Frequently Asked Questions

These are the most common questions about instrument rental at RentalInstrument.com. Don’t see an answer? Feel free to contact us.

Do you have any rent to own options?


Yes, our brand new band instruments qualify for our Rent Three Years – Keep for Life option! Our Violins and Violas qualify for our 24 month Rent to Own option, where you can apply your rental fees for up to 24 months, excluding insurance and money paid for repairs and damages. For Cellos, we have a 12 month Rent to Own option where you can apply your rental fees for up to 12 months, excluding insurance and money paid for repairs and damages.

How clean are your instruments?

We offer brand new band instruments that are brand new and germ free, as well as used instruments that have been completely sanitized and refurbished to like-new condition.

What brand of instruments do you rent/sell?

All of our instruments are custom manufactured by Rental Instrument, LLC. Each instrument was designed and built under owner Kenneth Kuo’s specifications to ensure that you get only the best.

How do payments work?

We have a few different payment options.

Option 1: Pay the total amount by credit card or check for 10 full months.

Option 2: Pay by credit card on the payment plan which is broken into 3 payment periods. Due to free rental in July and August, to encourage practice, the rental year is broken into one 4 month payment and two 3 month payments made in September, January and April.

Option 3: By special request only: Pay by credit card monthly, which excludes those using the First Time Rental Special option.

Can you explain the labels you use for your string instruments?

White Label instruments are recommended for beginner students. These instruments are extremely durable with scratch-resistant varnish to withstand accidental bumps and drops that might come from younger hands. The strings are lower and softer for easy playability.

Black Label instruments are recommended for advanced players. These instruments are carefully designed and constructed with aged wood, creating a more sophisticated sound.

Euro, Silver, and Gold Labels, available on certain instruments, are recommended for professional or more serious musicians. The tonal quality and musicality of these instrument rival those played by professional musicians.

Why is my credit card information required?

A valid Mastercard or Visa card number is required for automatic renewal of your rental every 3 months, as well as for security purposes for those choosing to pay by check. This information establishes the fact that you have a credit history. Signing your rental agreement and supplying the credit card information gives us the right to charge your credit card for any unpaid overdue balances.

How do you deliver?

We deliver nationwide to your door through insured FedEx or UPS, and can deliver instruments throughout the year, with our busiest time being in the beginning of the school year (late August to early September). We are also glad to offer pickup or delivery directly to your home or school throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut and New York, New York. Those who wish to have an instrument in time for the school year should contact us in the first two weeks of August to reserve your instrument for delivery or pickup.

What are your operating days?

Our office is open Mondays through Fridays and fully prepared to address any problem with your rental instrument, no appointment needed. If we ask to hold on to your instrument for repair, we can provide a complimentary loaner of equal quality.

Do you do instrument repairs?

We offer repairs on all instruments and can service the needs of both student and professional musicians with the utmost attention. We perform all kinds of repair service, from minor adjustments to major restorations. Repair costs reflect a reasonable fee based on the required or requested adjustments, the quality of the instrument, and your specific needs. Contact us for a free estimate.

Do you offer insurance?

Insurance coverage for any rental instrument can be purchased starting at $4.00 per month for violins and violas, $6.00 per month for cellos.

Without insurance, the renter takes full responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to the rented instrument. In the case of theft or loss, the renter would be charged the retail replacement value of the instrument. In the case of damage, all repair work would be done by RentalInstrument.com and the cost of repair will be charged to the renter’s credit card.

What do I do if my instrument is damaged?

All instruments rented from us must be repaired by RentalInstrument.com ONLY. Damage of the instrument is covered under insurance up to the retail replacement value of the instrument, after which the instrument will be considered a “total loss”. HOWEVER, insurance will NOT cover damage or loss caused by the mishandling, abuse or neglect of the instrument.

Some examples of accidents our insurance DOES cover:

  • I was playing my violin in class and another student bumped into me and knocked it out of my hands.”
  • “I slipped on some ice and landed on my cello.”
  • “Somebody broke into my house and stole my instrument.”(these cases must be accompanied by a police report within 24 hours of the incident)
  • “My house was on fire and the viola was in there and it burned.”
  • (these cases must be accompanied by a police report within 24 hours of the incident)

Examples of what our insurance DOES NOT cover:

  • “I was playing “swordfight” with my clarinet/ flute with a fellow classmate.”
  • “I accidentally ran over my son’s cello with the car.”
  • “My dog chewed on my bow.”
  • “I left my instrument at school and somebody took it.”
  • “I was angry and took it out on my instrument.”

We do not cover negligence. We understand that accidents can happen everyday to anyone and everyone. We don’t like to nickel and dime our students for scratches, dents or other minor accidents. Our main goal is simply for kids to enjoy their instrument and have fun with it! Repairs are very costly, and can cost a minimum of $75 an hour. We ask that you take the best care with your instrument. The better the care, the longer you will have your instrument. RentalInstrument.com is responsible for any manufacturing defects or malfunction.

Can I exchange my instrument?

Should your child require or desire a different size instrument, his or her instrument can be exchanged at any time at no extra fee, should the desired instrument be available.