Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT RENTING & BUYING STUDENT TROMBONES & TRUMPETS
BUYING INSTRUMENTS
What should I look for in a used instrument?
What about this brand new $100 instrument on Amazon?
For $100, you can purchase a new instrument-shaped object (ISO for short) over the Internet. These may look like a trombone or trumpet, but they do not sound or play like a trombone or trumpet. These instruments do players a disservice.
Do you offer a maintenance plan?
Sleister Brass has our own repair shop. We offer cleaning services and repair work for any instruments purchased from us.
Can I buy a used instrument online through eBay?
Yes, but in our experience, there are a number of issues that are often undisclosed by sellers that can make an instrument unplayable. It is smart to see a used instrument in person before purchasing it.
I’m not sure that my child will like band and stick with it and don’t want to be out a lot of money in case band isn’t for my child. What do I do?
Sleister Brass’ mission is to offer quality instruments at fair prices. If you purchase an instrument for us and no longer need it 6 months later, we will buy it back from you at the purchase price minus a monthly rate ($25). If your child really likes band, you own an instrument at a reasonable price. If not, you end up spending less money than renting.
My school band director gave us a list of approved brands/models- are your instruments on the list?
The models that Sleister Brass offers are exclusively from reputable manufacturers with a history of quality and dependability. Our used brass instruments come from the following brands: Bach, Yamaha, King, Holton, Getzen, Conn, Olds, Blessing, Besson. We also offer new student trombones and trumpets from Blessing; these instruments are approved by band directors in the Ankeny Community School District. We are certain that we have an instrument that matches your needs.
RENTING INSTRUMENTS
How many months will I have to rent before I own the instrument?
Excellent question! Short answer is between 24 and 36 months. You also have the option to buy the instrument and receive a discount on the remaining balance.
What kind of condition of used instruments are these?
Do you offer a maintenance plan?
Yes! For $5 per month, you can subscribe to our repair and maintenance plan, which covers routine maintenance and accidental damage that may happen to your rental instrument. This covers 100% of any repair expense, so long as the damage is not deliberate. The details of everything that is and is not covered by the R&M plan are available for your reading pleasure in our Rental Agreement.
What if my student changes instruments or wants to upgrade his/her instrument?