Musical Instrument Hire
Bloomsbury Music sources and provides a comprehensive range of instruments for hire, nationally and internationally. We’re a trusted partner to musicians, groups, record labels, and musical institutions and organisations looking for the right instruments and equipment for their needs.
We’re asked frequently about hiring instruments, and often to precise specification, and we’re experienced and connected to be able to find the items that match needs perfectly and ensure performances are enjoyable for both musicians and their audiences.
We source and secure all kinds of instruments for all kinds of needs, but the most popular is grand piano hire. Hardly surprising, as they’re not the easiest of instruments to transport. Many of our bands and acoustic groups perform all over the country, or even further afield, and understandably they use midi or electric keyboards where appropriate – they’re far easier to travel with, and the sound is perfectly adequate for most needs. Sometimes, though, only a real grand piano, or even an upright, will do. A grand piano is visually impressive, and in some situations will deliver a superior acoustic nuance. With our instrument hire service, this is easily arranged at a fraction of the effort and expense (and stress) of moving a very heavy and delicate instrument from show to show. We provide all sizes and specifications of piano, from small uprights to full-size concert grands. Many are available in black or white, and we can provide pianos with clear panels so audiences can see the mechanisms at work, and others with more quirky designs. Many of our pianos are used purely acoustically for intimate performances, but they can also come with amplifier outputs built in – or we can provide purpose-built microphones and stands for use alongside bands and orchestras, or just for bigger venues with PA systems.
A real piano can have a hugely positive visual impact on a performance… think of a traditional jazz quartet in a beautiful setting, or a set of Elton John classics – a keyboard on a stand wouldn’t really look the part. We can arrange for delivery and tuning on the day of your event, and for collection the morning after, so all the player needs to do is turn up, soundcheck and enjoy the performance along with the audience.
But hey, it’s not all pianos. We also offer a comprehensive range of classical instruments across string, woodwind, brass and percussion sections of an orchestra, plus a selection of electric guitars and basses to make any player’s eyes light up, as well as keyboards and drum kits of all kinds. And if you’re looking for modern or period instruments for a film or TV set, we can easily source these, too. We can even arrange for tuition if any cast members need to perform plausible miming or live playing on instruments they’re not overly familiar with. We work closely with many of the UK’s conservatoires, and are connected to many of the most respected tutors in the country.
Of course, touring bands, and bands that we bring to the UK for our own purposes, often need instruments during their time here, as it’s often cost-prohibitive and potentially damaging to fly with large or precious musical equipment. Travelling overseas with a vintage drum kit or a double bass, for example, can be both expensive and stressful, so we help musicians find the brands and models of instruments and amplifiers they prefer. For specialist or specific needs we often provide a selection of instruments for players to choose from, so they end up with the items they’re most comfortable and confident performing with.
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