If you or your child requires a band instrument, look into a band instrument rental from a reputable music store. This allows your child to rent an instrument during the school year. Here are several ways to care for rented band instruments:
Clean and Handle the Instrument Carefully
Regularly clean your instrument after use to prevent residue buildup. Cleaning methods and supplies vary by the type of instrument you are using. These include:
- Flutes: Run a soft, lint-free cloth through a cleaning rod to clean the inside of the head joint. You can use alcohol wipes and cotton swabs with isopropyl alcohol on the lip plate and around the embouchure hole. Do not hold the head joint under running water.
- Saxophones: You can use a swab or flexible bottlebrush to clean the inside of a saxophone neck. Swab the neck after each use and clean it once a week. Use mildly soapy water or a disinfectant solution, and then rinse and dry the area.
- Brass Instruments: Clean mouthpieces for brass instruments once a month. You can use a cloth with soapy water to clean the outside of the mouthpiece. Use a mouthpiece brush and soapy water to clean the inside.
You can use 50% water and 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution to clean clarinet mouthpieces. When cleaning clarinets, protect their corked tenons from getting wet. You can use this solution for metals, plastics, and hard rubbers. Avoid using mouthpiece cleaners near a woodwind instrument’s keypads and using too much liquid to clean woodwind instruments.
Music stores often sell cleaning equipment and accessories for the instruments they offer. Check with the store you are renting through to see if they provide germicide solutions that can be safely used on your instrument. Ask the staff for recommendations as needed.
To further protect the instrument, keep it in its case whenever you are not using it. Keep it out of bad weather, such as rain, as much as possible. If the instrument gets wet, quickly dry it with a cloth or paper towel.
Have the Instrument Repaired
To keep your instrument in good condition, take it in to receive maintenance on a regular basis. Some band instrument rental plans include a maintenance plan in the monthly fee. This allows you to receive routine maintenance for your instrument.
If the instrument is dented, has damaged keys or pads, is not producing the correct sounds, or is damaged in other ways, check your rental agreement to see if a repair plan is included in your contract. See if the music shop you rented the instrument through offers repairs and what their hours are. If you are still determining what work needs to be done for the instrument, discuss the problem with a repair technician who has experience with your instrument. They can go over options with you and offer an estimate.
Get Quality Band Instrument Rentals Today
Depending on the music store, rental agreements may include a rent-to-own plan, where you will own the instrument when you send in the last payment. You can turn in the instrument ahead of time to end the contract. If you or your child would like to change instruments or upgrade, check to see if the months of rental fees you paid for the previous instrument can be deducted from the new instrument rental.
If you are planning to rent a beginner band instrument for your child, consult with their director before choosing an instrument. You can decide to rent a new instrument or a used instrument in prime condition. Contact a high-quality music store or rental program today to learn more about band instrument rentals.
