Should You Buy or Rent Your First Musical Instrument?

Congratulations! You’ve started your musical journey, and you’re ready to find an instrument of your own. You’re probably asking yourself, “What are my options? And where do I even start?” Don’t worry, we’ve been there, too.  Finding the right instrument can be a lot to figure out—with options like renting, rent-to-own, buying, and all the different brands to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

We’ve got your back, and we’re here to help you decide which option is the best for you!

Factors to Consider 

To start, here are some factors you may want to consider before you decide which route to take. It’ll help to think about your personal preferences and needs as a musician; but remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to how you get your instrument! There are a few different options, and some may work better than others at specific times of your musical journey. 

Before you decide which route to take, think about:

• Your Commitment Level: Are you just trying it out or in for the long haul?
• The Age of the Player: Kids grow quickly—so do their needs!
• The Type of Instrument: Some are more expensive overall, either in upfront cost or maintenance needs
• Your Budget: Think about upfront costs vs. long-term investment.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Who handles it—you or the shop you’re renting/purchasing from? It’s important to know that information upfront!

Renting Your Next Instrument Provides Flexibility!

If you’re looking for a little more flexibility when it comes to having an instrument of your own, renting an instrument might be the better option for you! Most beginners start with renting an instrument. You might consider renting your next instrument if: 

• You’re a beginner or uncertain about continuing with that instrument long-term
• The instrument is for a growing child
• You’re testing out different instruments 

Renting an instrument usually provides a lower upfront cost, as well as the added flexibility to switch instruments or pause lessons for a time. This can help save you a little money, especially if you’re also taking private lessons! Renting an instrument is also a great way to decide which instrument you want to continue with. It’s a fun experiment to check out different instruments, and renting them is more cost-efficient than buying instrument after instrument. 

Maintenance is typically included in rental instruments; this means you can take your instrument back to the shop for regular cleanings and/or upkeep. Newer students can sometimes break strings or bridges on string instruments, or pop pins out of place on woodwind instruments. Your rental shop can quickly and easily fix this, and usually won’t charge! 

Ron Beaudoin, President of National Educational Music Company (NEMC), says that, when it comes to students learning their first instrument, he usually recommends that parents rent or rent-to-own first. “One reason renting is so popular is, frankly, because kids can change their minds,” he says. “Most rental subscriptions enable switching to a different instrument or returning without a penalty. A quality instrument that will not get in the way of student progress can easily cost $1000, which is a considerable amount to invest in an unknown activity!”

Rent-To-Own: Put Money Towards Your Future!

Some instrument rental providers offer a convenient rent-to-own option, where a portion (or all!) of your payments can go towards eventually owning the instrument. Renting-to-own is a great middle-ground option between renting or buying an instrument, and can help ease the overall purchase cost over the years. It’s just like paying off a car or a house; you still get to use it while you’re making payments!

Whether you choose to rent or to rent-to-own, Ron Beaudion encourages students of all ages to make sure they’re renting from a reputable buyer. While you can sometimes get lucky buying an instrument on ebay, Amazon, or other online music stores, he says that “renting from a reputable provider assures a great experience with an initial cost that is a fraction of either renting or buying. Most plans include repair and maintenance coverage, which is very reassuring to parents considering the powerful destructive force of a typical fifth grader!” Or, if you’re slightly older, it helps cover accidental dings or wear-and-tear. Instrument accidents happen to all of us! 

If renting or renting-to-own sounds like the best option for you, you’ll want to work with a reputable business like NEMC. Companies like NEMC make renting easy, affordable, and come with a host of benefits like drop-shipping options, in-house repair technicians, and knowledgeable associates, guaranteeing the best rental experience possible! 

Buying Your Instrument: An Exciting Milestone!

Purchasing an instrument is an amazing milestone to reach! You might be ready to buy your instrument if:

• You’re committed to your instrument and ready to plan long-term
• You’ve already rented and are ready to upgrade
• It’s a second-hand deal or a quality instrument at a good price

We would suggest only buying an instrument if you’re confident that it’s one that you’ll play on for years to come. This doesn’t mean you can’t play new instruments alongside your main one! Some people rent their main instrument for years before they decide to buy it; there’s no rush. Buying an instrument outright can often provide better quality gear, especially if you buy new. This option can also: 

• Provide long-term cost savings 
• Allow you to customize your instrument
• Give you the ability to resell later

Some instrument stores offer try-before-you-buy opportunities. This is a really helpful option for musicians of all levels, especially if you know which instrument you want, but you’re unsure of which brand/model to go with. Once you’ve decided on the brand/model, make sure you compare prices with music stores vs. online marketplaces; though you may have to search for longer online, you can find some great resale deals there! 

You’re Ready To Get Your Instrument!

Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying or renting your instrument. Whether you decide to rent, rent-to-own, or purchase it outright, the most important thing is to choose the option that best fits your needs, goals, and budget. We encourage you to approach your musical journey with curiosity, flexibility, and an open mind. Good luck, and have fun creating music!