Commonly
Asked
Rental Questions
Please note
that all rental instruments through the Royal Academy are
provided by ConBrio. Both companies warranty and back
up your instrument.
Starting a rental contract
through Con Brio at the Royal Academy is
easy. You can visit us at any of our store locations or
just download and printout the appropriate contract
forms
on this page or site. Fill the form out completely
and either drop it off or mail it to Con Brio with your
payment. In conjunction with our School Servicing
program, if the band student attends a school that we
service, ConBrio will personally take your instrument
to your school for you where it will be ready for you to
pick up on your first day of school. Otherwise, the
instrument will be available for pick-up at the most
convenient Royal Academy locations for you.
Your instrument rental is also available for you to
purchase under our Rent To Purchase Plan. Your monthly
rental payments minus the Instrument Protection Plan
maintenance fee and tax are applied toward the value of
your rental.
Why
Rent As Opposed to
Purchasing?
Because most parents are hoping to see whether or not
their child will enjoy taking lessons on a particular
instrument, it can be quite costly to just go out and
invest in a new Violin or Saxophone. Although
there may be some pretty good deals out there and though
most rental stores and music stores try to hook parents
on renting, the end result is, they all want to see you
purchasing a more expensive instrument down the
road.
An important reason to rent is many instruments
such as violin's, cello's, guitar's, bass', etc have a
variety of sizes for children through adults. It simply
does not make sense to purchase all these sizes as they
grow. The only time is makes sense to purchase is when
they reached a full sized instrument.
So, in essence, renting is the most practical way to
go if your child is just "testing the waters" in terms
of playing a new instrument. Besides, at ConBrio all of our instruments are on a "rent to own"
basis meaning, all payments minus insurance and tax are
applied towards the purchase of your instruments value
other than those with different sizes such as violin's,
cello's, guitar's, and bass'. Your rental payments with
these instruments are applied to the purchase of a full
size instrument.
Why is there an initial three month trial
period?
Educators nation-wide have determined that this amount of time is
necessary for most students to develop the skills
necessary to become comfortable with the instrument.
Anything less would be shortchanging your child’s
attempt to gain even basic skills on the instrument.
WILL
ALL MY RENT APPLY TO THE PURCHASE OF THE INSTRUMENT?
Yes, ALL of it (except for sales tax). Plus, you will
have the option of purchasing the instrument at an
additional discount at the end of the rental term or the
three month trial
period. But, if you aren't ready to purchase then, you
may continue to rent until you are comfortable with your
child's musical intentions.
CAN
I LEASE AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR?
We do
offer a school year lease plan. Please talk to a
ConBrio Representative about these options.
Can I rent for a while
first and later purchase the instrument?
You may pay the instrument in full at anytime during the
first 6 months of the contract and take a 30% discount
on the outstanding balance of the instrument.
If you are not ready to purchase then, you will still
have the opportunity to purchase the instrument outright
at any point during the first 12 months of the contract
and receive a 20% discount on the outstanding balance of
the instrument. Otherwise, you may rent by the month
until all payments are made, at which time you own the
instrument.
WHAT
IF MY CHILD WANTS TO SWITCH INSTRUMENTS?
Although we do not encourage a switch only because the
child will need to spend several weeks getting
comfortable with their instrument, a change may actually
hinder the rate of their progression as they try to get
used to a second instrument. However, if your teacher
suggests the switch or your child is just not
comfortable with the instrument, ConBrio will
allow 70% of paid rent toward a different instrument
(within the first 6 months of the contract).
HOW
DO I KNOW WHICH INSTRUMENT IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?
It is
important that your child selects an instrument that
appeals to him/her! Although ConBrio 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 or purchasing.
At ConBrio we can answer any questions you may
have, we can always introduce your child to different
instruments until he/she finds the one they are happiest
with.
CAN
I BUY MY CHILD’S INSTRUMENT OUTRIGHT INSTEAD OF RENTING?
Yes,
ConBrio'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 30 days from purchase date to return the instrument
and receive a full refund.
WHAT
ABOUT THE INSTRUMENTS I SEE FOR SALE ON THE INTERNET AND
EBAY?
Unfortunately, in an attempt to save money, people
everyday, are purchasing poor quality instruments on the
internet that may not be useable in the school band
programs. We have actually monitored instruments sold on eBay, and find
that the majority ( A little 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. Buying instruments can be a very confusing
process if you do not know what questions to ask. You
can always call us at the Royal Academy if you are in
process of purchasing an instrument and would like our
opinion or advice.
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 a school
instrument may be available. If you have little or
no success at this, call us and we will somehow try and
find your child an instrument so he/she can take part in
band and lessons.
WHAT
ABOUT INSURANCE?
ConBrio offers insurance on all instruments
called LDT or loss, damage and theft insurance. You can
opt to purchase this insurance from $3.00 per month to
$8.00 per month depending upon the instrument and its
value.
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
ConBrio. 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 3-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
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 unfortunately a refund is
not 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.
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 AFTER
THE TRIAL PERIOD?
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 or
their private teacher if they have one.
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.
645 CHANDLER
STREET
TATNUCK SQUARE
WORCESTER,MA 508-755-7373
370 BOSTON TURNPIKE (RTE 9)
SHREWSBURY, MA 508-842-1221
IN-HOME DIVISION
BOSTON, MA
E-mail:
info@royalacademyarts.com 
