For over four decades, Sweetwater has established itself as a reliable source of pro audio solutions, serving the needs of producers, live sound technicians, and school music programs alike. When the retailer made the decision to venture into the band and orchestra world, they vowed to do it with their award-winning customer service, spectacular quality control, and an industry-leading online band and orchestra instrument rental program.
Sweetwater’s online rental program raises the bar for band and orchestra students nationwide by increasing access to top-quality instruments from reputable brands and offering flexible terms, free shipping, and hassle-free returns. Students and their families also get a discount for paying off their rental instruments early, and all prior rental payments apply toward the purchase.
Sweetwater Is Your #1 Rental Partner
When you partner with Sweetwater, your music program gets an instant upgrade. It all starts with top-quality rental outfits with premium enhancements designed specifically to make learning fun and hiccup-free for students. All clarinet and saxophone rental outfits feature hard rubber mouthpieces and upgraded ligatures while strings include upgraded French bridges, German tailpieces, carbon-fiber bows, improved strings, and high-quality cases. Meanwhile, brass instruments receive upgraded mouthpieces and lightweight, rugged cases.
The highly skilled inspection team at Sweetwater performs a meticulous 40-point inspection on every new and previously rented band and orchestra instrument — this guarantees they all arrive ready to play. Woodwind, brass, and string instruments each receive a unique 40-point inspection tailored to their specific features. The final step before packing and shipping? Play testing the instruments!
Sweetwater’s 40-point Inspection for Band and Orchestra Instruments
Sweetwater’s Band Inspection Manager James Middleton shares his insight into the musicians behind the unrivaled 40-point Inspection:
“Our inspection team is full of very talented musicians who take play testing each instrument seriously, whether it is an entry-level instrument or an artist-quality instrument. As a musician, it is crucially important to me to play test every instrument to make sure that it is ready to WOW the customer and show them the Sweetwater Difference.”
While most team members hold degrees in music performance or music education, they are all equally passionate and highly knowledgeable about their primary instruments. Many are also active in the local music scene and can be found teaching private lessons, performing with professional orchestras, or volunteering with marching bands.
Sweetwater also routinely reinspects instruments that haven’t been touched in a while. So, if a wooden clarinet is sitting in the warehouse for a few months, then the team will periodically check it for playability. For brass instruments, this includes oiling valves and greasing slides with premium synthetic lubricants. Furthermore, Sweetwater partners with manufacturers to provide technicians thorough training on care and maintenance for specific instrument models.
Complete Support for Your Program
As you prepare for the start of the new school year, let Sweetwater’s band and orchestra instrument rental program take care of the logistics for you. You’ll be paired with a dedicated educational representative who will work closely with you to customize the online rental process for your school. This user-friendly platform allows you to specify your preferred instrument brands and models as well as the mouthpieces, care supplies, and method books you want to accompany them. When it comes time for rental season, families can easily select the instruments and materials their students need to be successful.
What’s more, students and their families can opt into the Rental Instrument Protection Plan to minimize nonplaying time when repairs are needed. Simply tell your representative that you need a repair, and they’ll send an advance-shipped replacement instrument that reaches the student in a matter of days. That means less time spent waiting on repairs and more time making music.
Transform Your Instrument Rental Experience
Musicians have relied on Sweetwater to support their pro audio, live sound, and recording technology needs for over 40 years. Now you can rely on Sweetwater for all your band and orchestra needs. Call today at (888) 890-3365 and learn more at Sweetwater.com/rentals.