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This is better.
Our instrument program is better than renting. It's a trial purchase plan where 100% of your payments* apply towards the price of owning your instrument, and you earn equity towards your next instrument. If your child chooses to stop band or orchestra or switch to a different instrument, you'll have the flexibility to change instruments or cancel your plan at any time. This ensures you're prepared for any unexpected turns in your child's musical journey.
*Less the Maintenance Plan costs
How It Works
Things happen – Protect your investment
Worry-Free Instrument Maintenance Plan
Your instrument from Schmitt Music is an investment in your student’s music education, and our worry-free plan offers protection and true peace of mind – you’re covered for all essential repairs required to keep your instrument in good playing condition.
However careful you may be, accidents happen, and repairs may be costly.
Have any questions?
Up-sizes, Exchanges & Returns
My child grew out of their string instrument. What do I do?
My child grew out of their string instrument. What do I do?
As students grow, their orchestral instrument needs to be proportional to their body. Exchanging your instrument for the next size incurs no extra fees! Visit your local Schmitt Music store, and have your student resized to a new instrument. Your monthly payments will stay the same!
Fractional sizing is unique to string instruments. Band instruments are one-size-fits all.
My child is changing instruments and needs an exchange.
My child is changing instruments and needs an exchange.
Congratulations on exploring new musical opportunities! When you bring your instrument in to your local Schmitt Music store, you may easily exchange it for another student instrument in the BTR program, with no additional fees. Monthly pricing may vary by instrument type.
What happens if I need to return the instrument?
What happens if I need to return the instrument?
Although we are sorry to see you go, returning your instrument is quick and easy. Just drop off your instrument at your local Schmitt Music store, and payments will stop.
If your school is serviced by a Schmitt Music educational representative, we can pick your instrument up from the school, saving you a trip. Connect with your school band or orchestra director for more details.
Our balance is paid off, but I still see a monthly charge.
Our balance is paid off, but I still see a monthly charge.
Are you seeing a low cost monthly charge under $10? That would be the Maintenance Plan. Many customers still choose to continue Maintenance Plan coverage to keep their paid-off instrument in top playing condition. Whether your instrument is paid off, or you return the instrument, be sure to let our sales team know if the Maintenance Plan is right for you.
Instrument Upgrades
How do I upgrade my instrument?
How do I upgrade my instrument?
As students develop their musicianship, they can outgrow the limitations of student instruments. Upgrading your instrument can be a huge help in continuing to develop your sound and skills.
Schmitt Music is proud to offer the industry-leading instrument specialty shops for step-up instruments. Connect with our instrument specialists in the Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop, The Flute Gallery, The Clarinet Gallery, The Sax Shop, The Trumpet Shop and the Trombone Shop (for all low brass). Our specialist will work with your student to try a variety of instruments, and find the one best suited to their needs and preferences.
See below for details on how your Better Than Rent earned equity can apply to your next instrument.
What equity do I earn for band instruments?
What equity do I earn for band instruments?
When it's time to upgrade your band instrument, your equity is the value of the payments made in the first 12 months, excluding the cost of the maintenance plan. This equity will apply towards the purchase of a new qualifying performance-level instrument.
What equity do I earn for orchestra instruments?
What equity do I earn for orchestra instruments?
When it's time to upgrade your orchestra instrument, your equity is the value of 100% of the payments made to date, excluding the cost of the maintenance plan. This equity will apply towards the purchase of a new qualifying performance-level instrument.
Additional Support
What happens if my child drops the instrument?
What happens if my child drops the instrument?
Any accidental damages to the instrument that affect playing ability are covered by our Worry-Free Maintenance Plan. If you elect not to purchase the Maintenance Plan, repair costs are at the expense of the individual.
Visit any Schmitt Music store to receive a repair estimate, or enroll in the Maintenance Plan.
Do I need to drive to the closest Schmitt Music store for my repairs?
Do I need to drive to the closest Schmitt Music store for my repairs?
Probably not! Our team of educational representatives visit our partner schools, and will pick up and drop off instruments for repair, saving you the headache of another errand. Ed Reps can also deliver online orders, and ship-to-school instrument orders.
Schmitt Music educational representatives service over 1,000 schools across Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Eastern Nebraska. Check with your director if you are unsure if your school is one of our partner programs.
I want to check the status or change something on my account.
I want to check the status or change something on my account.
Log in to your Better Than Rent account HERE to access your payment history or update your payment method and billing address.
Looking for something else? Take a look at our Help Center or send us a message through the chat bubble.