Student Instrument Rentals from Old Town School Music Store

If you've signed-up for a class at Old Town School and need to rent an instrument, we're here to make it happen! All rentals are picked-up and returned at Old Town School Music Store, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., anytime during open hours.

Reserving a Rental Instrument

At time of class enrollment, you'll be prompted to indicate whether a rental instrument is needed. Alternately, feel free to contact us via rentals@oldtownschool.org, call Old Town School Music Store at (773) 751-3398, or stop by our 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. storefront anytime during open hours.

Simple and Secure Monthly Payments

All rentals are $33/month, billed at time of rental, then securely auto-debited from renter's card on file on that same calendar day each following month until returned. For example, if an instrument is rented on May 7th, $33 will be charged at time of rental, then auto-debited on June 7th, July 7th, August 7th, etc. until instrument is returned.

In the rare event of a failed auto-debit, renter will be immediately notified and prompted to update their payment information, and auto-debit will be reattempted daily for a 7-day grace period. After this 7-day grace period, a $15/week late fee will be assessed from renter's card on file upon return of instrument. If instrument is returned within 7-day grace period following failed auto-debit, no $15 late fee will be assessed.

Review the full Old Town School Rental Agreement anytime here.

Available Rental Instruments for Old Town School students:

• Guitar, Acoustic or Electric
• Banjo
• Bass, Electric
• Mandolin
• 4/4 (full size) Violin
• Autoharp
• Hammered Dulcimer
• Conga
• Djembe

Kids' Violin Rentals:

While we have many of the books, shoulder sponges, rosin, and replacement strings that are needed for Kids' Fiddle classes in the Old Town School Music Store, we do not rent fiddles smaller than a full 4/4 size. However, the following folks rent violins and will help with sizing and pricing (scholarships sometimes available):

Wargaski Violins,  1705 N. Ashland Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 — 773-426-7531 (Rental Partner)

A440, 2222 West Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60618 — 773-348-4949

Seman Violins, 4447 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076 — 847-674-0690

Accordion rentals:  

We suggest renting accordions from Romangoli Accordions,  5510 W 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 — (708) 422-2992

Old Town School Rental FAQs

Can I apply my rental fees toward the purchase of a new instrument?

Yes! 60% of up to your first four monthly rental payments may be applied toward purchase of a new instrument of the same type upon return of rental instrument. For example, if an acoustic guitar has been rented for six months, upon return, 60% of only the first four $33 monthly payments (approximately $80) may be applied towards purchase of a new acoustic guitar from our current inventory.

How do I tune my rental instrument?

Tuning your instrument will be among the first skills you'll learn in class. An inexpensive digital tuner may be purchased in-store at time of rental pick-up, or anytime at musicstore.oldtownschool.org.

What if I break a string?

Once the instrument is issued to you, you are responsible for all maintenance and repairs (including new strings). If you need help changing a string, we'll be happy to help. We can usually change a single string while you wait.

What if I break something bigger?

Again, you are responsible for your instrument for the duration of your rental contract. But don't fret, (you'll get that joke later) almost anything can be fixed! We understand that accidents happen and will work with you if anything unfortunate should happen to your rental instrument.

Other questions?

We're here to help! Please feel free to send an email to rentals@oldtownschool.org, call (773) 751-3398, or stop by our 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. storefront anytime during open hours.