Musical Instruments Insurance: A Good and Informative Read for You

Did you just purchase a musical instrument? Are you worried about its care, maintenance, and protection? As far as care and maintenance is concerned, you can do it easily by consulting the shop you got your gear from. However, when it comes to the protection of musical instruments, you need to be very nit-picky and particular about it.

If you have been wondering if or not you should buy a dedicated insurance plan for your musical instrument, you may go through this story. It is a story of a father who realized the importance of specialized insurance for musical instruments after his daughter questioned him about insurance.

Let the story begin!

One fine morning, I was sitting on the couch at home doing some official work regarding insuring the new car we bought. Coincidentally, the same day when we got our first car home, I gifted my 8-year-old daughter a brand-new violin.

Let us get back to the car insurance part. So, when I was doing that insurance thing, my curious daughter came and asked what I was doing. I told her that we were buying insurance for our new car. She went to her room at first but came back with a childish yet vital question.

She said, dad, you are buying insurance for our new car, then why not my new violin. After all, both are new and purchased on the same date. Right?

And, her question suddenly clicked in my mind. It was an eye-opener. Yes, she was right. Musical instruments do need insurance coverage. So, I straight away searched the internet and found one of the best Music Instruments Insurance companies in our state and secured her violin.

Did you know the benefits I got?

When my colleague heard that I had purchased an insurance policy for my daughter's violin, he laughed and told me that I was wasting money. He also advised me that I could have included the gear under my home insurance. That way, it would have been easy on your pocket. He also mentioned that he did the same thing with her 5-year-old's guitar.

Now, I took the stage and silenced him.

I told him that it is where the notion needs to change. And everyone who believes that home insurance would be enough for protecting musical instruments should reconsider the thought process. I asked him a couple of questions. Here they are:

1.    Will your home insurance plan cover your son's guitar if something happens to it outside your home? Now, he may play it inside the house. But, sooner or later, he will get out with it. Right?
2.    Will your home insurance policy cover any accidental damage?
3.    Will your home protection plan cover any loss or damage caused at the time of transportation (in case you need it for some reason)?
4.    Will your home insurance offer worldwide cover?
5.    You said that you purchased a high-end string. Will your home insurance cover its entire value if it is damaged due to any act of nature?
6.    What if your neighbour is injured due to the instrument? Will your home insurance cover offer protection against public liability?
7.    Will your home insurance cover the guitar if someone steals it from your car?

After being bombarded with these questions, my colleague asked me, does your Musical Instruments Insurance cover all these? When I said yes, the dedicated cover I bought offers covers all of the above scenarios. Plus, my insurance provider also allowed me to customize the plan according to my preferences.

On hearing it, he was like, wow, I did not know this before. I will also buy a standalone insurance plan for my son's guitar right away.

So, this was the story!

Hopefully, after reading it, you have understood how important it is to have a specialized insurance plan for your musical gears. Isn’t it? And why not? If you can insure your home, car, and health, why not your musical instruments.

If you own any musical instrument and want to secure it and your finances, make sure to buy a dedicated insurance policy for your gear. Remember, it is the only way you can go about protecting your gear from the possible eventualities while saving your savings account.

How to Insure Your Clarinet Instrument?

Are you or your child keen to learn the clarinet? However, are you doubtful about whether you would be able to play the instrument or not? Are you worried about what if the woodwind is hard to play?

There is nothing called hard or easy when it comes to learning how to play a musical instrument. It all depends on your dedication, passion, and efforts. And, once you happen to play it, you will surely love your musical journey.

However, before that, you should know your instrument well and how you can protect it.

How well do you know your woodwind?

As far as protecting your gears is concerned, comprehensive Clarinet Insurance has your back. However, before delving into the world of musical instrument insurance, let us understand how well you know your clarinet.

When you properly know your gear, understanding its protection needs will become easy. So, it is time to take a quick look at some facts about the clarinet. Read on!

The story of invention

In light of the other musical instruments of the woodwind family, the clarinet is relatively new. Industry experts say that it was invented by Johann Christoph Denner, a noted Nuremberg instrument maker at the beginning of the 18th century. 

At that time, a more or less similar musical gear known as the chalumeau was already there. However, the single-reed woodwind (chalumeau) produced good sound only at its lower registers. And, the clarinet was good irrespective of the range of the notes (high or low).

The materials

Earlier, the clarinets were mainly carved out of ebony or boxwood (the same hardwood that recorders were made from). However, as days and years passed, the clarinets happened to evolve.

Today, the most common material used for making clarinets is grenadilla A.K.A., the African blackwood. Its relative density is higher than that of boxwood. And, therefore, it offers a broader dynamic range. So, when played quietly, the sound does not become weak. It sounds gentler and softer, instead.

