Musical Instrument Insurance Coverage for Professional Musicians

Musical instruments and related accessories can make you shell out a considerable amount of money ranging from a few hundred dollars to millions and even more. Besides the monetary value, musicians also form a special bond with their musical instruments. And they know that irrespective of their professional status, whether amateurs, professionals, students, or collectors, it is crucial to protect their high-valued musical instruments. They also know that their home insurance cover will not be enough to protect their gears no matter what.

Who is a professional musician?

When it comes to talking about the definition of a professional musician, it goes like this. A professional musician is a person who makes a living from musical instruments. They can be singers, music teachers, music composers, and similar job profile-holders. Also, because they receive financial compensation for playing their gears, such musical equipment or paraphernalia is deemed to be a business property. And, therefore, the home or renter insurance plan does not cover them.

Musicians who use their instruments routinely for paid performances domestically and intentionally or giving music lessons know they need insurance coverage. As collectors own unique, rare and super-expensive gears and accessories, they also need to protect their musical stuff from all types of unforeseen and possible perils. Professional musicians also need Musicians Coverage to protect their finances. If their musical instruments need repair or the musicians need to buy one, they should rely on a dedicated music instrument insurance plan. It helps them cover the replacement and buying costs.

Can you customize your coverage according to your requirements?

Do you know one of the best things with musical instrument insurance plans? You can customize them, provided your insurance provider allows the same. In most cases, customer-friendly insurance providers allow policy customization to policyholders. So, you can buy one according to your needs and preferences. 

What perks can you have in your court under musical instrument insurance?

●    A music instrument insurance plan for professional musicians should make sure to cover all risks. These include destruction, damage, or loss caused by fire, explosion, lightning, water damage, catastrophic elements of nature, crime-related damage or loss, such as robbery, theft, extortion, etc., transport-related damages, misplaced or mixed-ups, to mention some.

●    If you are looking for more extensive coverage, you may also check with your insurance provider if they cover cases of fraud, embezzlement, and cancelled gigs.

●    Some insurance plans may offer extended coverage to newly bought and borrowed musical gear. It means you are safe from all sides when you have the right insurance plan protecting you.

●    You can also ask your insurance provider about worldwide coverage. Many leading insurance providers also offer worldwide protection to musical instruments. It is a win-win clause under your Musicians Coverage plan.

●    Musical instrument policies for professionals may also offer coverage for loss or damage of gears at an appraisers or repairer's shop.

●    Commercial policies for musicians may also offer coverage against loss of income if their gear is damaged, lost, or stolen and they could not make it to their pre-scheduled gig. If you are looking for this option, make sure to get in touch with your insurance service provider beforehand.

●    Such insurance policies also cover the cases of professional or public liabilities. It is one of the most vital coverage options for pro musicians. As they are around people and vice-versa most of the time, the chances of getting involved in a case of public liability are almost always there. And if such an accident happens, it may lead them to the court dealing with lawsuits and medical bills of the third party.

Be wise. Be prepared. Have the right policy in place.

So, these are some of the amazing benefits that professionals, amateurs, and all kinds of musicians and music lovers are likely to get if they buy a dedicated musical instrument plan. Always remember one thing. It is always wise to be prepared to face unforeseen situations. Starting the preparations once the problem has hit does not make any sense. Right?

To buy the best insurance plan, all you need to do is - do your homework, research your options, understand your specific insurance needs, and then choose a plan depending on all the crucial aspects you factored in.

Guitar Instrument: The Journey from Origin to Innovations

Perhaps, you have been a guitar player for quite some time. Or, you are planning to learn this iconic string instrument. And before that, you are looking for some interesting facts about it like the origin of the guitar, innovations around it, world records, and similar details. Right? Great! You have come to the right page. In this blog, we have covered some must-know facts about the guitar. Hopefully, it will satiate your quest for knowledge. Let's get started!

Where did guitars come from?

Guitar-based music first came into being in the latter part of the 1800s. Spain was the place where these stringed instruments were first seen. In Spains, guitars replace vihuela, a lute-type musical instrument. Still (back then), guitars were deemed amateurish by heavy-weight performers. At that time, as they called it, Real Performers or Professional Musicians played the violin, flute, or piano.

When and how did the scene change?

However, this scenario changed in the early 1900s, or you can say in the late 19th century. It happened when maestros like Andrés Segovia and Franciso Tárrega fetched guitars from the down and out category and carried them into the band or orchestra. Segovia and Tárrega made these strings worthy by adapting them into the works of influential composers in the history of music like Mozart and Bach.

Soon, guitars broke all the boundaries of confinement of Classical and Baroque music and never saw back.

Were guitars rhythm instruments earlier?

Initially, guitars were regarded as rhythm musical instruments (to be precise). At that time, this musical instrument had to follow the singer (the key they were in). Not the vice-versa.

The virtuoso classical guitarist from Spain, Andrés Segovia, also motivated the musicians of the new generation, including Heitor to use guitar in their compositions.

Did you know the facts?

Did you know what added to the popularity of the guitar during that time? The cost and size of this guitar. This string instrument was more portable and less expensive than pianos. These were indeed some added advantages.

