Instrument Rentals in Washington, DC
Musical Instrument Rentals
We rent top-quality student level instruments on a month-to-month basis. The instruments are cleaned and checked thoroughly between all rentals, and come with everything you need to get started. There is no minimum commitment, and there are no cancellation fees. When you’re done playing the instrument, simply return it. Complete this form to get started.
We Offer:
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Trumpet & Trombone
- Snare & Bell
- Violin, Viola & Cello
- Sax (Alto/Tenor)
Note on Rental Returns During COVID-19 Closures:
Returns are conditional and will be processed three days after return, when the instruments can be safely checked for damage.
In order to ensure the safety of our staff, the following protocol will be followed.
- Bring your Instrument to Middle C, alert a staff member, and leave it just outside the front door.
- Wearing a mask and gloves, we will sanitize the outside of the case.
- Your instrument will be tagged to show the day of return and taken inside to the drum studio.
- You will be sent an email to acknowledge receipt of your instrument.
- After three days, when it is safe to open the case and touch the instrument, and the condition is checked against the inspection on your original contract, your instrument will be officially returned, and your return receipt will be emailed to you.
Be sure to let us know when you will be coming to Middle C. Staff is on hand Monday-Saturday from 11a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rent to Own
All Middle C Music rental instruments are built on a Rent-to-Own system; after renting an instrument for a certain amount of time, you will own it! Alternatively, you are allowed to apply equity you have built in your rental instrument toward the price of a brand new Step-Up or Professional level instrument of the same type (i.e. can apply equity in a trumpet toward a Step-Up trumpet, but not a Step-Up flute).
Instruments We Rent
We currently rent the following instruments and brands:
| Instrument | Brands |
|---|---|
| Flute (Standard and Curved Head) | Armstrong, Azumi, Jupiter |
| Clarinet | Leblanc, Jupiter |
| Alto Saxophone | Antigua, Cannonball, Eastman, Jupiter |
| Tenor saxophone | Cannonball, Jupiter |
| Trumpet | Blessing, Conn, King, Jupiter |
| Trombone | Conn, King, Jupiter |
| Snare/Bell Kit | Ludwig, Mapex, Rogers |
| Violin (1/16th – Full Size) | Eastman, Glaesel, Scherl & Roth |
| Viola | Eastman, Glaesel, Scherl & Roth |
| Cello (1/2 – Full Size) | Eastman, Glaesel, Scherl & Roth |
Monthly Fee Structure
Most instruments we rent cost $31.44 per month (Saxophone and Cello being the exception. See below). The largest portion of your rental payment goes toward the principal on your rent-to-own balance, while the other parts go toward tax and a liability and damage waiver (LDW) which covers problems that arise through normal wear and tear; problems due to negligence and abuse are not covered by the LDW.
| Instrument Type | Base Fee | LDW | Tax | Monthly Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All instruments (except saxophone and cello) | $25.00 | $5.00 | $1.50 | $31.50 |
| Alto Saxophone | $39.00 | $15.00 | $2.34 | $56.34 |
| Cello | $15.00 | $15.00 | $2.82 | $66.94 |
| Tenor Saxophone | $15.00 | $15.00 | $3.54 | $77.54 |
| All instruments (except sax & cello) | Base Fee – $25.00 | LDW – $5.00 | Tax – $1.50 | Total – $31.50 |
| Alto Saxophone | Base Fee – $39.00 | LDW – $15.00 | Tax – $2.34 | Total – $56.34 |
| Cello | Base Fee – $15.00 | LDW – $15.00 | Tax – $2.82 | Total – $66.94 |
| Tenor Saxophone | Base Fee – $15.00 | LDW – $15.00 | Tax – $3.54 | Total – $77.54 |
Violin Size Chart
| 5-7 years | 1/4 size |
| 7-9 years | 1/2 size |
| 9-12 years | 3/4 size |
| 12 years+ | full size |
Cello Size Chart
| 7-11 years | 1/2 size |
| 9-12 years | 3/4 size |
| 12 years+ | full size |