Take It Away
Take it away is an Arts Council initiative designed to help more people get involved in learning and playing music. The scheme allows individuals, between the ages of 18 and 25 (and under 18 years of ages subject to terms), to apply for a loan between £100 and £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free.
What can I buy?
You can use Take it away to finance the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, whether new or reconditioned, from a tabla to a tenor horn, a bass guitar to a berimbau. You can also include music stands, stools, sheet music, amplifiers, equipment and sometimes tuition as part of your loan.
Recorded music, PA systems and computer hardware are not eligible to purchase under the scheme.
How do I Take it away?
First, visit our Newcastle Store or call our Telephone sales line on 0191 491 3185 and find an instrument that you want to buy. If you don't know what you're looking for, staff in the store will be able to give you help and advice in selecting the right instrument for your needs.
Once you've made your decision, you can apply for a Take it away loan to finance your purchase. You will need to bring a credit or debit card with you in order to pay the 10% deposit. The application process takes no more than a few minutes and, if approved, you can take your purchase away with you there and then.
From the 21st October 2011, the Take It Away scheme will be open to people that fall into one of the following categories:
- Individuals aged 18-25 that are buying an instrument for themselves (or someone else of whatever age)
- Individuals purchasing an instrument for a young person under 18*
All applicants will still be required:
- to be over 18
- a UK resident
- working at least 16 hours per week
* If you’re an adult using the scheme to buy an instrument for a child under 18, you’ll need to do this in person at one our Newcastle store. Take it away ‘Under 18s’ is not available via mail order.
The shop staff will help you complete the loan application form in-store which includes a credit check being carried out on you. If you’re accepted you’ll need to pay a minimum 10% deposit and then pay the rest back in 9 monthly instalments – completely interest free. You’ll also need to complete a customer declaration confirming that you’re buying the instrument for a child under 18
How much can I borrow?
Loans are available up to £2,000, or as little as £100. The loan amount can be a part-payment towards an item that costs more than £2,000, or you can buy several lower value items with a combined value of up to £2,000 or more.
You will need to pay a minimum 10% of the loan amount at the point of sale. The rest is then paid back over nine months in equal instalments. There is no administrative charge or handling fee when you take out the loan, so you will never be paying more for your purchase than the ticket price.
If you need any more information on the Take It Away finance scheme, please contact our Sales Team on 0191 491 3185
