Q: CAN MY CHILD TRY OUT AN INSTRUMENT IN YOUR STORE BEFORE RENTING?

A: We currently do not do try-outs of any student level mouthblown instruments in the store. Please consult with your instructor before renting an instrument if you are unsure of what you want to play. Remember that rentals are only month-to-month and you can rent another instrument after the first month if you wish to go a different direction.

Q: I AM LOOKING TO BUY AN INTERMEDIATE OR PRO INSTRUMENT. CAN I TRY OUT THE INSTRUMENT FIRST?

A: You may schedule an appointment to trial mouthblown instruments of intermediate level or above. We will have the instrument ready for you upon your arrival. The same process is available for any rental customer looking to utilize our step-up program.

Q: IS RENTING THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME? OR SHOULD I BUY?

A: The answer entirely depends on who you are and where you are on your musical path. Let’s examine the pros and cons of both renting and buying…

Renting -

pros:

• no obligation to the instrument - simply return it when you are done

• maintenance is included in the cost

• exchange up sizes for orchestra instruments

• easy, affordable monthly payments

cons:

• more cost over the long run

Buying -

pros:

• save money in the long run

• adjusted by our technicians before leaving the store

• free follow up adjustment within 90 days

cons:

• more up front investment (mitigated if you use your own credit!)

• repair costs are paid out of pocket

As you can see, the right choice will depend on your situation and what you are looking to achieve. Keep in mind that if you decide to buy an instrument from Eastside using your own credit, you will benefit from our aggressively discounted sale prices.

Q: I FOUND A BAND INSTRUMENT ON EBAY OR CRAIGSLIST AND IT'S A LOT CHEAPER THAN WHAT YOU GUYS ARE SELLING OR RENTING FOR. WHY?

A: We get this question a lot. It makes sense and we understand why it might take some people by surprise. There are many reasons why it might be cheaper online but one reason is more important than all of the others. Simply put, MOST of the value of an instrument is tied to its condition. This is particularly true of woodwind instruments that have a lot of very expensive little pads and need to be pulled apart for a mechanical overhaul. It is no overstatement to say that 90% of all of the horns found online need some amount of work done! The value of a new horn automatically devalues as it becomes a used horn. As the instrument is played, it falls further and further out of adjustment and the pads, springs and other parts wear out more and more. Eventually you are left with a glorified instrument shell. The repair tech has to rebuild the majority of the instrument with time, skill and and arsenal of parts and tools. A skillful overhaul on an instrument can cost 75% of the value of a new instrument but that is because he is rebuilding 75% of that instrument all over again (and sometimes taking it beyond factory new condition). If you see an instrument you like on Craigslist, we urge you to bring it in (or have the owner bring it in) to have a no-charge estimate done. We will be honest and upfront. If it is a good horn, buy it! If it is a shell, know that you are looking into having perhaps hundreds of dollars of work done. You may want to factor this into the price you pay for the horn.

Q: WHICH BRANDS OF INSTRUMENTS DOES EASTSIDE MUSIC RENT?

A: Eastside Music rents only the best quality, name-brand student band instruments including, but not limited to Yamaha, Vito, Getzen, Bach, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Eastman and Glaesel. Eastside Music DOES NOT rent cheaply made imitation horns - for your sake and ours.

Q: AFTER I HAVE RENTED, MY STUDENT WANTS TO COMMIT TO PLAYING THE INSTRUMENT. WHAT ARE MY CHOICES?

A: We allow your first 26 months of rental payments on your instrument to apply to an instrument purchase. Why 26 months? Some stores only allow the first year of equity to apply to a purchase. We believe that after the second school year of playing, the student has a much better idea of whether they will continue to play their instrument over the long term or not. You may apply your equity rewards to the MSRP price of any new instrument whether it be a student or an intermediate instrument. Alternatively, you may pay off your active rental by paying the balance in a single payment.

Q: CAN ANYONE RENT AN INSTRUMENT AT EASTSIDE MUSIC?

