FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - BAND RENTALS

WILL ALL MY RENT APPLY TO THE PURCHASE OF THE INSTRUMENT?
Yes. Plus, you will have the option of purchasing the instrument at an additional discount during the first 12 months. But, if you aren't ready to purchase then, you may continue to rent.

CAN I RENT FOR A WHILE AND LATER PURCHASE THE INTRUMENT AT A DISCOUNT?
You may pay the instrument in full at anytime during the first 12 months of the contract and take a 20% discount on the outstanding balance of the instrument.

CAN I LEASE AN INTRUMENT FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR FOR A FLAT RATE?
We do not offer a school year lease plan.  The school year lease is a poor choice for the consumer and is even worse for the band program!  Although you can participate in our rent-to-own plan and return the instrument at any time providing rent is paid up to date, we do not offer a school term lease at a flat rate.  The school year lease is not in the best interest of the band program, and some directors are opposed to it for the following reasons:

1)      There is little incentive to continue in band when the instrument is collected at the end of the school year, which greatly increases dropout rate.

2)      Older or lower quality instruments are commonly found in these types of plans due to the lower cost. 

3)      Parent may be less likely to encourage the student to continue since there is little investment toward the instrument. 

Consider our buyback plan instead.  If your child does not continue beyond the trial period, you will have less money invested with the buyback plan.  If they do continue, as most students do, you already own the instrument at the sale price.

WHAT IF MY CHILD WANTS TO SWITCH INSTRUMENTS? 
The student will need several weeks just getting comfortable with the instrument. A change may put them farther behind the other students. However, if your teacher suggests a switch, or if the original instrument is just not going to work out, you may return it and rent a different instrument. 

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH INSTRUMENT IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?
It is important that your child selects an instrument that appeals to them!  Although Bandland or your band director may recommend an instrument that “fits” your child the best, few children will continue to play an instrument that they do not like. Hopefully, they will like the recommended instrument, and will surely advance more quickly on one they are well suited for.  If the student is initially undecided, we recommend taking an extra few days, if necessary, to be as sure as possible before renting/purchasing.

CAN I BUY MY CHILD’S INSTRUMET OUTRIGHT INSTEAD OF RENTING?
Yes, BANDLAND’S “Buyback” option is perfect for the parent who wants to purchase the instrument at a special discount, but still has the opportunity to return it if the child loses interest.  This plan applies to most new, demo, or used band instruments. With this plan, you buy the instrument in full at the discounted price, and have 90 days from purchase date to return the instrument and receive back all except the cost of 2 months of rent.

HOW DOES YOUR BUYBACK OPTION WORK?
This plan applies to most new, demo, or used band instruments. With the buyback plan, you buy the instrument in full at the discounted price, and have 90 days from purchase date to return the instrument and receive back all except the value of 2 rental payments.  This is the least expensive way to purchase an instrument, and still have a return option.

WHAT ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTS I SEE FOR SALE ON THE INTERNET AND EBAY?Unfortunately, in an attempt to save money, people are purchasing poor quality instruments on the internet that may not be useable in the school band programs.  We monitor instruments sold on eBay, and find that over 90% of those available in auctions are inferior quality brands.  Please see a qualified band instrument store or your band director before shopping on the internet, especially if you have little experience in this confusing market.  Please see our article regarding band instrument quality on this Web site.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT AN INSTRUMENT? 
Please refer to: https://www.bandlandmusic.com/t-rtoinfo.aspx

DO YOU RENT STEP-UP AND PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENTS? 
Yes.  We have a similar rent-to-own plan for these instruments.  Please see our “Step Up to Professional Instruments” on this Web site or ask a Bandland associate for more information

HOW MANY MONTHS BEFORE I AM PAID IN FULL? 
Length of contract depends on total price of the instrument, as well as which plan you choose at the end of the trial rental.

I CANNOT AFFORD TO RENT OR PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT. CAN MY CHILD STILL BE IN THE BAND? 
Please check with your band director to see if they know of an available instrument. 

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?  We do not offer insurance nor do we make any insurance charge. Your homeowner's policy may cover the instrument.  We recommend registering the model number and serial number with your agent...check with your insurance agent regarding coverage.

