benefit of renting. It allows any music student, young or old, to try that instrument without much of an obligation. For students who are involved in school music band programs, rentals provide an inexpensive way to get the student going; and without any major financial outlay. A student’s skill and level of interest will ultimately determine the decision to buy. For parents or any new learner who’s footing the bill, renting can be a smart way to begin. There are also other incentives to renting. Music rental programs with reputable dealers tend to have insurance policies that cover any required repairs to the rented instrument. Plus, most rentals are inexpensive and rental plans tend to be short-term, so there’s very little commitment on behalf of the person doing the renting. But no matter whom the student might be; attention must be paid to the rental agreement. Renters are advised to understand terms such as liability for loss or damage to the instrument as well as whether or not there is an option for rent-to-own. One of the challenges with rentals, however, can involve finding an instrument of good sound and quality. Poorly-made and cheaper instruments will only hinder a student’s learning, and can quickly diminish any desire to continue. In addition, some instrument rentals are either not clean or may be damaged. With a reputable dealer, mind you, these are not normally issues since good music stores tend to clean and repair instruments before re-renting those instruments. There does come a point when renting simply doesn’t fulfill the needs of the musician; and this can easily apply to budding young musicians. Ownership of an instrument brings with it a world rich with blessings and benefits. Instruments are very personal things. As you continue to play and get to know your instrument, you develop a sort of intimate relationship with the instrument; you understand the subtleties of the instrument, much in the same way it seems to understand you. There is a kind of mutual understanding between instrument and player – and this is why so many players develop that feeling of “oneness” with their instrument. Admittedly, this can sometimes happen with a rental, too, and it is often in such a case that a player will then choose to buy that rental instrument. A bit of advice about purchasing: Purchasing an instrument is often a major step, and it may take time to find the right instrument. Violinists, pianists, and guitarists are all well-known for their thorough and meticulous nature when looking for a new instrument. Purchasing tends to require this kind of vigilance, but it can be a very enjoyable experience, too. For young music students, it’s advisable to enlist the help of a music teacher or other reliable third-party musician to help determine what the best choice of instrument is for a particular student. To conclude, a young student will need to learn about the responsibility that goes with purchasing an instrument. This kind of responsibility can also begin with a rental. But whatever the decision, whether to rent or buy, always focus on the sound and quality of the instrument in addition to terms of the rental and/or purchase agreement as well as the reputation of the music store.
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