General
1.1 These Terms and Conditions apply to all instrument hires from Studio Violins.
1.2 They replace any other terms you, the customer, may refer to, offer, or rely on at any stage — including printed or standard terms — unless we explicitly agree in writing to accept them.
1.3 Any changes or special arrangements must be agreed in writing by us.

1. About Our Instrument Descriptions
   2.1 Any descriptions or photos of the instruments are simply to help identify them.
   2.2 You agree that you’re not relying on these descriptions when deciding to hire.

   
   

2. Delivery and Collection
   3.1 You are welcome to collect your instrument by appointment. This is our preferred method, as it allows us to hand the instrument over safely and ensure it leaves our care in excellent condition.
   3.2 If you are unable to collect, we’ll courier your instrument to the address you provide, aiming for the date you request.
   3.3 Please make sure someone is available to receive the instrument — instruments travel best when handed directly to a responsible person.
   3.4 If delivery isn’t possible due to circumstances on your end, we may need to store the instrument temporarily. We’ll always explain any storage costs before they’re applied.
   3.5 If anything looks damaged, missing, or not quite right when your instrument arrives, please let us know within 7 days so we can put it right.

   
   

3. When Responsibility Passes to You
   4.1 Once you receive the instrument — whether by collection or delivery — you’re responsible for it.
   4.2 If you collect the instrument yourself, responsibility starts as soon as it’s handed to you or set aside for collection.

   
   

4. Ownership of the Instrument
   5.1 The instrument always belongs to Studio Violins unless you buy it outright.
   5.2 If you have the option and choose to buy it, ownership transfers only once your payment has fully cleared.

   
   

5. Price and Payment
   6.1 The total price is our advertised rate minus any discount we’ve agreed with you in
   writing.
   6.2 VAT does not apply.
   6.3 We do not offer credit terms.
   6.4 You must pay your initial four month minimum term plus the one off subscription invoice when you collect your instrument.
   6.5 If we arrange delivery through a courier service, your initial payment — plus courier costs — must clear before we dispatch the instrument.
   6.6 Your next payment will be the first monthly charge starting from month five of your hire.
   6.7 Your monthly direct debit will be stopped by us at the end of the month in which you return the complete instrument outfit.

   
   

6. Late Payments and Failed Fees
   7.1 If your monthly payment is late, we may charge daily interest on the overdue amount.
   7.2 Interest is calculated at 4% per year above the Bank of England base rate.
   7.3 You must also cover any banking fees we incur if your card expires or your bank cannot complete the payment.
   7.4 If you fail to pay, we reserve the right to request that you return the instrument straight away, at your expense.
   7.5 We are not responsible for any issues or financial losses caused by suspending or ending your hire agreement.
   7.6 We may change your payment terms before allowing the hire agreement to continue.

   
   

7. Damage or Loss
   8.1 While the instrument is with you, please look after it as you would any musical instrument.
   8.2 If anything happens — damage, deterioration, or loss — please tell us straight away.
   8.3 Don’t try to fix it yourself. Instruments can be delicate, and even small issues can affect their sound or reliability.
   8.4 You’re responsible for any repair costs needed to return the instrument to its original condition.
   8.5 Minor repairs may be covered by us at our discretion — we’ll always be fair and transparent.
   8.6 If the instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair, you’ll be responsible for up to the full replacement cost, based on current wholesale prices and our discretion.
   8.7 If you ever need advice on safe storage, handling, or transport — especially if you’re considering using a courier — we’re here to help.

   
   

8. Ongoing Maintenance
   9.1 You are liable for the replacement of worn or broken strings. They should match the brand and size supplied originally, and it’s best to have them fitted by a competent practitioner.
   9.2 If the hair on a bow becomes excessively worn or damaged, you are liable for the cost of replacing the bow, also matching the brand and size supplied originally. We can provide this at cost, so do let us know and we’ll save you money and time by sending you one.
   9.3 If your instrument is returned to us with inappropriate replacement strings or bow, we will charge the wholesale cost of replacing them.

   
   

9. Returning Your Instrument
   10.1 You can return your instrument any time after the first four months of hire. (If you return it before this time, we are unable to offer any reimbursement.)
   10.2 Returns are normally made in person, by appointment, so we can receive and check the instrument properly.
   10.3 To arrange a return, just email us and we’ll book a time that works for you.
   10.4 If you cannot return the instrument in person, a courier service may be used — but only as a secondary option and only with our prior agreement.
   10.5 If using a courier, please contact us first so we can advise on safe packaging.
   10.6 Courier costs are your responsibility.

   
   

10. Our Liability

    11.1 If something goes wrong, our maximum liability is the amount you’ve paid under the hire contract.
    11.2 We do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence.
    12. Intellectual Property
    12.1 Any intellectual property created as part of our service belongs to us.
    12.2 You agree to help us secure those rights if needed.
    13. Events Outside Our Control
    13.1 We’re not responsible for delays or failures caused by things outside our control (e.g., extreme weather, strikes, accidents, supply chain issues).
    13.2 We may take extra time to fulfil our obligations if needed.
    13.3 If the delay becomes unreasonable, we may end the contract without liability.
    14. Our Relationship
    14.1 This agreement doesn’t create a partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between us.
    15. Assignment and SubContracting
    15.1 You can’t transfer your hire agreement or pass your responsibilities to someone else without our written permission.
    16. Waiver
    16.1 If we don’t enforce a term straight away, it doesn’t mean we won’t enforce it later.
    17. If Part of This Agreement Is Invalid
    17.1 If a court decides any part of this agreement is invalid, the rest still applies.
    18. Governing Law
    18.1 This agreement is governed by English law.
    18.2 Any disputes will be handled by the English courts.