HOW MUCH DOES SERVICE COST? 
Providing your account is up to date, there is no charge for routine service while the instrument is on rent from Bandland.  There may, however, be a repair charge in the event of neglect or excessive damage to the instrument.

DO YOU RENT BOTH NEW & RECONDITIONED INSTRUMENTS? 
We rent both New and Demo instruments, and we sell New, Demo and Used/Reconditioned instruments.  All instruments are quality name brand instruments from nationally known manufacturers. 

DO YOU RENT OR SELL RENTAL RETURN INSTRUMENTS? 
Yes, rental return instruments have normally been used in a 2-month trial rental. They are referred to as “Demos” or "Rental Returns" because initially they were New and we received them back from the customer as the student either discontinued band, or decided to play a different instrument.

• These instruments are in excellent condition with only minor finish blemishes.
• Each instrument is completely cleaned, adjusted and shop tested to perform as new.
• Each instrument carries a new warranty and guarantee and has been reduced in price.

WHAT BRANDS DO YOU SELL? 
Our company sells only quality, nationally known, name brand instruments.

We are an authorized dealer for Selmer, Bach, Conn, Omega, Soloist, Holton, King, Armstrong, Artley, Vito, LeBlanc, Jupiter, Ludwig, Pearl and several others.

WHAT IF MY CHILD QUITS BAND? 
You have the option of returning the instrument and canceling your contract anytime during the rental period, providing payments are up to date.

IF I RETURN THE INSTRUMENT, DO I GET A REFUND?
Rent is not refundable.  When an instrument is returned, it is serviced, cleaned and shop adjusted, as well as reduced in price, which is why no refund is available.

WHAT SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED? 
Case and mouthpiece are provided with all band instruments, as well as accessories that are commonly provided with new instruments.  

WE ALWAYS PAY IN CASH AND DO NOT HAVE CREDIT REFERENCES NECESSARY TO RENT FROM BANDLAND.  ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS? 
Our buyback plan is perfect in this situation.  This plan applies to most new, demo, or used band instruments. With the buyback plan, you buy the instrument in full at the discounted price, and have 90 days from purchase date to return the instrument and receive back all except for the value of two rental payments.

HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD HAVE BAND CLASS IN SCHOOL?
Although it varies by school, most first year students have band 1 to 3 times per week.  By middle school, many children will have band everyday!

HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CHILD SHOULD CONTINUE WITH BAND?
It is important that the parent encourage the child to stay with the instrument even during difficult and frustrating times that can occur during those first few months.  The trial period gives the parent an opportunity to monitor the child’s progress and interest level.  Anything worth doing can come with some risk, however parental encouragement can go a long way in helping a child being successful with an instrument.  It may also be a good idea to consult the band director.

I PURCHASED AN INSTRUMENT ON THE INTERNET AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS VERY POOR QUALITY.  NOW WHAT?
Check the company’s return policy.  Many people shop Online thinking they can trust the seller and save money at the same time.  Auction sites are misleading with the descriptions of instruments.  If no brand name is listed, this is never a good sign.  Many of the inferior quality instruments are advertised as “Educator Approved,” or “Professional Silver Trumpet,” or “Silver Marching Band Trumpet,” etc.  Not only is the product inferior, but there are rarely parts or service available after the sale.  Please see a qualified band instrument store or your band director before shopping on the internet, especially if you have little experience in this confusing market.  Please see our article regarding band instrument quality on this Web site.

I PURCHASED AN INSTRUMENT FROM A WELL-KNOWN DEPARTMENT STORE AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS VERY POOR QUALITY.  NOW WHAT?
Return it for a refund.  Several department stores have discontinued selling band instruments due to so many being returned by disgruntled customers.  Some people obtain instruments from these stores, thinking they can trust the quality of the product and save money at the same time.  Unfortunately, some department stores are selling low priced instruments in attempt to hook the impulse buyer or bargain hunter.  Not only is the product inferior, but there are rarely parts or service available after the sale  Please see a qualified band instrument store or your band director, especially if you have little experience in this confusing market.  Please see our article regarding band instrument quality on this Web site.