How to… Buy instruments using finance schemes

Buying musical instruments using finance schemes offers several advantages, making it easier for musicians to access high-quality gear without the burden of a large upfront cost. By enabling buyers to spread the cost of an expensive instrument over more manageable monthly payments, parents and musicians can invest in better instruments which will ultimately provide a better playing experience and encourage progress.

Many finance options come with low or even zero-interest rates, minimising the extra cost to the buyer. Finance schemes also provide an opportunity to purchase multiple instruments or accessories in one transaction, which can be especially beneficial for those building a comprehensive setup. Of course, for some customers paying entirely up front makes the most sense where possible, but schemes like this are designed to help to build a buoyant musical economy, enabling widespread access to instruments and equipment throughout the country. Chamberlain Music offers two different options:

• Novuna Consumer Finance – our main finance method
• Take it away – a popular finance scheme for musicians, supported by Arts Council England

Novuna Consumer Finance

Our customers regularly make use of Novuna for buying (amongst other things), grand pianos, upright pianos, outdoor percussion, large mixing desks, workstation desks, saxophones and orchestral strings.

Our standard offerings

• 10 months @ 0% APR
• 50% deposit
• Any amount from £500 up to £25,000

OR

• 36, 48 or 60 months @ 15.9% APR
• Minimum 10% deposit
• Any amount from £600 up to £25,000

If you are eligible for buying with Novuna, it’s best to contact us before your purchase. Either email sales@chamberlainmusic.com or call us on 01428 658806; one of our sales team will talk you through the process.

The Take it away scheme

Operated by Creative United, Take it away is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company funded by Arts Council England, providing interest-free loans for musical instruments, equipment and software for musicians at every level. The Take it away scheme is versatile, applying not only to musical instruments, but equipment, software and even tuition.

Who is eligible for Take it away?

All applicants must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Be a UK resident with a UK address history for the last 3 years
• Have a gross annual income of at least £5,000
• Hold a bank or building society account capable of handling direct debit payments

Deposits for Take it away loans can be as little as 10% depending on the instrument and the length of finance term, but the specific terms for Take it away do vary; similarly to Novuna, you’ll need to speak to our sales team about it via email or over the phone.

Options for schools and music hubs

Although schools, colleges, universities, music hubs cannot capitalise on Novuna or Take it away, they are eligible for other benefits. These institutions can simply pay on invoice with an order reference. It's easy and there's no need to register - just enter your Purchase Order reference number and any special instructions on our basket page, proceed to checkout, and select Pay on Account at the final stage.

Most UK schools have 30-day credit accounts with Chamberlain Music and most schools settle their accounts by BACS. Read more about accounts for schools here.

Testimonials

Here are just a handful of testimonials which demonstrate the value of finance schemes like this in inspiring young musicians, giving students opportunities they might otherwise not have had.

"During these difficult times, the ability to finance a musical instrument using the TakeItAway Scheme has been extremely helpful. Without this scheme we would have struggled to purchase the piano with one payment. This has also given my children the opportunity to learn to play the piano during lockdown. Thank you for your service.”

– Paul

"Great scheme as it allowed my son to get a nice flute for an intermediate player. I would have been reluctant to pay out right on my credit card as I would have incurred some interest."

– Zoe

"I would like to recommend TakeItAway as it provided our two children with instruments which gave them amazing experiences and opportunities over the years. Without the scheme, we would have found it difficult to buy instruments of the quality needed to enable them to realise their musical abilities."

– Jennifer

Disclaimer

While the information contained on this website has been compiled in good faith, no representation is made as to its completeness, reliability or accuracy. It does it constitute investment, tax, legal or any other form of advice or recommendation with respect to any such services, security or financial instrument. Any financial reports contained on the website are only current as of the respective date contained in the particular report. Potential users of the aforementioned schemes should seek independent financial advice prior to any investment decision.