Frequently Asked Questions (Rental Instruments)

Frequently Asked Questions


  • How do I rent an instrument?

    Rent from us in 5 Easy Steps!


    • Choose an instrument
    • View our Pricing
    • Get sized (if applicable), this can be done on your own or in-person with an employee from our location
    • Visit Our Location
    • Pay and Sign (currently in-person only)
  • What if I don't see the instrument I want?

    Your instrument type may not be available for rent. Please contact us at 703-660-6025 should you have any questions.

  • Is it better to rent or to buy an instrument?

    Renting is an affordable way to try an instrument without a purchase investment, and with no obligation to buy. 70% of rental payments apply towards purchase of an instrument, you can exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value, and you can return anytime. We offer special early purchase discounts exclusively available to our rental customers. Most importantly, you're assured of getting a quality educator-approved instrument, which allows the student the greatest chance of success. Borrowed instruments from family or friends may need expensive repairs to make them comfortably playable. If an instrument is not comfortable, it can deter a student from learning. Please contact us at 703-660-6025 if you have additional questions.

  • Do you offer shipping for rental instruments?

    We are sorry, but we do not currently offer shipping on rental instruments.

  • Does my rent go towards purchasing an instrument?

    Yes, while you are renting you accumulate "credit" toward the purchase of an instrument. When you are ready to purchase, please contact 703-660-6025 for specific details.

  • How long does it take to pay off my rental instrument?

    On average, it could take 36 months to pay off your instrument if you continue to make the low monthly rental payments. Please note that it could take longer or even shorter depending on the specific model that you end up renting. We usually have multiple options so make sure to check out your options in person when you come in to pick the instrument that you want to rent. If you wish to take advantage of your early purchase option, please contact us at 703-660-6025 for specific details.

  • Can I use a gift card, coupon, or Military discount towards my rental?

    The initial payment (sometimes referred to as the trial period) is already discounted from the standard monthly rate and cannot be combined with other offers. The monthly rental rates and LDW (damage coverage) rates are not discounted or prorated. See terms & conditions of the offer or coupon for specifics.

  • Do you offer a maintenance plan?

    Yes, our optional LDW (Liability Damage Waiver) plan provides worry-free coverage of essential maintenance while you are renting. LDW covers certain repairs at no charge to you unless the damage is due to your willful act or negligence, in which case our standard repair rates apply. The LDW does not include damage to finishes, cosmetic damage to cases, case feet, string breakage (after the first 14 days of rental), speakers, reeds, drum sticks and mallets, heads, bow hair, rosin, brass and woodwind mouthpiece loss, neck straps, ligature loss and caps. Mouthpiece and ligature, included with instrument at time of rental, is covered upon presentation of the broken part. ALL REPAIRS MUST BE DONE BY A COMPANY-APPROVED TECHNICIAN. The LDW is void if payments are past due.


    LDW also covers loss of or damage to the instrument due to theft or fire. For theft, you must furnish us with a Police Report showing forced entry within 72 hours of the loss. The LDW does not cover mysterious disappearance from the school band or orchestra room or lockers. Homeowner's insurance does not usually cover the instrument. Without LDW, you are financially responsible for loss, theft, damage to or destruction of the instrument.

  • Why do I need a credit card to rent?

    Rental billing is managed through EZ Pay. After the initial trial period payment, recurring rental payments will be made automatically via EZ Pay with the credit card provided. Please note, we do not send billing statements.

  • Why do I need a government ID (such as a driver's license) to rent?

    For security purposes, we verify that the name on the government ID (such as a driver's license) and on the credit card match.

  • Why are there multiple preauthorization charges on my credit card?

    Your credit card will be preauthorized (sometimes referred to as a "pre-auth") when you sign the rental agreement but will not actually be charged until your Initial Trial Period begins. For instance, if you sign a rental agreement at the beginning of the summer and your Trial Period begins with the school year in the fall, you may see multiple preauthorization charges on your credit card in the intervening months.