The richness

The unique richness in the tone of the clarinet and the emotional power it radiates have been inspiring music composers for a long time. The most influential composers of their time, including Mozart and Brahms, also wrote many magnificent works for this woodwind musical instrument and created masterpieces in the history of world music. You can fathom its richness and vigor for sure.

Safeguarding the roots and your investment

When you decided to learn to play the clarinet, you also agreed upon embracing the roots and richness of this gear. Isn’t it? And as a responsible musician or music lover, it happens to be your duty to protect the piece of art you own in the form of your clarinet. Most importantly, it is also an investment for you that you also need to safeguard.

So, can you protect your darling clarinet? The answer is simple - find a reliable musical instrument insurance provider in your state and buy a suitable Clarinet Insurance plan.

The steps to insure your clarinet

Some tips to buy an insurance plan for your musical instrument:

Buy dedicated insurance

When it comes to insuring a musical instrument, be it a woodwind, string, or keyboard, most people would advise you not to go for a separate policy as you already have your home or renter's insurance plan in place. However, it would be wise not to hear all these and go for a dedicated cover. Your home insurance policy will cover your instrument, but it won’t be comprehensive.

Your reference points

To buy a standalone music insurance provider, you can do a couple of things:

●    First of all, you can visit the offices of the insurance companies operating in your state.
●    Secondly, you can seek word of the mouth recommendations.
●    Thirdly, you can research your options online.

Do your homework

If you search online, you will find the websites of the service providers. Visit them and collect the following information:

●    The types of policies they offer along with the extent of coverage
●    Policy pricing
●    Policy duration
●    Terms and conditions

Compare

Once you have all the information from multiple service providers, you should start comparing them. It will provide you with a clearer insight into the policies.

Choose the most suitable plan for you

Finally, go for the one that you find the most suitable for your insurance requirements and budget.

So, now that you know about the clarinet and how you can buy an insurance plan, get it before something gets wrong.

Why Do You Need Insurance Policy for Oboe Instrument?

Did you know the oboe is the principal musical instrument in several celebrated classical and pop songs? Yes, that's true. The exceptional classical compositions, the Oboe Concerto in A Minor by Ralph Vaughan-Williams and Concerto for Oboe by Richard Strauss, have used the oboe. And as far as the pop works are concerned, Donna Summer's Last Dance and Seal's Kiss from a Rose also feature this woodwind instrument.

Hang on! That is not all. The oboe has also been a part of film music, mainly used for sad or emotional scenes. Some of the excellent movies where you can hear an oboe are The Godfather (the Love Theme), Born on the Fourth of July, and The Mission (the Oboe theme of Gabriel).

The cousins of the oboe.

The oboe belongs to the woodwind family of musical instruments. And the latter comprises many other relatives. These include the English horn (Cor Anglais), piccolo oboe (Musette), Shawm, the Oboe D’Amore, and the bass oboe (Heckelphone).

Although both English horn and oboe are wooden double-reed musical instruments that produce sweet melodies, the pitch of the former is lower than that of the oboe. Therefore, the former, i.e., the English horn, produces a more melancholy and resonant tone.

Playing the oboe is no child's play.

If you play the oboe, you know well that it requires a lot of hard work, experience, and talent to earn a name and fame as an oboe player. Also, being one of the priciest musical instruments in the orchestra, you may know that this woodwind gear needs special care. It may also need a replacement in every 10-years to 15-years if you are a professional.

Unlike its cousins, the oboe needs proper maintenance from time to time to ensure it has a pretty long lifespan. Plus, it is a very delicate musical gear. So, you should make sure to have an expert looking after its maintenance. In simple words, having an oboe is itself an expensive thing. Therefore, it is highly advisable to buy a comprehensive Oboe Insurance plan that will take care of your bills and fines (in case of public liability) as and when needed.

The reed of the oboe.

The reed is a vital component of the oboe. It is because of the reed the oboe produces such a beautiful sound. Therefore, oboist gives extraordinary importance to the same. They often buy or replace the reeds to ensure quality sound. If you are planning to buy an oboe, make sure to choose the right reed. It means you should look for easy-to-blow reeds that do not need excessive manipulation through the mouthpiece.

Did you know that professional oboists (after they read a certain level) generally make their own reed according to their needs? Yes, the reed is that important for them.

The oboe can be a hard nut to crack.

Due to various reasons, including articulation challenges, the courtier-intuitive technique to play it, and problems with the reeds, it could be tough to learn and play the oboe. If you or your child want to learn this woodwind musical instrument, you need to ensure two crucial things -

●    First of all, you need to have patience.
●    Secondly, you need the enthusiasm to practice and practice more to get the embouchure correct.

