Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about renting instruments with Prelude.
How does instrument rental work?
Browse our catalogue, choose an instrument and a rental plan, sign up, and pay online. We'll prepare your instrument and arrange delivery or collection. You can manage your rental, request swaps, and handle returns through your online portal.
What rental plans do you offer?
We offer monthly (no lock-in), 3-month, 6-month, school year (February to December), and 12-month plans. Longer terms come with lower monthly rates. You can see specific pricing on each instrument page.
Can I rent an instrument for my child's school band?
Yes. Prelude is ideal for school band and orchestra students. Our school year plan runs February to December, aligned with the NZ school calendar. We also work directly with schools — see our For Schools page for more information.
What instruments are available?
We offer a wide range across strings (violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele), woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon), brass (trumpet, cornet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba), keyboard, and percussion. Check our catalogue for current availability.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we deliver instruments across New Zealand. Delivery fees vary by instrument size and location.
What condition are the instruments in?
Every instrument is professionally checked and serviced before each rental. We offer student, intermediate, and professional tier instruments — all maintained to the same high standard.
Can I swap to a different instrument?
Yes. You can request a swap through your online portal at any time. Whether you want to try a different instrument or upgrade to a higher tier, we make it easy.
How do I return an instrument?
Initiate a return through your online portal. We'll provide instructions for sending the instrument back or arranging collection.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments via Stripe (Visa, Mastercard) and bank transfer.
What happens if the instrument is damaged?
Normal wear and tear is expected and covered. If there's accidental damage, contact us through your portal and we'll assess it. We handle these on a case-by-case basis.
Is there a deposit?
Some instruments may require a refundable deposit. This will be shown clearly before you complete your rental.
Can I buy the instrument I'm renting?
Yes — if you love the instrument you're renting, get in touch and we can discuss purchase options. We handle these on a case-by-case basis depending on the instrument and your situation.