So you need to acquire an instrument and you aren't sure what the best option is for you.
There are many things to consider, so lets try to hit most of them. 

Lets go through the options, starting with the most expensive up-front cost. 

1. Purchasing an instrument 

2. Rent-to-own

3. Renting 

1. Purchasing an instrument outright
This is the most expensive up-front cost, but will probably save you the most over time. You will have the most options with purchase, since you aren't restricted to only the rental pool options. The only limit would be your budget. (We typically give you 30% off the rental rate when you purchase an instrument outright from us. You also get 1 year of our warranty with purchase.)

Things to consider:

• Is your player serious about playing this instrument? 

• Will the instrument last them long-term? Is it high quality and in good condition?

• Is it the right size for them / will they outgrow it quickly? If your player is small or plays a fractional instrument (like orchestral instruments), purchasing a small instrument (e.g. a 1/2 size violin) can be harder to sell down the road when they eventually outgrow it. Playing an appropriately sized instrument is vital for success. 

• Does the purchase come with any warranties or a maintenance plan? Instrument repair can be costly, so be sure to purchase from a reliable source with a warranty, or be prepared to pay for repairs. 

• You can save a lot of money by purchasing used, but often used instruments need some amount of work up front to restore them to playing shape. 

2. Renting to Own
This option is going to be the most flexible.
With the WVMC rental plan, your rental will eventually lead to owning the instrument, and gives you the ability to return the instrument if your player quits, you can trade it in toward a different instrument or a step-up model, or even down the road you can pay it off early once you know your player is more committed. While it is being rented, it's covered under the shop's warranty so any maintenance and repair costs are covered. 

That being said, in exchange for the flexibility, the rent-to-own model is a more expensive way to purchase an instrument. Those benefits are wrapped into the rental cost. 

At WVMC, the majority of our rentals are rent-to-own automatically! Whether you need it for two months or two years, the cost per month remains the same. (Some instruments are only available as rent-to-rent, see below for more details.)

Things to consider:

• Is a lower monthly payment a priority to you? 

• If you aren't sure if you're player will continue to play for at least 3 years, the rental can be be beneficial for that flexibility. You don't need to worry about buying or selling online. If they quit, you can return it and be done, having only paid to rent it for the amount of time you had it. Alternatively, many families will rent for a year or so and then pay it off early (saving 30% at that point.)

• If the instrument they are wanting to play is a fractional instrument (like a 1/2 violin, etc) that is sized, or they maybe want to switch instruments later on (some band directors start all saxophone players on clarinet, for instance), being able to exchange for a different instrument makes it super easy for you. All you do is bring it in to the shop and we'll move the credit you've accrued to the new instrument (some restrictions apply). 

• If your player is accident-prone, having the warranty coverage is a huge benefit. If anything happens, the instrument is covered. The only things not covered are loss, theft, intentional damage (such as scratching their name into the instrument or repeatedly dropping the instrument, etc.), and consumable accessories (like reeds, oils, strings, etc.)

3. Renting
This is the cheapest option, but has the least amount of long-term commitment.

Many schools have instruments that students may use. The school rental cost is often low and most schools offer scholarships if you qualify. BUT, the instrument does not belong to you and quantities are limited.
You are required to return it at the end of the year and you may not be able to rent it again the following year depending on the needs of the program. (We often see people who rent through their middle school and then when they transition to high school, the school doesn't have enough available so they are scrambling to find an instrument).
The instruments are often in usable condition but due to the heavy use they get, they are often in poor cosmetic condition or need repairs to make them functional. For most schools in the area, if an instrument gets damaged and needs repair work or maintenance (cleaning, repairs, dents, etc.) the player is responsible for the cost of those repairs, which can be costly. 

Things to consider:

• Most of the time a school rental is the cheapest option, but is only available for families who cannot afford an instrument through other means. 

• How long will you need to rent the instrument? (if its long-term, you may consider purchasing or rent-to-own)

• Is this an instrument you will eventually want or need to own? 


NOTE: WVMC does have some instruments that are available only as rent-to-rent. These instruments are typically used things like Euphoniums, Tubas, French Horns, Oboes, Bassoons, Bass Clarinets, Bari Saxophones, Orchestral Basses, and other large or expensive instruments that don't fit into our regular rent-to-own program. We make them available for rental (which includes our rental warranty program) and you can accrue credit towards the purchase of a new instrument, but the instrument you are renting cannot be purchased and remains indefinitely in our rental pool. Most of the time these rentals are intended to be short or mid-term rentals while a student waits for an instrument to come available from their school, etc.