A: You must be at least 18 years of age to rent an instrument at Eastside Music. Having established credit is also very helpful in making sure we can get you an instrument hassle-free. We require you to provide valid identification with a current address. We also ask that you provide a debit or credit card, if possible, for autopay purposes.*

Q: DO YOU RENT TO ‘OUT OF AREA’ CUSTOMERS?

A: Generally speaking, Eastside Music's intention is to rent to local residents within 15 minutes surrounding the Portland-Metropolitan area. On occasion, exceptions can be made with arrangements made in advance. Please note that an out-of-area deposit may apply to any instruments that are rented to non-local customers.

Q: I HAVE MY OWN INSTRUMENT. CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MUCH IT IS WORTH?

A: We can usually provide a general value for an instrument assuming we can inspect the instrument and its condition in the store. Without seeing the instrument, we cannot give any assessment. We do not provide instrument "blue book" values or appraisals.

Q: WHAT DO I NEED IN ORDER TO RENT AN INSTRUMENT?

A: Eastside Music requires the following to rent an instrument: a valid and current driver's license or equivalent identification that states a current address. If your identification does not state current address, we need official documentation (ex. check or utility bill) that shows the current address. We also need a working credit or debit card for auto-pay purposes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards.

Q: WHO CAN RENT AN INSTRUMENT FROM EASTSIDE?

A: Eastside Music’s policy is to only rent to legal guardians of students. Parents and grandparents will be permitted to rent.

Q: AM I CHARGED INTEREST ON MY RENTAL?

A: No interest is charged on your rental at any point in time. The only money collected is the monthly rental fee itself and the monthly maintenance fee.

Q: WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE IS COVERED BY THE MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE?

A: This depends on the type of instrument rented. Most brass instruments require regular chemical clean-outs, minor dentwork, valve work, slide adjustments and the ever famous stuck mouthpiece pull. Most wind instruments require key adjustments, pad replacements or adjustments, tone-hole leveling and minor dentwork. The idea is that a student should not have to worry about whether or not his instrument is playing properly in class. The monthly maintenance fee ensures that a student will have a properly functioning instrument all of the time. The fee does NOT cover excessive damage to the instrument, generally caused by abuse or negligence.

Q: OUR RENTAL HORN HAS A STUCK MOUTHPIECE. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

A: NEVER try to pull the mouthpiece out yourself. Forceably removing the mouthpiece usually results in hundreds of dollars worth of damage. ALWAYS bring the instrument to us. We use a special tool that frees up the mouthpiece and we never charge for this service whether you're renting from us or not. If your band teacher has this special mouthpiece pulling tool, you may ask for their assistance.

Q: CAN I RETURN THE RENTAL TO THE SCHOOL WE RENTED IT AT?

A: We would prefer that the instrument is returned to us at our store location. Since the rent responsibility does not terminate until the instrument is in our store, any other return methods need to be arranged through direct contact with our store staff.

Q: DO YOU CHARGE ANY TAXES ON INSTRUMENT PURCHASES?

A: No, we do not charge any taxes for any items purchased at our store. The low-price we offer you over the phone or inside the store is the same low price you will pay at the counter.

Q: DOES EASTSIDE MUSIC SELL USED INSTRUMENTS?

A: Eastside Music is not a used-instrument retail store. We do not generally buy instruments from the public. However, on occasion, we will have a used instrument or two available that we can sell you. Generally speaking, any used band instruments we may have will be at the intermediate or professional level. Fretted instruments may also be available used, although we urge you to call us first to see what is in stock.

Q: DO YOU TEACH MUSIC LESSONS AT YOUR STORE?

A: We do not give lessons but we can provide you with a list of local teachers. Please note that we do not make recommendations of teachers and suggest that you verify and choose a teacher that matches your own requirements.

Q: A SECTION OR PIECE OF MY INSTRUMENT NEEDS REPAIR. CAN I BRING JUST THAT PART IN FOR REPAIR?

A: To ensure that the instrument works properly, we ask that you bring all parts of the instrument (as well as the case) into the store.