Rent an accordion or melodeon — try before you buy, with no long-term commitment
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Thinking about learning the accordion or melodeon but not quite ready to commit to buying one? Our rental scheme is designed for exactly that moment. It's low cost, low risk, and backed by the same friendly expert advice that runs through everything we do at Squeezebox Marketplace.
Whether you're a complete beginner, a parent weighing things up for a child, a teacher looking for a practical solution, or a player wanting to have a go before purchasing — this scheme gives you a safe, sensible way to get started.
How the rental scheme works
Our rental scheme runs through our trusted third-party partner Renticy, making the whole process straightforward and transparent. Now we are undergoing an accordion renaissance it's a low cost way of joining in the fun. Here's what's involved:
1. Choose your instrument
We have both accordions and melodeons available to rent. Not sure which is right for you? Our buying guides can help, and we're always happy to talk it through.
2. Pay a small deposit
A refundable deposit of 10% of the instrument's purchase price is held securely by Renticy. In most cases this is no more than £100.
3. Rent monthly from £49
Your monthly rental is £49 in most cases, with a minimum rental period of three months. That's it — no hidden fees, no complicated contracts.
4. At the end of three months, choose your path
When your minimum rental period is up, you have a straightforward choice:
- Walk away — return the instrument, and your deposit is refunded in full. You've paid just £147 in total for three months of playing. No further commitment.
- Buy the instrument — your deposit is returned, and all three months of rental payments are deducted from the purchase price. So your £147 in rental payments comes straight off what you owe. You've essentially been paying towards ownership from day one.
If you are deciding whether to rent first or buy using finance, read our full guide to accordion finance vs rental in the UK.
What's included
Every rental instrument comes with everything you need to get started:
- The instrument itself, in good playing condition
- A case or bag for safe storage and transport
- Straps
- Ongoing advice and support from us throughout your rental — you're not on your own
We can arrange delivery to your door by courier, or you're welcome to collect in person from our showroom near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire, or from our southern branch near Hungerford. Just let us know what works best for you.
Why rent rather than buy outright?
The accordion and melodeon are wonderful instruments — but they're also a real commitment. We understand that not everyone is ready to spend hundreds of pounds on an instrument they've never played before. That's completely reasonable.
Renting removes the financial anxiety from that first step. You get a quality instrument with proper support, and you find out — at very low cost — whether the instrument is right for you before making any significant investment.
For parents, it answers the question every family faces: will they actually stick at it? For adults taking up something new, it removes the risk that holds so many people back from ever starting. And for players already thinking about a specific instrument, it's simply the smartest way to be certain before you buy.
Who is the scheme for?
Complete beginners
If you've never played before and want to try the accordion or melodeon without a large upfront cost, this is the ideal way in. Get a feel for the instrument, take some lessons, and decide from a position of knowledge rather than guesswork.
Parents and families
Children's enthusiasm is wonderful — and also unpredictable. Renting means a child can discover whether they genuinely love the instrument before the family commits to buying. And if they do love it, the rental payments have already been counting towards the purchase price.
Adults returning to music
You're never too old to learn — we genuinely believe that. But returning to music after a long break, or trying something new in later life, can feel like a big step. Renting makes it a small one.
Teachers and schools
If you need an instrument for teaching purposes, or want to help a student get started without immediate outlay, get in touch to discuss how we can help.
Players trying before buying
Already an accordion or melodeon player and considering a specific instrument? Renting is the most sensible way to live with it properly before committing to a purchase. You'll know far more after three months than any showroom visit can tell you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum rental period?
Three months. After that, you can walk away or buy or even extend the rental - the choice is entirely yours.
How much does it cost?
A refundable deposit of 10% of the instrument's purchase price (in most cases no more than £100), plus £49 per month. After three months the total outlay is around £147 in monthly payments, all of which comes off the purchase price if you decide to buy.
What if I want to buy the instrument?
Simply let us know. Your deposit is returned and your rental payments are deducted from the purchase price — so there's no penalty for having rented first.
What if I decide the instrument isn't for me?
No problem at all. Return the instrument at the end of your minimum term, and your deposit comes straight back to you. You've simply paid for the time you've had the instrument.
Can I collect in person or does it have to be delivered?
Both options are available. We can courier the instrument to you anywhere in the UK, or you're welcome to collect from our showroom near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire or our southern branch near Hungerford in Berkshire.
What instruments are available to rent?
We have both accordions and melodeons available. Availability varies, so please get in touch and we'll match you with the right instrument for your level and goals. Browse our Kingfisher Accordions and the Hohner Pokerwork Melodeon to get an idea of what we stock.
Is there expert support during the rental?
Absolutely. You're renting from specialist advisers, not a faceless warehouse. Throughout your rental period we're here to answer questions, offer guidance on playing and care, and help you get the most from your instrument.
Ready to get started?
Getting in touch is the first step. Tell us a little about yourself — whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player, what instrument you're interested in, and whether you'd prefer delivery or collection — and we'll take it from there.
We love helping people find their way into these instruments. There's nothing more satisfying than hearing from someone six months in who can't believe they nearly didn't start. Don't let uncertainty be the thing that stops you.
Contact us today to check availability and get your rental started — or browse our buying guides and tutor materials if you'd like to do a little more reading first.