Rentals
Renting a high-quality instrument is always better than purchasing a cheaply made instrument. Find out how much it will cost to rent the instrument for the entire year - don't forget Summer Band! Also, some stores will apply your rental fee towards the purchase price of an instrument.
Rentals are available from the following stores:
Washington Music Center rents many instruments for as little as $85 for the school year!
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center
11151 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
(301) 946-8808
https://www.chucklevins.com
Music & Arts Center
Several area locations
https://www.musicarts.com
Buying an instrument
For the first year of lessons, rentals are best. After a year or two, talk to your teacher and the pros at the music store to help you select a quality instrument that will last your child through high school. Be careful: if an instrument is offered for cheap at a club store, pawn shop, or online auction, you might end up paying a lot for repairs or even a replacement!
Here are some stores where you can buy high-quality instruments:
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center
11151 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
(301) 946-8808
https://www.chucklevins.com
Music & Arts Center
Several area locations
https://www.musicarts.com
Woodwind & Brasswind
https://www.wwbw.com
Repairs
Repairs are offered at a number of area music stores. Check to see if they do repairs on-site or if they will ship your instrument to another location. Stores that ship usually take much longer to complete simple repairs.
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center
11151 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
301-946-8808
https://www.chucklevins.com