Policies
Instrument Trials
We offer a generous two-week trial for most instruments at MMI, new or used. Heckel Crest bassoons and Lorée oboes, new and used, can be tested for one week only to help us accommodate all of our customers. Up to three oboes, 3 English horns, or two bassoons can be tried at one time, in order to compare different models or to pick the best particular instrument of one model. A valid credit card is all that is needed to secure the trial. All shipping charges are to be paid by the customer, whether or not an instrument is purchased. You may try as many instruments as you like, as long as you are willing to pay the shipping charges. Shipping/insurance charges for new instruments shipped in the U.S. are as follows: $33 for one oboe, $42 for two, and $54 for three. English horns: $36 for one, $47 for two, and $61 for three EHs. Shipping for one bassoon is $44, and $68 for two. Shipping for one contrabassoon is $95. (These shipping prices are calculated for UPS GROUND service. Please call for faster shipping service rates.)You must insure instruments for their full value when returning to our shop. Trial period extensions are sometimes possible if you are having trouble making the final decision. Please note that sometimes there is a waiting list for certain instruments that are in high demand (especially used instruments). If you decide to purchase an instrument, payment can be made by credit card (MC, VISA, Discover, American Express), check, or money order. We do not allow the free two-week trial arrangement outside the U.S. Please call for further information.
For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. We can accept a certified check in U.S. funds (call or e-mail for details).
Alternative Trial Instrument Return Shipping Method
If at the end of an instrument trial period, you need to return one or more instruments, MMI is now offering a more convenient return solution for you. At your request, we can charge your credit card and process a UPS Call Tag that a UPS driver will use to pick up the packaged instrument(s) at an appropriate location. The package must be packed the same way it was shipped to you and it must be ready at a location where someone will be present when the Call Tag/UPS driver arrives. The charge would include shipping, insurance, pick up and processing fee. The cost for the UPS Call Tag/Pick Up Service in the continental U.S. is as follows:
Oboes/Flutes: $68 for one, $77 for two, and $89 for three
English horns: $71 for one, $82 for two, and $96 for three
Bassoons: $79 for one, and $103 for two
Contrabassoon: $130 for one
Bb Clarinets: $68 for one, $77 for two, and $89 for three
Alto Saxophones: $79 for one, $103 for two, $138 for three
This may be a more convenient and less expensive alternative to other shipping services. Please call for more information or to request this service.
Return/Exchange Policy
We want you to be happy with everything you purchase from us! If an item is not satisfactory, it can be returned for a credit or exchange within 14 days, provided it has not been altered, damaged or used. Knives that have been sharpened, sharpening stones that have been used, and half-processed tube cane are examples of things that cannot be returned. The return policy includes all accessory items except tube cane, shaper tips, sheet music, CDs, non-defective processed cane and reeds (which cannot be returned for health reasons). Of course, any defective product can be returned. There is a $5 restock fee and every return must by accompanied by a copy of the original invoice. For orders sent outside the U.S. or Canada, we cannot accept returns - all sales are final.
Warranty on New Instruments
MMI provides a one-year warranty for all new instruments. An MMI warranty covers all necessary repairs and routine maintenance
during normal wear of the instrument. These repairs include, but are not limited to: crack repair, pad replacement, tuning, re-corking, and mechanism adjustments. Repairs necessary due to abuse, negligence, or incompetent repairs done by outside repair shops are not covered under the warranty. The warranty is only applicable to the original owner of the instrument.
All repairs must be done at MMI or the manufacturer's location, unless authorized by MMI. Failure to do this may void the warranty. Please call MMI at 800-926-5587 before sending instruments in to the manufacturer or to our shop.
Shipping costs to MMI are to be paid by the customer, and MMI will pay for the shipping costs to return the instrument during the first 6 months after purchase.
Insurance costs are the owner's responsibility. Please allow at least one or two weeks for repairs. If repair work is being done under warranty, we can offer a rental instrument at half the normal monthly rate, pro-rated to the repair.
Turnaround times vary, but we do our best to return instruments as quickly as possible.
Extended Warranty Policy
In addition to the current one-year warranty on the purchase of new instruments, we are now offering the following:
Additional 1-year: $270
Additional 2-year: $525
These extended warranties are only available at the time of purchase of new instruments.
Payment Options
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover,and American Express as well as personal and certified checks. Please allow 1-2 weeks (shipping delay) for processing personal checks.
MMI takes privacy and data protection issues seriously. We do not sell or give away your private information. Our on-line shopping cart uses the most advanced encrypted security features, so you can be assured of a safe on-line shopping experience. If you would like to stop receiving email or mailings from us, please contact us by phone, email or mail to be removed from future mailings.
Instrument Appraisals
For a $25 fee, MMI will supply a letter for insurance purposes, which states the replacement value of an instrument. This service is free for instruments purchased through MMI.
Selling a Used Instrument or Miscellaneous Double Reed Items on Consignment
Please feel free to call and discuss the possibility of selling your
used oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, or saxophone through our
consignment program. We list all of our consignment instruments on our
website. Miscellaneous items, including
shapers/tips, cases, bassoon and English horn bocals, can also be sold on consignment. Please call 800-926-5587 for more information and our
commission rates!
Yamaha oboes incorporate the very latest computerized manufacturing technology. These oboes feature accurate intonation, balanced response, and an even scale. (Yamaha is now offering a 5-year warranty on all of their instruments. After the first year of ownership, Yamaha will complete all warranty repairs.) Visit the Yamaha website.