The similarity between the clarinet and the oboe

The clarinet and the oboe may look similar in appearance. However, in terms of make and functioning, they are not. The former is a single-reed instrument, whereas the latter comes with a double-reed. Moreover, the size of the bore in a clarinet is bigger than the oboe. It makes fingerings for the notes different too.

An insurance policy can save a great deal.

After learning all these things about the oboe, you have probably understood that it is an expensive musical instrument to buy and maintain. And, therefore, you should never compromise with its protection. It calls for a standalone Oboe Insurance policy. A specialized insurance plan will ensure that your musical instruments are safe and secure no matter what peril comes. The list of mishaps includes -

●    Accidental damage
●    Loss or damage due to natural calamities
●    Loss or damage due to theft and vandalism
●    Cases of public liabilities, and so on.

Just imagine! With just a piece of insurance paper, you can deter all possible perils surrounding your musical gear.

Why Choose a Specialist Insurance Plan for Your Piccolo Instruments?

Let's start reading with a riddle!

I come from Western Europe.
I am half the size of a standard flute.
I am a high-pitched member of the woodwind family.
People play me horizontally.
The sound I produce is one octave higher than what is there on the sheet music. It makes me the highest musical instrument in an orchestra.
What am I?

Well, if you are a pro, you already know the answer. Bingo!
And, if you are still scratching your head, the answer is Piccolo!

Wow! That was fun! Isn't it? Now, it is time for some serious talk.

More about the piccolo and its safety and security

Piccolo is a highly delicate musical instrument. It is so fragile that it may get damaged, sometimes beyond repair, even by a small impact. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of this woodwind gear.

Here are some tips that will help you to take proper care of your instrument:

●    Use a decent case to store it when not in use.
●    Clean your gear regularly before and after using.
●    Make sure not to ignore minor maintenance and repair chores.
●    Do remember to keep it in a safe and dry place away from direct sunlight.
●    Always consult a professional whenever in doubt.
●    Make sure not to leave your gear unattended or a place where kids and pets are around.

Hopefully, these tips will protect your musical instruments from scratch and dents that may appear by falling or from regular wear and tear. 

However, what about the larger risks that even the sturdiest piccolo case may fail to sustain? How will you protect your gear against those risks?

Possible risks associated with your musical instrument

First of all, let us help you clear your doubts regarding the possible risks that might leave your gear damaged before maintenance or repair.

So, what could go wrong with your gears? Well, the list seems pretty long:

●    What if someone steals your piccolo?
●    What if someone vandalizes a concert venue leaving your gear damaged?
●    What if your gear is lost or damaged during transportation?
●    What if you accidentally dropped your musical instrument breaking its reed?
●    What if your gear is burnt in a fire?
●    What if your gear is lost or damaged owing to an element of nature? It may include an earthquake, fire, flood, thunderstorm.
●    What if someone else is injured at your concert?
●    What if someone else's property gets damaged due to your gear?
●    What if you are a touring artist and need worldwide protection?

As you can see the list of possible risks associated with your musical instruments, what do you think is an appropriate way to protect your gear from all these? Well, the best way to do it is by buying a Piccolo Insurance policy.

Probably, you might be wondering, is an instrument-specific insurance plan worth buying? The answer is - YES, it is!

Some of you might even think, why a dedicated insurance plan and not your home insurance?

To learn more about the tug of war between musical instrument insurance and home insurance, keep reading!

Why choose a specialist insurance plan for your piccolo?

Your piccolo needs a specialist musical instrument insurance plan and not home or renter's insurance because of the following reasons:

Comprehensive cover

Your home insurance policy may cover your piccolo against various risks. However, the coverage is least likely to be comprehensive. And if you buy a dedicated Piccolo Insurance from a reputable company, you will get complete coverage or all-risk cover.

Coverage against accidental damage

A home insurance plan may not cover accidental damages. However, a standalone insurance plan will cover the same ensuring all-encompassing coverage for your gear.

Coverage against transportation damage

Suppose you are relocating or you need to transport your gear to some other place. What if your musical instrument goes missing on the way? Or what if it is damaged? Accidents may happen anywhere and at any point in time, after all. In such a scenario, your home insurance will not protect you. However, your musical instrument insurance plan will. Plus, you also get to enjoy the benefits of worldwide coverage with a specialized insurance plan.

Coverage against public liability

Your home insurance is least likely to cover you in cases of public or general liabilities. However, a dedicated insurance plan for musical instruments will offer that protection.

Hope, it was an informative read!