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Frequently Asked Questions
Rentals: General
Q. How long is my rental? +
A: This will depend on the type of rental you have.
- Rent-only contract (orchestra strings): Your contract is open-ended. Because string players start learning on fractional size instruments, they will not purchase an instrument until they are playing a full size one. The rental payment (minus the maintenance fee) accumulates for 2 years in a credit account that can be applied toward the purchase of a full size instrument later on.
- Rent-to-purchase contract (band instruments): Your contract will last as long as it will take to pay off the instrument. This can take anywhere from 1 to 5 years. You do have the option to buy out the contract early and save up to 35% off the remainder of the balance, or you may return the instrument to cancel the remainder of the contract at any time.
Q. What does the maintenance fee go toward? +
A: The maintenance fee, which is built into each rental payment, is there to cover any necessary repairs that will keep your instrument in good playing shape.
Examples: The maintenance fee does not cover egregious damage. However, it will cover an instrument that is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair. We will replace the rental instrument one time with something of equal value. If it happens a second time, your contract will be canceled. The maintenance fee also does not cover the costs of consumable items such as reeds, oils, greases, rosins, etc.
Q. How long is my instrument covered under warranty? +
A: Your rental instrument is covered under warranty the entire time you are renting from us, so long as your payments are up to date. Should you pay off your instrument early, you have coverage for two years, beginning from the starting date of your contract. For instruments delivered to school, your starting date is the date of delivery.
Q. My child is no longer playing. How do I stop my rental payments? +
A: To discontinue your rental and stop any future payments, please return your instrument. Once it is physically in the store, we can return the instrument in our system and cancel your contract. If your account is not caught up at the time of the cancellation, there will be a balance due on your account.
To return your instrument, you are welcome to bring it directly to our store in Naperville anytime we're open. We can also arrange for pickup at your child's school during the school year. Please contact us first to make arrangements so we can give you any necessary instructions specific to your district.
Q. My child’s instrument was returned to school but I am still getting charged. Why? +
A: If you are still getting charged, that means we have not yet received the instrument back at the store. You will need to find out where the instrument is in order to properly return it and stop future payments. Note that we do not have access to your child’s instrument locker or homeroom, and in certain districts we do not have access to the music room, only the front office. Your contract will only be canceled once the instrument is back at our store and returned in our system, and at that point your payments will stop.
Step-up Instruments
Q. How do I know my child is ready for a step-up instrument? +
A: Once students start playing more and have moved up to more difficult music, a step-up instrument is advised. For certain instruments like oboe, French horn, and baritone/euphonium, step-up instruments have extra keys or valves that facilitate playing advanced music and essentially are required for continuing beyond the first year or two of playing.
Consignments/Instrument Purchasing
Q. Do you buy used instruments? +
A: Sometimes. We would only buy beginner-level instruments that we can turn into rentals, and only if we have a need. If the instrument is of intermediate or better quality, we might consider it for consignment. Consignments are a 70/30 split. You will get 70% of the selling price; Ellman's will get 30%. If you have questions about an instrument you are interested in selling, contact us to see if we would consider it.