Is This Instrument Available Right Now?
Instruments may be available right now, or they may be out on trial. Contact us to find out – call us at (603) 356-9890 or email us. If it is out on trial, we invite you to join the waiting list. If the instrument either becomes available to you or sells, we will let you know. At that time, you choose whether to pass or arrange a trial.
Try The Instrument At Home Before You Commit To Buying It.
There are some conditions of course, but we aim to make it as easy as possible for you. Playing and examining an instrument before you fully commit to buying it is a wise and reasonable decision. We don’t want you to be stuck with a rushed choice that doesn’t feel right. Please note: we do not offer trials outside of the US.
Here’s a short video from Brian Charles about the trial process:
How Does It Work?
Look through our updated listings and find what interests you. We ship instruments on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on your location, to ensure the fastest, safest delivery. You’ll have ten days from the date you receive it to test, play and compare the instrument. We highly recommend you plan to take a lesson or attend a rehearsal during the trial period.
We request payment in full by cashier’s check. Shipping charges can be paid by credit card. Your funds are safe. Our track record is long and very positive, and we’re happy to provide references. We don’t cash your check until you’ve made your decision. If you decide to return the instrument, your original check will be returned to you when the instrument and any accessories arrive back here safely.
How Much Does It Cost?
The total cost of the instrument is required in advance in the form of a cashier’s check. We do not take credit cards for instrument trials. We’ll hold your cashier’s check as you try the instrument. If you decide to keep the instrument, the certified check will be deposited. If you decide to return the instrument to us, your original cashier’s check will be returned to you. Your only cost, if you decide to keep the instrument, will be the original shipping cost. If you decide to return the instrument, your cost is limited to the original and return shipping charges.
Do You Take Credit Cards For Trial Instruments?
We wish it were that easy. When you send a cashier’s check, it’s a guarantee that funds are available. We don’t cash your cashier’s check unless you decide to keep the instrument. If you return it, we return your original cashier’s check. We have a stellar 40+ year track record. Read our references to help assure you of our legitimacy and methods. If you live within driving distance or prefer not to send payment in advance, please visit us and try the instruments in person. We welcome many visitors every year from all around the world including all of the Americas, Australia, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Financing
We do not offer financing at this time.
Will You Hold The Instrument Until I Get Payment Available?
Yes. We know that this is a major purchase and we’ll work with you to arrange a trial at your convenience. While we can not hold an instrument for months, we are very flexible. We know that it may take you a week or two to arrange for funds to be available. We’ll be patient. Please communicate your expectations to us when you place an instrument on hold for a trial.
What Are My Responsibilities During The Trial?
Safe care of the instrument, while it is in your possession, is key. Treat it as though it were your own, and please swab it every time you use it. We recommend you contact your insurance company to let them know you will be trialing an expensive instrument. A temporary policy may cost very little, and give you added peace of mind. If you should decide to return the instrument to us, we require that you use the original box or a similar quality substitute if the original box is damaged.
If I Need To Return It
The instrument must be returned promptly, fully insured, and as well packed as you receive it. Instructions are provided on the packing slip/invoice you receive with the instrument. If the instrument is returned in a damaged state due to a lack of adequate packing or misuse, we will charge the cost of repair and hold your funds until the issue has been resolved. We’re glad to say that in all our 40+ years, this has never happened. Here’s a short video about safely shipping an instrument.
Do You Offer A Warranty Once I Have Purchased The Instrument?
Yes. We provide a one-year repair warranty with new instruments and a two-month repair warranty with used instruments. This covers normal wear and will cover minor adjustments of the mechanism, repair of the mechanism (parts extra), and minor crack repair. Your cost is limited to shipping charges and any necessary replacement parts.
Fox Instrument Warranty
New Fox instruments come with a service warranty from Fox which includes a Fox factory cleaning and adjustment during the first year of ownership. This does not apply to used Fox instruments. Contact FoxProducts.com for complete information on this service.
Formal Insurance Appraisals Comes With Every Instrument
We provide a formal insurance appraisal at no charge ($85 value) with every instrument purchased from us. We will update the value of your instrument and send you a new appraisal at no charge for as long as you own the instrument.
How Do I Arrange A Trial?
Contact us at service@charlesmusic.com or by phone at (603) 356-9890. We will happily answer all your questions and assist you in putting an instrument on hold for a trial.
