Where can I rent pianos in southern Great Britain?

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Request for Question Clarification by leli-ga on 17 Oct 2002 01:20 PDT

Thank-you for your question. 
Because a preliminary search suggests that most piano rental packages
are for a minimum period of a year, I wanted to check back with you
about your requirements. There are one or two exceptions to the one
year pattern. 1. Digital pianos (electronic) can be rented for just
six months. 2. Exceptional pianos can be hired for concerts etc.
though I haven't found the terms spelt out online.
I wonder if you could let us know if any of these arrangements would
suit you? Thanks

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Clarification of Question by jtsterling-ga on 17 Oct 2002 08:56 PDT

Yes I can and thank you.  This is my first time using google question.
 Actually, a low cost non-exceptional piano for the shortest time
possible.  A digital 88 keys piano action is OK.  Expense is of utmost
concern.  Shortest term.  It is for a home near Barnstable where I amy
take up residence but will be visiting.  Even a small spinet will do
although I would like to have a choice and weigh options.  Any help on
this is so appreciated and I will up the cost for your time as
required.  Hooe this helps.

JTSterling

Hello again

Thanks for getting back to us. I've tried to pick out the
possibilities that are most likely to suit you. I found that Brittens
offer a minimum rental period of only two months, although their
monthly rental cost is higher than some other places.

Here are the details:

DIGITAL PIANOS

Brittens offer the shortest hire period I've found - two months. Their
cheapest monthly charge is £48 on a Roland HP-1 with:

88 Full-size weighted keys with hammer action
64-note polyphony
4 instrument sounds
Reverb
Metronome
Rosewood cabinet
MIDI

See: digital piano rental
http://www.brittensmusic.co.uk/pages/onlinerental/digitalpianorental.html

Their rental business is particularly aimed at people who want to try
an instrument before buying. They ask for payment either by credit or
debit card until the instrument is either purchased or returned.
Though I'm not a financial expert, I should add that using a credit
card would probably give you an added layer of protection against any
misunderstanding. Let me emphasise that this is no adverse comment on
Brittens. I used this firm myself when trying out a clarinet for one
of my children and everything went well.

Details of their rental plan
http://www.brittensmusic.co.uk/rental.htm

They also say "If the instrument you require is not shown here, please
call us on 01932 351165 or email rentals@brittensmusic.co.uk . We can
normally arrange a rental package to match your requirements."


Roland, the manufacturers, will rent their digital pianos for a
minimum period of six months. Their most reasonably priced 88-key
model, a Roland Maestro, costs £40 per month plus £35 delivery to
mainland Britain. If you wish to pay monthly you have to set up a
direct debit for the payments. Although I know it's not what you
really want, I'll just mention that they do offer a 76-key model for
only £25 per month.

Roland Rentals Hotline: 01792 515017
pianorentals@roland.co.uk 
http://www.roland.co.uk/gr10/rentals2.asp


TRADITIONAL PIANOS

As for acoustic pianos, the shortest, most reasonably priced
possibility for you is a firm offering a ten-month period with minimum
monthly charge of £24, but their site does not go into a great deal of
detail, and I imagine a lot depends on what they have in stock at any
particular time:

reconditioned pianos
http://www.marcusroberts.co.uk/services.htm


OTHER POSSIBILITIES

Further possibilities you could explore although some of them don't
give very full details of their stock and/or contracts:

One year minimum
http://www.piano-workshop.co.uk/hire/hire.htm

Only £20 per month but you'd have to arrange delivery separately.
Period not specified.
Tel: 01462 733733 Email: info@pianoman-pianos.co.uk
http://www.pianoman-pianos.co.uk/rentals.html

Both acoustic and digital pianos - one year deals
http://www.rent-a-piano.co.uk/pages/deals.html

£5 per WEEK but not many details
http://www.uk-piano.org/eric_reynolds/piano_hire.html

This site says £28 per month and asks you to order in good time for
Christmas!
http://www.daveallanmusic.co.uk/services.htm##rentals

I do hope something here suits you. Please feel free to get back to me
by using the 'request clarification' feature of Google Answers, if you
need any further help or if you have trouble with links.

Good luck with your visit to Devon.

Regards - Leli

search terms: 'piano' 'rentals' "site:.uk"
('hire' seems to be for concert pianos while rental is for domestic
use!)