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Frequently Asked Questions


Contract Questions


How do I lease/rent an instrument?
Beginning your lease is easy! Fill out a contract online or stop by any of our locations to start your lease!

Do I pay over the summer?
If your student plans to play during the next academic year, you should continue making payments and keep the instrument. You continue building equity toward the purchase price of the instrument, and your student has an instrument to practice over the summer!

I just signed up for an instrument. When do payments begin?
Your initial down payment covers the first 4 months. The 4-month trial period begins once you pick up the instrument in-store or when it has been delivered to a school. After 4 months, payments are automatically deducted using the credit or debit card linked to your account.

What is the maintenance program?

For an additional $6 per month, our expert service team will perform all necessary repairs to keep the instrument in good playing condition. Upon request, instruments requiring maintenance can be picked up from your student’s school and returned upon completion. Loaner instruments will be provided when necessary at no extra charge. 

The maintenance fee covers the basic cleaning and repair from normal usage of an instrument. However, it does not cover damages due to neglect or vandalism of the instrument, nor does it cover the replacement of reeds, rosin, mallets, sticks, and similar items. The program may also cover the replacement of an instrument if it is stolen or lost catastrophically after we receive proper legal documentation, i.e. police report.



Do I still have maintenance coverage after I pay off the instrument?

Yes, your maintenance coverage will continue for 1 month after your final payment date.

If you are eligible and opt to take advantage of our 20% early buy-out discount within the first 12 months of your lease, we will extend your maintenance coverage for 6-12 months from that pay-off date. If paid after the 12 months and before your lease reaches a $200.00 principal and tax balance, we will provide you with 3-6 months of extended maintenance coverage from the payoff date.

 


What is included with a leased instrument?

All of our leased instruments come with the necessary supplies to promote your student’s success in their band or orchestra experience. Leased instruments include the following types of supplies: mouthpieces, reeds, rosin, case, bow, oil, grease, cleaning supplies, etc.

 


What brand and model of instrument will my student receive?

The Music Mart, Inc. carries most of the major brands for each band and orchestra instrument, including from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Jupiter, Eastman, Conn-Selmer, and more. If you wish to discuss the particulars of your instrument in detail, please contact us. Regardless of where you decide to rent or buy, we urge you to beware of low quality instruments that have become prevalent in the marketplace in recent years.

 


How much does my instrument cost?

The price of the instrument will vary depending on the brand, the type and size of the instrument, and its condition (i.e. new or used). The overall purchase price includes the principal price of the instrument, plus sales tax and maintenance coverage. 

 


How long does it take to pay off a leased instrument?

It typically takes 3-5 years, depending on the instrument, but it is possible to pay it off sooner. There is no penalty for early pay-off, and The Music Mart, Inc. offers a possible 20% early buy-out discount for student level band instruments and full-size string instruments. Contact us for more information!

 


My student wants to try a different instrument. Can we switch?

Yes! Our program makes it easy for your student to find the instrument that’s right for them. Before switching, though, we strongly encourage talking to your teacher.

 


How do I return the instrument and cancel the contract?

The Music Mart, Inc. offers the following options to return an instrument and end its respective lease agreement.

  • Option 1: You may return an instrument directly to one of our four stores located in Mankato, Faribault, Rochester, or Winona.

  • Option 2: Your student may leave the instrument with their band or orchestra director for a Music Mart representative to pick up during one of our academic year weekly visits. Once left for us to pick up, please contact one of our stores to confirm when it was left, the school name, and that it was left with the band or orchestra director, as we are typically not allowed to search music rooms, shelves, lockers, etc. Once the instrument is back in our store, the lease agreement will end.

Please note that per our lease agreements, the monthly lease payments are due until the instrument is back in our possession.

 


If returned, what needs to come back with the instrument?

If you plan to return an instrument, it must be in the original case and include any supplies or accessories provided as part of the lease. This includes items such as a mouthpiece, rosin, bow, oil, grease, and cleaning supplies.

 


If I sign up for a step-up instrument lease, do I get a trial period?
Step-up instruments do not qualify for the trial period, since trial periods are designed for beginners on student-level instruments. 


Account Questions


How do I update my payment method or other account information?

You can update your account by calling any of our locations, or you can update and manage your account online!



How do I check the remaining balance on my account?
You can call any of our locations to check your balance, or you can sign into your account and find that information.


Repair Questions


When do I pay for my repair?
We provide free estimates before work is started.  Instruments picked up in store will be paid for when work is finished.  Instruments being delivered back to a school need to be paid before they can be delivered back. 


Locations and Hours


What are your hours?
You can check hours for all of our stores by clicking on your preferred location here!


General Questions


Do you offer financing?

Yes! Many step-up band and orchestra instruments qualify for our in-house payment plan of $75 per month. Long-term financing options for band, orchestra, guitar, keyboards, and other instruments are available through Synchrony. Click here to prequalify! Please note that pre-qualifying is a soft credit check, but a hard credit check is still required to finalize the application.

 


What is an upgraded instrument?

Upgraded instruments, often called step-up instruments, are those designed for advancing players. As students develop technical skills and build muscles, it is possible to outgrow/outplay an entry-level instrument. Step-up instruments generally use finer materials and feature more hand-crafting, giving players greater range of tone color, dynamics, and responsiveness.

 


How do I upgrade my student's instrument?

When your student is ready to take the next step, our team is here to help! Fill out this form to schedule an appointment today!

 


Do I need an appointment to try instruments?

An appointment isn’t necessary, but we encourage scheduling an appointment to ensure that an expert is available to guide you through trying a variety of options. Fill out this form to request an appointment!

 


Can adults lease instruments?

Yes! You must be 21 or older to lease a band or orchestra instrument. Adults are not eligible for the trial period, so payments begin one month after sign-up.

 


If I sign up for a step-up instrument lease, do I get a trial period?
Step-up instruments do not qualify for the trial period, since trial periods are designed for beginners on student-level instruments.