Help Center
FAQ
If you have an additional question that isn't answered here, then please Contact us!
and Saturday 10am-5:00pm
Do you do repairs?
Yes, we do! We have one of the finest brass instrument repair workshops in the UK. Master technician, David Woodhead has been working for Phil Parker ltd. for more than 40 years and he has seen and done it all before. Some jobs can be pre booked for a while you wait service whilst instruments requiring more time-consuming work, will require a short stay that is rarely more than a few days. Please contact us with the details of the work required and we will endeavour to give an accurate quotation over the phone or email. However, we do often need to see the instrument to give an accurate appraisal.
Do you sell or buy 2nd hand instruments?
Yes, we do! We have an extensive stock of 2nd hand instruments. All instruments are listed on our web site. This listing is kept updated but it is always best to call and check that the instrument in which you are interested is still available before making a journey to try it. We can sell your instrument on commission for a charge of 15% plus VAT or if appropriate we will sometimes buy an instrument from you, most likely as a trade in when a customer is upgrading.
Does it come with a mouthpiece and case?
Normally an instrument will come with everything you need to play it, this is always the case with student instruments. Professional instruments are occasionally supplied instrument only as it is assumed by the maker that the musician will already have a mouthpiece and case of their choosing. In this situation the listing will say “instrument only”. To clarify all student and entry level instruments come with everything required for a new student to begin.
How can I get to you?
We are in The City of London. The closest tube station is Aldgate, the closest mainline station is Liverpool Street. You can drive into London and we are only just inside the congestion charge zone. It is possible to park nearby and walk a few minutes if necessary.
Do you operate the assisted instrument purchase scheme?
Yes, we do. The information is below.
and Saturday 10am-5:00pm
Hire an Instrument
Learning a brass instrument is a fun and accessible way to introduce yourself or your child to music, but we understand that the cost to buy an instrument up front can be daunting. Here at Phil Parker, we offer an excellent value instrument hire scheme which ensures that you or your child can play a quality instrument at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Why not give it a go today?
Our figures show that over 95% of students who initially hire do go on to continue their instrument long term and as such buy outright.
INSTRUMENT HIRE
How it works:
Payments are made every 3 months.
The minimum hire term is 3 months.
After the initial 3 month period, there is an option to buy. 50% of any hire payments made can be redeemed against the purchase of the instrument. If you hired a new instrument, you can retain this instrument or if you received an ex hire instrument this may be swapped for a new instrument should you wish.
You can redeem 50% of your rental payments against any upgraded instrument to that originally hired.
The maximum discount available is 50% of 6 months hire payments.
To hire an instrument please contact us. Details of school attended, instrument teacher/employer are required along with names, addresses, email and telephone contact.
Most instruments we hire out are new and fully serviced but occasionally you may be offered one that is has been hired previously.
Hire prices:
Cornet £15.00 per month
Trumpet £15.00 per month
Trombone £25.00 per month
Tenor Horn £25.00 per month
French horn from £25.00 per month
VAT Free Scheme
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
VAT FREE purchases are available under the 'Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme'. Students must be attending lessons or an ensemble at a place of education that is participating in the assisted instrument purchase scheme. Most state schools with musical activities and all London Borough and County Music Services participate.
To comply with HM Customs and Excise rules of the following criteria must be satisfied:
The student must be in full time education at an LEA School.
The student must be receiving music tuition at the School/Music Centre.
The instrument must be appropriate for the student's needs.
The instrument must be portable.
The instrument must change hands on Educational premises.
Step 1: Contact the school or music service that the pupil attends and check that they are participating in the assisted purchase scheme and find out what, if any, administration charges they apply. Some (usually schools) have a flat administration charge of £10. On lower value goods, this can sometimes be greater than the saving of VAT so it’s worth checking! Some offices will issue you a form to fill in when you have chosen your instrument.
Step 2: Talk to us about your instrument. Either give us a call, drop us an email or alternatively come along and choose your instrument with the help of our expert staff to make sure you are making the right purchase. Once you have chosen your instrument, it is put aside so you receive the exact instrument that you chose at the shop. Phil Parker ltd. will provide you with an official quotation containing all the details required to administrate the purchase. PLEASE NOTE: Prices on our web site are INCLUDING VAT, you can remove the VAT from the purchase price to find out what you will pay. VAT is 20% up from the Ex VAT figure so to remove the VAT divide the inclusive of VAT figure by 1.2
Step 3: Go back to the school or County Music Service and inform them that you have chosen your instrument and it is reserved at Phil Parker ltd. If you were issued with an AIPS form, fill it in using the information on the quotation and return it to the School / Music School office. They will then issue a purchase order to us, at which point your instrument is released and usually sent to the school office or music service supply office for your collection.
PLEASE NOTE: Second-hand instruments are not eligible for the AIPS scheme.