At Hickies Music Store, we’re passionate about making music accessible to everyone. We understand that buying a musical instrument can be a significant expense, which is why we’re delighted to offer the Take It Away scheme—a simple and affordable way to help you bring music into your life.
What Is the Take It Away Scheme?
The Take It Away scheme is an initiative funded by Arts Council England and operated by Creative United, a not-for-profit organisation. It provides interest-free loans to individuals looking to purchase musical instruments, equipment, or even tuition. This means you can spread the cost over time without paying any extra.
How Does It Work?
Here’s how you can take advantage of the scheme at Hickies:
- Visit Our Store – Drop by our shop in Reading and have a browse. Whether you’re interested in guitars, pianos, brass instruments, or something else entirely, we’ve got a wide selection for you to choose from. Our friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice and answer any questions.
- Choose Your Instrument – Take your time trying out different instruments to find the one that’s right for you. We’re here to help, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced musician.
- Apply for the Scheme – Once you’ve made your choice, let us know you’d like to use the Take It Away scheme. We’ll guide you through a straightforward application process right here in the shop. You’ll need:
- Proof of ID: Such as a passport or driving licence.
- Address History: Details of your UK addresses for the past three years.
- Income Information: Confirmation that you have a gross annual income of at least £5,000.
- Bank Details: A bank or building society account capable of handling direct debit payments.
- Take Your Instrument Home – If your application is approved and the deposit is paid, you can take your new instrument home straight away. Your first monthly payment will usually be due about 30 days after your purchase.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Take It Away scheme, you need to:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Be a UK resident with at least three years of address history.
- Have a gross annual income of at least £5,000.
- Hold a bank or building society account capable of handling direct debit payments.
The scheme is open to a wide range of people, including students with part-time jobs, those who are self-employed, and individuals who are unemployed but meet the income requirement. You can also use the scheme to purchase an instrument for someone else, such as a child or family member.
Why Use the Take It Away Scheme?
- Interest-Free Loans: Spread the cost over 9 or 18 months without any interest charges.
- Flexible Amounts: Borrow between £100 and £5,000 (some retailers can offer up to £25,000, subject to approval).
- No Early Repayment Fees: If you decide to pay off the loan early, you won’t be penalised.
- Accessible: Designed to make music accessible to people from all walks of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a second-hand or reconditioned instrument?
Yes, you can. The scheme covers both new and reconditioned instruments purchased from approved retailers like us.
What if the instrument costs more than the loan limit?
You can use the loan as part-payment towards the instrument’s cost and pay the remaining balance by another method, such as a larger deposit.
Can I use the scheme more than once?
Absolutely. There’s no limit to how many times you can use the scheme. Each application will undergo a separate credit check.
Get Started Today
If you’ve been thinking about getting an instrument but are concerned about the upfront cost, the Take It Away scheme might be just what you need. We’re here to help you make your musical aspirations a reality.
Visit Us
Come and see us at Hickies Music Store in Reading. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect instrument and guiding you through the application process.
About Hickies Music Store
Established in 1864, Hickies is a family-run business dedicated to supporting musicians at every stage of their journey. We believe in the power of music to enrich lives and are committed to making it accessible to all.
Start Your Musical Journey with Us
Don’t let cost hold you back from experiencing the joy of making music. Visit us today and discover how the Take It Away scheme can help you take home the instrument you’ve always wanted.