Our Story

Many years spent as a musical instrument retailer, brought to attention a growing need to provide a hire service of instruments which would aid and encourage both beginners and progressing musicians.

It is essential that all students have access to a quality instrument from trusted brands that are endorsed and recommended by music teachers. Unfamiliar and low priced brands will only hinder and stunt a students progression.

To witness any student desperately trying to develop their skills on an inferior instrument is not desirable. They may feel despondent as their efforts become hampered by a badly made or poorly set up instrument.

Based upon experience it became clear that Musical Instrument Hire company was a necessity!

It is understood that the early days for any musician may prove difficult. ‘Have I selected the right instrument?’, ‘Should I try another one?’ are questions often brought to mind. Once experienced he/she may consider learning a second instrument, or maybe trying out a few different instruments before making a decision as to which.

Our vision is to provide quality instruments of leading brands accessible to all, enabling the student to have the best possible opportunity to progress in, and most importantly enjoy, the music they play.

Welcome to Musical Instrument Hire Co.

The owner, Richard Thompson, has spent his working life in retail, starting off at John Lewis, followed by Fox’s Music as a piano specialist and demonstrator, Sheehans Music as Stock Controller and eventually Managing Director, and then here at Musical Instrument Hire Co.

We have spent years building our knowledge base of musical instrument products and brands, and have visited workshops, tradeshows, and factories across the world including Yamaha, Paesold, Buffet and many more.

We have been lucky enough to have had the experience of renowned instrument technicians from across the UK. Time spent in the workshops of Paul Windridge, Matthias Ziemann, Cédric Berthier, Pierre Pannetier and David Snelling among many others, has gained us a wealth of knowledge and invaluable experience.

Our workshops are purpose built, and fully kitted out with some of the latest equipment, and some of the oldest tools that just can’t be replaced by modern tools.

Years of experience of musical instrument retail and working with instruments brings us to where we are today with customer service and satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.

We work with several schools and music services across the UK, including Ratcliffe College, Willington Independent School and Hackney Music Services, and offer a bespoke service to music departments and instrumental teachers.