Frequently Asked Questions

• Alamo Ranch Store
• General Information
• Instrument Rentals
• Sales
• Repairs
• Lessons

Alamo Ranch Location

• Is this location still open?

  As of 12-15-24, our Alamo Ranch location has been merged with our main store located in Castle Hills at 2121 NW Military Hwy.

• What if I need supplies or repairs?

  Our educational sales representatives will continue to service all of the same schools in NW San Antonio and the surrounding area. If you would like us to pick up an instrument for repair, or want accessories delivered to your school, please contact us at our Castle Hills location. Online orders can also be delivered directly to the schools we call on.

• I rented an instrument through the Alamo Ranch location, has anything changed?

  All automatic payments have always been processed through our Castle Hills store, so no action is required on your part. If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to call or text us.

General Information

• Where are your locations and hours?

  We are located in Castle Hills near loop 410 and NW Military Hwy. For store hours and Google maps to our stores visit our location page. As of 12-15-2024, our Alamo Ranch location has been merged with our Castle Hills store.

• Do you buy used instruments?

  At this time, we do not do outright purchases on any used instruments. We do, however, offer a consignment program on qualifying band and orchestra instruments. Please call, text, or email us for more information.

• How can I reach you?

  You can call or text our Castle Hills location during business hours. (We do answer after hours text messages if we are able to.) You can also email us 24/7. Calling us will probably be fastest, but we do our best to respond to business hour text messages ASAP (usually within the hour if not sooner), and emails within one business day.

Instrument Rentals

• Do you have rental plans for band and orchestra instruments?

  We certainly do! Our team of Educational Sales Representatives visit schools regularly throughout the school to make sure we have your band directors most up to date instrument preferences. All of our student band instruments are set up on a zero interest, month-to-month, rent-to-own plan. Since orchestra students will usually start on a fractional sized instrument (1/4 size, 1/2 size, etc) and trade up as they grow, our orchestra instrument rentals work a little differently. Please call, text, or email us for more information.

• I don't want to rent-to-own on a band instrument. Can I just rent?

  Our rent-to-own instruments can be returned at any time. The only difference between our rent-to-own plan and a "rent only" is that with our plan, once you've paid off the instrument, it belongs to you. Other than that, it is basically a month-to-month rental. There is no obligation to continue renting it any longer than you need it. If your student is done, bring it back and your payments stop.

• If I rent now, when will I get my instrument?

  That depends on when you will need the instrument. If you or your student is starting private lessons immediately, you can pick up your instrument in-store. If you have a beginner starting band or orchestra in the fall, you can pick up in-store in August, or have the instrument delivered to your student's school for the fall semester. If you choose fall delivery, a delivery time will be arranged with the band or orchestra director prior to the date your student is required to have the instrument. At this time, delivery directly to your home is not available for rental instruments.

• What about bass clarinets, oboes, etc? Do you rent those instruments?

  We offer rentals on oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, tenor saxes, French horns, and baritones. Since these instruments are usually provided by your child's school, we keep fewer of them on hand. Please call, text, or email us to check on availability of a specific instrument.

• Do you rent professional level band instruments?

  At this time we don't. Our band instrument rental prices are based on the overall price of the instrument. Due to the higher cost of professional vs student instruments, the monthly rental price would be substantial and not a great option. If you are looking for a deal on a professional instrument, take a look at our consignment program below.

• Can I make a rental payment online?

  Absolutely, just visit our Rental Payments page or, from the drop-down menus on the top of the page, click Rentals, then Rental Payments. You will be asked to login or create an account if you don't have an online account yet. If you rented your instrument in-store and this is your first online payment, you'll be asked to submit your information so we can link your in-store rental with your online account. This process usually takes at most one business day. If you need help sooner, please call or text us during business hours and we will be happy to help.

• My credit card expired, how do I update my card info?

  Please call our Castle Hills location to update the card on file. There is not an online option at this time.

Instrument and Accessory Sales

• I just need accessories. Where do I find them?

  All product available for sale can be found in their sub-categories under the "Shop Products" drop-down menu. You can also shop for band instruments, band accessories, percussion, or method books online by clicking any of the links provided.

• I tried searching and I can't find what I need. Now what?

  We understand that this might be frustrating, which is why we offer an unofficial "personal shopper" service. Simply text or call us and we can either text you links to the products you're looking for, or place your order over the phone. Shopping after hours? Simply text, or email us with what you are looking for and we will get back to you ASAP.

• Why can't I rent accessories?

  With the exception of the mouthpiece and ligature included with an instrument rental, all accessories are purchased outright. Some are consumable items which will show wear and tear quickly, like method books or drum sticks, or be used often like valve oil. Other items, such as reeds should not be shared for health reasons. For these and other reasons, we do not offer rentals on accessories.

• I want to purchase a student instrument. Where can I find them?

  To offer you the VERY best deals on student instruments, we only sell student instruments in-store or by phone. If you are looking for a specific make and model recommended by your band director, please call, text, or email us.

Instrument Repairs

• How much is it to fix _____?

  It is very difficult to give estimates without evaluating a musical instrument. Our technicians have years of experience and can often catch issues that a student might have missed. This is why we offer FREE estimates on an of our band instrument repairs. We will contact you with a breakdown of what we feel it needs as well as a price.

• How long will it take to fix _____?

  Most repairs are completed within 1 week of the date of approval. This means if you drop off a repair, and don't need an estimate, it will likely be done within the week. Please understand, this is a generalization and not a guarantee. Major jobs, such as complete repads, can take longer. That being said, getting your instrument back to you quickly and in top playing condition are our highest priorities. If you would like a specific time frame for your instrument repair, it's best for the technician to evaluate the instrument.

Instrument Lessons

• Do you have lessons in-store?

  We are working hard on resuming all in-person lessons, but do not have a specific date yet for all instructors. Please check our lessons page to view available instructors and their contact information.

• What about the instructors? Are the doing in-person lessons outside the store?

  Each instructor has adjusted their offerings in a way they feel is safest. If you have specific questions for an instructor, please contact us by phone or text and we can get you in touch with an instructor.

• How much are lessons?

  Lesson rates are set by the individual instructors. If you have more detailed questions, please check our lessons page, contact our Castle Hills location by phone or text and we can get you in touch with an instructor.