    The purpose of the temporary preauthorization charge is to ensure that funds are available for your monthly rental payments. It is a common practice among banks and the length of the hold can vary from bank to bank. Alexandria Music Company does not have the authority to remove the preauthorization charge. However, these holds will be removed by your local bank once the Initial Trial Period begins.

  • How do I return my instrument?

    Should you wish to return your rental instrument, please contact us at 703-660-6025 for a Return Authorization and instructions.

  • Is my rental instrument going to be new?

    Most of our rental instruments are like new. We strongly recommend renting a previously rented instrument, as they are fully shop adjusted to playing condition. This is also a great way for your child to get used to handling the instrument before they get a brand new one. The mouthpiece has been cleaned, sanitized, and sealed for your protection. Your rental payments do apply toward the purchase of a new instrument within the first year, and any instrument of equal or greater value thereafter. When you are sure your child will continue with the instrument and you are ready to purchase, please contact us at 703-660-6025 for further details.

  • What brand will my rental instrument be?

    We offer all educator approved, major brand instruments such as Yamaha, Selmer, King, and Knilling for rental. You can be assured that when you rent from us, you will receive a quality instrument that meets the requirements of your school's music program.

  • What comes with the instrument rental?

    Each wind instrument will come with a case, a mouthpiece, a ligature and cap (if needed), a single reed, and a bottle of valve or slide oil. Each percussion instrument comes with a case, stand(s), a practice pad, and sticks and mallets. Each string instrument comes with a case, a bow, and rosin.

  • How do I know what supplies and book(s) my child will need?

    The best place to start is with your music teacher. They most likely have specific recommendations regarding what items are needed for your class.

  • What is in a "starter kit"?

    The starter kit contains items that you need to get started with the instrument, such as a cleaning kit, music stand, and a name tag. The cleaning kit is like the "toothbrush" for your instrument while a music stand is critical to successful practice at home. You will save money by buying them together as a kit.

  • Are the accessories a one-time purchase or monthly expenses?

    Accessories and music books are a one-time purchase. You may need to purchase additional items if you exchange instruments. If you elect to return the instrument, you will keep the accessories and books you have purchased.

  • When will I own the instrument?

    We own the instrument until you make all rental and other payments required under this Agreement or exercise your early purchase option. Note that in some cases you may transfer 100% of the equity to another comparable instrument. Contact us at 703-660-6025 for specifics. If permitted, any applicable manufacturer’s warranty will be transferred to you at the time you acquire ownership. You may also choose to cancel the rental at anytime which will forfeit any potential ownership of the instrument.

  • How do I payoff my instrument?

    If your child is staying in band or orchestra, you may want to consider purchasing your instrument early. We offer special early purchase discounts exclusively available to our rental customers. If you wish to take advantage of your early purchase discount, please contact us at 703-660-6025 for specific details.

  • Am I able to exchange my instrument?

    Yes. You may exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value throughout the life of the agreement. Should you wish to exchange your instrument, please contact us at 703-660-6025 for specific details.

  • How do I return my instrument?

    You may return the rental instrument at any time. Should you wish to return your instrument, please visit us at 1502 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307, or contact us at 703-660-6025 for a Return Authorization and additional instructions.

  • What if my instrument needs repair?

    Should your instrument need repair, please visit us at 1502 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307, or contact us at 703-660-6025 for additional assistance.

  • What if my child outgrows the violin, viola, cello or string bass?

    We offer free exchanges when your child is ready for a larger instrument! Please visit us at 1502 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307 or contact us at 703-660-6025 when you are ready to exchange.

  • What do I do if my instrument is lost or stolen?

    Should your instrument be lost or stolen, and you have purchased LDW (Liability Damage Waiver), you are generally covered. Please contact us immediately at 703-660-6025 should your instrument be lost or stolen.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions about my account?

    Please contact us at 703-660-6025 if you have any questions about your account.

  • What do I do if I get the wrong instrument?

    If you have any reason to believe that you received an incorrect or damaged item, please contact us at 703-660-6025 within 72 hours of receiving it.

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