Great music gear doesn't have to mean a big upfront expense.
Really, you can rent musical instruments?
It's a question we hear surprisingly often at Coleman's Music. And the answer is absolutely.
Whether it's a beautiful new acoustic guitar, an electric you've had your eye on, a better amplifier or some recording equipment for your home studio, Studio 19 Rentals offers a practical alternative to purchasing everything outright.
And with the rising cost of living putting pressure on household budgets across Australia, we think having another way to access quality musical equipment is more valuable than ever.
After all, the desire to make music doesn't disappear just because the bills keep going up.
Making Music More Accessible
Let's face it, quality musical equipment can be expensive.
A serious acoustic guitar, a professional amplifier or a decent home recording setup can represent a significant investment. For students, working musicians, families and hobbyists alike, finding that money upfront isn't always realistic.
That's where Studio 19 comes in.
Rather than paying the full purchase price, you can rent the equipment you want and take it home for manageable monthly payments.
This can make a real difference when you're trying to balance your musical ambitions with everyday expenses such as rent, groceries, utilities and everything else that seems to be getting more expensive.
It also means you don't necessarily have to settle for equipment that doesn't quite meet your needs simply because it's cheaper.
Of course, renting isn't automatically less expensive than buying over the long term. But for many players, the ability to spread payments and retain some flexibility can be worth considering.
Try Before You Commit
One of the things we particularly like about Studio 19 is the opportunity to spend some proper time with an instrument before deciding whether it's the right one.
Trying a guitar in a shop is one thing. Living with it for a few months is another.
You get to hear how it sounds through your own amplifier, how it feels during rehearsals, how it sits in a recording and whether it genuinely inspires you to keep playing.
And sometimes, your needs change.
Perhaps you've decided to move from acoustic to electric guitar. Maybe you've upgraded your recording setup or discovered that the amplifier you thought you wanted isn't quite right for the gigs you're playing.
With Studio 19, you can return your equipment once you've completed your chosen minimum rental period.
It's a level of flexibility that makes experimenting with new gear considerably less daunting.
Flexibility That Works Around You
Unlike a conventional purchase, Studio 19 gives you several options as your needs evolve.
You can choose a minimum rental period of 6, 12 or 36 months, depending on the agreement available for your equipment.
If you're happy with the gear, you can continue renting for up to 36 months. If you'd rather move on, you can return it once your minimum rental period has been completed.
And if you've fallen in love with the instrument and can't imagine giving it back?
You can apply to buy it at any time—even after your first day.
You don't need to wait until the rental period is finished. Studio 19 can provide a purchase price so you can decide whether owning the equipment makes sense for you.
It's worth remembering that Studio 19 is a rental arrangement, not an automatic rent-to-own plan. Even after 36 months, ownership requires a separate final purchase payment.
No Ongoing Account-Keeping Fees
Another welcome feature is the straightforward fee structure.
Studio 19 advises that its standard music rental program has no ongoing account-keeping fees or annual administration charges.
There are also no additional early-purchase fees when you apply to buy, or early-exit fees when you return equipment after completing your minimum rental period.
There may still be initial administration, delivery, return freight, optional protection and missed-payment charges, depending on your agreement and circumstances.
For anyone working to a monthly budget, understanding those costs upfront is important. We'd always recommend checking the full rental schedule and total cost before committing.
A Practical Option for Working Musicians, Students and Home Studios
We can see Studio 19 being particularly useful in a few situations.
For students and developing players, renting can provide access to a better-quality instrument without asking the family to commit to a substantial purchase before knowing whether the enthusiasm will last.
For working musicians, it can be a way to access equipment for rehearsals, recording and regular performances while keeping more money available for other expenses.
For home recording enthusiasts, it opens up the possibility of trying different microphones, interfaces and other studio equipment in the environment where they'll actually be used.
And for experienced guitarists, it's simply another way to explore an instrument or amplifier you've been curious about without having to purchase it outright on day one.
Studio 19 also offers an optional equipment protection plan for eligible rentals, which may provide additional peace of mind against certain accidental damage, fire and theft. As always, it's important to check exactly what is and isn't covered.
How Does Studio 19 Rentals Work?
The process is relatively straightforward:
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Choose your gear. Find the instrument or equipment you're interested in renting.
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Check the rental payments. Use the Studio 19 Rental Calculator to get an estimate of the monthly cost.
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Apply to rent. Complete an application, subject to credit approval and an affordability assessment.
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Take your gear home. Once approved and arranged, you can start making music while paying the agreed monthly rental amount.
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Decide what comes next. Apply to buy whenever you're ready, continue renting within the permitted term or return the equipment after your minimum rental period.
It's worth noting that applications are subject to eligibility requirements and minimum equipment values.
Our Take: Your Music Shouldn't Have to Wait
At Coleman's Music, we've always believed that the right instrument can make a genuine difference to someone's playing.
Sometimes that's a first guitar that makes a beginner excited to practise. Sometimes it's an amplifier that finally delivers the sound a guitarist has been chasing for years. Other times it's a piece of recording equipment that helps turn a bedroom demo into something much more serious.
Whatever the situation, we don't think financial pressure should automatically put those musical ambitions on hold.
Studio 19 Rentals won't be the right option for everybody. If you have the money available and know exactly what you want, purchasing outright may well be the better-value decision.
But if you'd prefer to preserve your savings, manage your spending through predictable monthly payments or spend some real time with an instrument before deciding to own it, Studio 19 offers an alternative that's well worth exploring.
Because ultimately, the most important thing isn't whether you're renting or buying the equipment.
It's what you create with it.
Interested in finding out more? Speak to the team at Coleman's Music, South Melbourne, or explore the Studio 19 Rentals website to learn how the program works.
Studio 19 Rentals is subject to credit approval, affordability assessment, minimum rental periods and applicable terms and conditions. Rental payments do not automatically transfer ownership. Fees and purchase prices should be confirmed before entering an agreement.
