Elefante Music Student Rental Terms & Conditions

Updated February 10th, 2026

Payments

• All rental payments are due in advance and are not contingent upon practice, lesson, or school calendars.
• All active rental accounts are required to have a valid credit card on file.
• Rental payments are non-refundable, including early returns.
• The renter is responsible for the instrument until it has been received by Elefante Music.
• Accounts that become 60 days past due may have accrued credits voided and may be referred to a collection agency after reasonable notification attempts.

Pricing

Monthly rental rates are determined by instrument group:

• The monthly maintenance fee provides access to Elefante Music's on-site repair shop for regular maintenance and standard repairs, as determined by our technicians.
• Maintenance fees do not apply toward ownership credit.

Rent to Own & Purchasing

• After the trial period, rentals automatically convert to a month-to-month rent-to-own plan.
• Continuous monthly payments are required to accrue ownership credit.
• Rental credits apply only to the instrument currently attached to your account and cannot be combined across any other current, previous, or future rentals.
• Purchase discounts:
  • During trial period: 40% off list price
  • First year after trial period: 30% off list price
  • After first year: 20% off list price
• From the date of purchase, the instrument carries a 1-year warranty, covering regular maintenance and standard repairs.
• Accrued credit from a paid-off fractional instrument may be applied toward a larger size instrument.
• Exchange fees apply based on timing and instrument group (see fee schedule).
• Virtuoso exchanges follow the same timing-based exchange structure.

Returns

• Rentals may be returned at any time to our New Providence or Scotch Plains locations during store hours.
• You also have the option to return the instrument to the school; however, the instrument remains your responsibility until it is received by Elefante Music.
• For school returns, a Return Authorization (RA) number is required. You must contact Elefante Music to obtain the RA number. Instruments returned without authorization remain the renter's responsibility until received by Elefante Music.
• Your rental return must be the instrument with the serial number assigned to your account.
• Upon return, the rental account will close and any accrued purchase credit will be forfeited.

Repairs & Damage

• Renters are responsible for the care, safekeeping, and proper use of the instrument.
• Damage due to negligence, misuse, or loss is the renter's responsibility.
• Instruments damaged beyond repair require payment of the instrument's purchase value.
• All repairs must be performed exclusively by Elefante Music.
• Click here for descriptions of maintenance that is covered/not covered by the included maintenance plan.

Exchanges

• Exchanges may be made between instruments within the same group.
• Band/orchestra instruments may not be exchanged with fretted instruments.
• Fractional string instruments may be exchanged for size changes at no additional cost.

Play It Safe Plan

• The optional Play It Safe Plan is a one-time payment, equal to the cost of one month's rental payment. It covers damage that we determine is outside the basic maintenance agreement already included with your rental. If the instrument suffers damage that renders it beyond repair in the expert opinion of our technicians, is destroyed by fire, or is stolen,* Elefante Music will replace the instrument.
  *For instances of theft, a valid stolen-property police report must be provided within 60 days.
• To secure this protection, the Play It Safe Plan must be purchased at the inception of the rental. You may decline this protection; however, it may not be added retroactively after the rental commences. In addition, the renter must pay the deductible should the instrument be damaged beyond repair.
• The plan remains in effect until the instrument is either purchased or returned to Elefante Music.

Deductibles:

This damage waiver does not cover:

• Loss of use, mysterious disappearance, gross negligence, or abuse
• Missing or broken equipment, including mouthpieces
• Strings or reeds
• Accessories, including neck straps, valve and slide oil, and swabs
• Instrument case

Instrument Values

Below is the range of instrument values, depending upon manufacturer and new vs. previously rented condition.