Instrument Hire
Essex Music Service Instrument Hire Scheme
Instrument Hire Information SheetWe have a stock of over 2000 high quality instruments which are available to hire for anyone up to age 21 living or studying in Essex. Our hire rates are competitively priced and we offer most common orchestral instruments in addition to electric guitars and keyboards.
Please note that this service gets busy at the beginning of term and extra time should be allowed for delivery. We do not guarantee availability of instruments or delivery dates. There is a £10 per instrument delivery charge for instruments delivered to schools, however if you would like to collect for free from Essex Music Service at County Hall, Chelmsford, then please call us to arrange a time.
Apply for an instrument | For queries, email Andy Heard
Below is a list of the instruments which are available to hire:
| Instrument | Hire (Per Term) | Below shows 50% discount on termly hire charge for those with *Tuition Discount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flute | £32.50 | £16.25 | |
| Oboe | £37.50 | £18.75 | |
| Clarinet | £32.50 | £16.25 | |
| Alto Sax | £50 | £25 | |
| Tenor Sax | £50 | £25 | |
| Bassoon/Mini Bassoon | £42.50 | £21.25 | |
| Trumpet/Cornet | £32.50 | £16.25 | |
| French Horn | £37.50 | £18.75 | |
| Tenor Horn | £42.50 | £21.25 | |
| Bari/Euphonium | £45 | £22.50 | |
| Trombone (tenor only) | £32.50 | £16.25 | |
| Tuba | £37.50 | £18.75 | |
| Violin (all sizes) | £18 | £9.00 | |
| Viola | £18 | £7.50 | |
| Cello (all sizes) | £22.50 | £11.25 | |
| Double Bass (all sizes) | £37.50 | £18.75 | |
| Guitar (all sizes) | £12.50 | £6.25 | |
| Electric/Bass Guitar & Amp | £42.50 | £21.25 | |
| Keyboard | £22.50 | £11.25 |
*Details on our financial assistance package offering tuition and instrument hire discount can be found on the hyperlink.
If you need an instrument not listed above please get in touch.
Instrument Size Guide
Several instruments are available in a range of sizes to suit children of different ages and height. Listed below are the recommended sizes of instruments for various age groups and heights. These are rough estimates and based on typical sizes for heights for ages. If you have any doubts in sizing please speak with your child’s tutor.
Violin
Ideally a player will be able to comfortably hold the end of the violin with the left hand whilst the instrument is in a playing position.
¼ size Ages 6-7
½ size Ages 7-9
¾ size Age 10
Full size Ages 11+
Viola
12″ Viola Ages 6-7
13″ Viola Ages 7-9
14″ Viola Ages 9-12
15″ Viola Ages 10-12
16″ Viola Ages 12+
Cello
¼ size 3’6″ – 4′ Tall
½ size 4′ – 4’6″ Tall
¾ size 4’6″ – 5′ Tall
Full size 5’+
Double Bass
¼ size Ages 7-9 Years
½ size Ages 9-13 Years
¾ size Ages 13+
Classical Guitar
½ size Ages 5-6
¾ size Ages 7-12
Full size Ages 12+
We also hire smaller models of Bassoons, Trombones, French Horns, and several other instruments. As these are often in different keys, or are more simplified versions of larger instruments, it is always worthwhile checking with a tutor first.
