In 2020, Creative United published the first edition of the Take it away Guide to Buying Adaptive Musical Instruments distributed in partnership with...
Lanched in 2007, the 'Take it away' scheme works with music retailers to provide interest-free finance for the purchase of musical instruments and equipment, helping to ensure that more people can access instruments and learn to play. As of August 2017, the scheme has been expanded to cover all age groups and to include digital musical equipment and musical accessories like cases.
The Take it away scheme is a Creative United programme, backed by Arts Council England and Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Take it away is operated by Creative United (Creative Sector Services Community Interest Company), in partnership with Omni Capital Retail Finance.
What can you buy?
As of August 2017 you can use the interest-free loan scheme to buy almost any musical instrument available at a participating music shop. That includes everything from 'traditional' instruments like violins, clarinets, guitars and pianos to contemporary equipment like synthesizers, drum machines and recording equipment.
When buying your instrument, you can also use the scheme to buy additional items to go with it like a case, strings, reeds, sheet music or even tuition (if the shop offers it)!
How does it work?
- Check if you're eligible
- Find a participating store
- Pick your instrument and/or equipment
- Inform store staff you'd like to use the scheme (they'll take you through the loan application process and run a credit check)
- Pay a deposit (10% of the cost)
- Take it away!
How much will it cost?
You pay 10% of the cost up-front, and then repay the rest of the loan over 9 monthly installments (on goods of £100-£2,000) or 18 monthly installments (on goods of £800 - £25,000).
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An acoustic guitar costing £170:
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A clarinet costing £320 + a clarinet case costing £40:
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A tuba costing £1,500:
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What about insurance?
Once you've bought an instrument, don't forget to insure it!
Including it in your household contents insurance might seem simplest, but many policies won't cover common situations (like loss or theft outside the home, hiring a replacement) and some will require that you get a professional valuation quote.
We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this guidance is accurate and up to date, Making Music do not warrant, nor accept any liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the content, or for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information contained in it.
