Rental customers may choose from different makes and models in the woodwind instrument rental programme, which can be changed during the contract. All prices listed are for a 3 month period. When any woodwind and brass rental contract is taken out, customers pay for 6 months on the first day of renting. The payments are charged quarterly thereafter.

The programme has recently received praise in the London Portrait magazine and is highly regarded:

‘Isn't it always the way that children want to play an instrument until just after you've bought it - and then announce that they want to play something different! That's why we adore Chimes Music. They have a hire service available for children, so they can try an instrument for a few months before buying.'

Please call either shop: Barbican Chimes or Kensington Chimes to check current availability. A selection of some of the instruments in our woodwind instrument rental programme:

Woodwind Instrument Rental programme: Makes & Models

Flute

Clarinet

Oboe

Woodwind Instrument Rental programme: General Notes

We offer a range of student model instruments for rental to children on a range of string (in different small sizes), woodwind and brass instruments. This enables your child to try out an instrument without the commitment (or expense) of buying it outright initially. Our staff assess the correct size of instrument for your child.  You can change the size of your child's rental instrument at any point during the contract.

Discount for Woodwind Instrument Rental programme customers

We offer a 10% discount on sheet music and accessories to all of our rental customers. This discount is also available online once you have created an online Chimes account. Rental customers should email [email protected] to verify eligibility. Once this verification has taken place, Chimes will update your account and apply the discount to your account for future orders.

Rentals are available from both Chimes branches: Barbican and Kensington. For further information, please call your closest branch: Barbican Chimes or Kensington Chimes.

Terms of the Woodwind Instrument Rental programme

Chimes rents all instruments on a rolling three-month contract. An initial payment of three months is payable for violins and an initial payment of six months for all other instruments.

You may buy your rental instrument at any time. Please contact the branch you are renting from (either Barbican or Kensington) for the price. Please be aware that we are unable to take back purchased instruments as part-payment on a larger size or more expensive model.

We are currently only able to rent out instruments for children. The following terms & conditions (in addition to those in the contract are applicable):

The parent (or legal guardian) of the child (or children) must sign all rental contracts. You must bring two forms of identification in order to complete the contract:

1. One form of photographic identification (e.g. passport or driving license)
2. One other item which acts as proof of address (e.g. council tax bill, bank statement etc).

Listed below are the rental prices per quarter (three months). It is also possible to set up a monthly direct debit if you prefer. If you require a specific model and/or size, please phone ahead (Barbican or Kensington) to check availability and reserve.

Woodwind Instrument Rental programme payments

Rental payments are non-refundable and are taken at the start of every three month period (unless you have opted for a monthly direct debit). If you encounter any problems with your instrument please get in touch with the shop you are renting from (Barbican or Kensington) and we will either repair or replace the instrument. Should the problem require being sent away to a professional, we will endeavour to provide you with a like-for-like replacement in the meantime. Please note that this service is subject to availability, and we would recommend phoning ahead.

Insurance: Damage or loss

If your instrument is damaged, lost, or stolen within the rental period you are financially responsible for repairing or replacing the instrument. Instruments whilst rented to customers are NOT insured by Chimes. All of the prices are explained at the point of renting and can later be found on your contract. If you are at all unsure, please contact the shop you rented from. Repairs will usually be arranged through our own professional repairers, but you are welcome to use another repairer as long as the instrument is returned to us in a playable condition.

Replacement Strings & Reeds

Please note that many instruments have wearable elements, such as strings or reeds, which are your responsibility to replace as needed. Both strings and reeds come with a 20% discount when buying a full set of strings or a box of reeds pack fr om Chimes. You can also buy individual strings or reeds as needed.

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