Close-up of hands playing an upright piano

Instrument Rental

Flexible, affordable rentals for pianos, strings, brass and wood-wind β€” trusted since 1864. Hire today with fast UK delivery, expert setup and a rent-to-buy option that refunds up to six months’ hire plus your full deposit against any new instrument you choose.

Historic Hickies music store established in 1864

Since 1864

We’ve provided musicians, schools and venues with quality instruments for more than 160 years. Our heritage as a family-run UK music retailer means every piano, violin, cello and brass instrument is hand-selected for tone and reliability.

Customer arranging a musical instrument rental with Hickies

Steps to Renting

Pick an instrument, pay a refundable deposit, set up your direct-debit via GoCardless β€” and start playing. Every rental instrument is professionally serviced, tuned and ready for beginners, students and professional musicians alike.

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Why rent with us?

Our flexible hire programme gives students, schools, churches and touring artists affordable access to premium musical instruments without the upfront cost.

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Rent-to-Buy Savings

Your deposit and up to six months’ hire come off the price of any new instrument β€” you’re never tied to buying the one you rented.

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Top Brands

Yamaha, Roland, Kawai & Stentor β€” fully serviced before hire.

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Maintenance Included

Free servicing for the duration of your rental.

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Free Delivery

Ground-floor delivery across mainland UK is included at no extra charge.

Choose your instrument

Browse our curated range of acoustic pianos, digital keyboards, violins and cellos ready for short- or long-term rental anywhere in the UK.

Premium Yamaha and Kawai upright pianos for hire

Acoustic Piano (Tier 3)

Yamaha & Kawai premium uprights with a rich, concert-grade tone.

Rental RateΒ£85 / month
DepositΒ£170
Min Period6 months
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Yamaha B1 piano for student to intermediate

Acoustic Piano (Tier 2)

Compact Yamaha B1 β€” ideal for learners progressing to an intermediate level.

Rental RateΒ£65 / month
DepositΒ£130
Min Period6 months
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Upright piano perfect for beginners

Acoustic Piano (Tier 1)

Economical upright β€” perfect for first-time pianists and early learners.

Rental RateΒ£50 / month
DepositΒ£100
Min Period6 months
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88-key Yamaha and Roland digital pianos for rental

Digital Piano

88-key Yamaha & Roland digitals with headphone output and onboard voices.

Rental RateΒ£35 / month
DepositΒ£70
Min Period6 months
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Stentor student violins all sizes for hire

Student Violin

Affordable Stentor violins in every student size.

Rental RateΒ£8 / month
DepositΒ£16
Min Period3 months
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Stentor student cellos various sizes to rent

Student Cello

Stentor cellos with a beautiful tone β€” multiple sizes available.

Rental RateΒ£17–20 / month
DepositΒ£34–40
Min Period3 months
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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about our UK instrument rental service? The answers below cover payments, maintenance, delivery and more.

How do I use my rent-to-buy discount?

Return your rental and choose any new instrument of the same type; we’ll deduct up to six months’ hire plus your deposit, so you pay no extra for the time you rented.

Can the discount be used on a different instrument type?

The discount must be used on the same family of instrument (e.g. piano for piano, string for string).

Is delivery included?

Yes β€” ground-floor delivery across mainland UK is free. Upper-floor or stair carries may attract a small fee.

What quality are the instruments?

All stock comes from Yamaha, Roland, Kawai and Stentor, serviced by qualified technicians.

How do I end my rental?

Return the instrument to our Reading or Tiverton branch (call to arrange piano collection). We’ll cancel your direct-debit once it’s back.

Do I keep my discount if I buy later?

Yes β€” your discount remains valid for six months after you end the rental.