Below is some information and frequently asked questions on our rental instruments.

Our responsibilities

It is our responsibility to provide you at the start of the hire term with an instrument which is in good playing order and has good quality fittings. These features are noted down on your contract form. We guarantee the structural stability of the instrument and agree to repair, free of charge, any spontaneous failure in the structure.

We also agree to carry out a free maintenance check at three monthly intervals or at any time you believe there is a structural problem with the instrument.

Your responsibilities

It is your responsibility to look after the instrument and keep it in good condition. You are responsible for replacing consumable parts, these are the parts which break or wear out as a direct result of use and include strings, bridges, rosin and bow hair.

You are responsible for covering accident damage, total loss or misuse. Should the instrument get damaged we would urge you to return it to us for repair, we will carry out any simple repairs free of charge and more complex repairs at cost price.

Any repairs carried out elsewhere which do not meet our standards may need to be re-done at your expense. We reserve the right to be the final arbiter in such cases.

It is also your responsibility to advise us as soon as possible of any changes to your address or personal contact details.

What happens if something goes wrong with my instrument and I cannot bring it in to your shop?

If you find yourself in this situation, please contact us first, as soon you notice you have a problem and we will discuss alternatives with you at that time.

Do you have a Rent-to-Buy plan available?

Not at the moment! We hope to introduce this service at some stage in the future, but it is not yet an option.

Do you accept credit card payment?

Yes, you are welcome to make your first payment by Visa, Mastercard or EFTPoS. All successive rental payments must be paid by Direct Debit and this can only come out of a savings or cheque account.

How do I make my regular rental payments?

After the first payment, all payments will be by Direct Debit, you will therefore need to supply us with full details of an appropriate bank account (bank name, branch, BSB and account number) to enable us to complete the rental agreement.

Do you have a minimum rental term?

Yes, the minimum rental is for three months. You may return the instrument before this period has expired, but the initial three month rental paid is non-refundable.

Do you require a bond?

No, this is not necessary on the bulk of our rental instruments. However, if you wish to rent a higher value instrument there will be a refundable bond charged; the refund percentage dependant upon the condition of the item upon its return to Alex W Grant Violins.

How much will my first payment be?

Your first payment will include a one-off handling and preparation fee and three months rental in advance. If you have selected a higher value instrument you will also be charged the bond at this time.

What instruments do you rent out?

We have new instruments and, for those who are on a budget, there is also a selection of good quality second hand instruments available. The rental charges reflect the quality and condition of the instrument. ALL of our second hand rental instruments are presented in good condition and are free of any structural damage or problems.

What standard of set up do you offer on your instruments?

All our instruments are offered at our 3* set up. A 3* set up makes playing (and therefore practice) and listening a far more rewarding experience to both the student and the parents. This is by far our most popular option on student instruments which we sell in the shop.

What does your 3* level of set up comprise?

Instruments set up to our 3* level have had the tuning pegs lubricated; top nut adjusted in height; sharp edges of the fingerboard are softened; a better quality bridge which is workshop adjusted to the correct height is fitted; factory supplied sound post is adjusted; Dominant or similar strings are fitted; factory supplied tailpiece is lubricated and fitted; bow screw is checked and lubricated; bow hair is checked for even length; rosin is applied and the case is checked for proper functioning.

What brands do you rent?

In violins, we have our own shop brand, as well as Enrico Student Plus and Gliga III. We also offer the Enrico Student Plus range for violas and, additionally, we have the Salieri range for cello. As well as the above, you will find our used instruments cover a range of other brands including, from time to time, Suzuki, Prima, Raggetti, Graduate, etc.

Is the instrument covered by insurance?

No. Should the instrument be lost or sustain damage to such a degree that it is not financially viable to carry out a repair, you will be charged the cost of replacement. For this reason we encourage you to ensure that your rental instrument is included on your insurance policy.

Do I get any accessories with my instrument?

You will get rosin, a bow and a case under the rental agreement. Any other accessories will need to be purchased separately.

I want to buy my rental violin. Can I deduct my rental payments to date from the purchase price of the instrument?

No, any rental already paid cannot be automatically deducted from the purchase cost of your instrument. However, if you definitely want to purchase the instrument you have on rent we will certainly take into account your rental history when calculating the price.

I'm currently renting a violin for my child and the teacher says it's time to change up to the next size. Can I do this easily?

Yes, the transition to the next instrument is essentially seamless, whether it be in size, quality or both. If you choose to make an upgrade in quality there may be some adjustments to the rental agreement, but such changes should be altogether problem free.

What is your Privacy Policy?

Alex W Grant Violins recognises your absolute right to privacy in regard to any personal information supplied. We cannot accept responsibility for events beyond our control, however, we make every effort to keep any personal information secure. Apart from setting your direct debit facility in place with the bank, we will not divulge any personal information about you to any other party, unless required to do so by law.