Also, do you know how many musicians play the guitar worldwide? There are a whopping 50 million guitarists across the globe. This figure includes bass, acoustic, and electric guitarists. A 2018 study says that as many as 50% of the budding guitar players are women.

Wow! Guitars were and are truly loved by all. Therefore, if you own this musical gear, make sure to protect it by getting a comprehensive Guitar Insurance plan.

The origin of guitars

Our lovely relationship with this string musical instrument is not very old. It was just 150 years back. Want to know more about its history? Here you go!

The word guitar finds its roots in the world's old language, 'Sanskrit'. The 'guitar' is an 'English' word, derived from a 'Spanish' word, 'Guitarra' (medieval lute). And, Guitarra dates even before that. There are many chordophones from places like central, south, or west Asia that come with a suffix, 'Tar'. In Sanskrit, the meaning of Tar is String. So, it is all related in that way.

Did you know the facts?

The oldest musical instrument resembling a guitar came from Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Around 3500 years ago, Har-Mose, a singer, was buried with a chordophone that had three strings.

This ancient guitar can be found in Cairo's Egyptian Museum.

And the innovations began!

There are a lot of innovations made around guitars that constantly led the hardware, designs, and tones of these string instruments to evolve. Did you know when the world saw its first electric guitar? It was in the year 1931.

George Beauchamp, a musical instrument inventor from America, and Adolph Rickenbacker, a Swiss-American electrical engineer, joined hands to design a new model of guitar that the players can amplify electrically. And, the Rickenbacker Electro A-22 (Frying Pan) was created.

Although George Beauchamp made an application for a patent in the year 1932, he did not get it for five years (until 1937). In the meantime, Gibson had released their ES-150 already. It was a hollow body guitar.

In 1951, Broadcaster or Fender Telecaster mass-produced their solid-body guitar.

And, then the series of innovations began.

These are some of the facts about the guitar that every music enthusiast should know. Most importantly, with such an interesting and rich history, every guitar deserves an all-encompassing Guitar Insurance plan.

A Comprehensive Guide to Violin Insurance

Did you purchase a violin recently and now wondering if or not you should buy an insurance plan? Industry experts design various insurance policies to protect your musical instruments from unforeseen situations. A good insurance plan will protect your interest if your violin is lost or is damaged. Like you have various options of protecting your home, car, or health, you have some great options for safeguarding your string too.

The perks of having comprehensive Violin Insurance are many. Whether you are a professional musician or just a novice, it will help you get a hassle-free replacement if your gear is damaged or you have lost it. Besides, there are many scenarios that a quality musical instrument plan happens to cover.

Go through this content to understand your options in a better way. Read on!

Musical instruments are vulnerable. Protect them with the right policy

Finely-crafted string instruments are not only beautiful but also vulnerable to whatever may come their way. Therefore, being watchful is the only feasible option you have. And when it comes to protecting musical instruments like violin, a standalone insurance plan is all you need.

How worse may a situation get? Do you want to know?

If you listen to the horror stories related to fine musical gears getting lost or damaged, you will get goosebumps, for sure. In spite of going the extra mile and taking as much care as possible, you may see your gear getting lost in thin air or getting destroyed.

Here is an incident that will surely make you reconsider your decision of if or not you should get a dedicated cover for your musical instrument. If you are planning to hop on the home insurance bandwagon, then also it may be a good read for you.

Here you go!

It is the story of Wunderkind David Garrett, the star violinist. The incident happened in the year 2008 when he was only 26. After wrapping up his concert at the Barbican Center, London, he was taking the leave. While going out of the venue, he slipped on a wet staircase and fell. Where or on which thing he fell would run a chill down your spine. David Garrett happened to fall on his violin, the 1772 Giovanni Guadagnini string. And this incident happened soon after he was done paying off the loan to buy the string. Did you know how much the loan amount was? It was a whopping £ 1.2 million loan. Although the gear was in its case, it was damaged. Needless to mention, Garrett was in a complete state of shock.

However, what saved him was - his string was insured.

Another case, much more horrible than Garrett's will make you think again. Peter Stumpf, the former leading cellist, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, left his cello, the great Stradivarius cello, at his doorsteps after a performance. Adding to his horrors, someone stole it. Not only stole it but also damaged and dumped it. However, somehow, a nurse saw it, understood its value, and returned it to Stumpf.

Do not forget. Not everyone is as fortunate as these two musicians. So, being prepared is the key.

Imagine the same situations without insurance coverage.

Have you ever imagined: What if something as horrible as the above incident happens to you and your musical instrument is not insured? It would land you in deep trouble. Therefore, it is always wise to get a comprehensive Violin Insurance plan before you are left with no option other than repenting.

What if your violin does not cost a million dollars?

Well, it can be pretty much possible. But that does not decrease the importance of getting a musical instrument insurance plan. Even if your string or any other musical instrument costs only $500, it is your hard-earned money. Isn't it? You have worked really hard to buy it. Therefore, you should insure your gear, regardless of its price tags. It will help you prevent complete loss due to an accident, natural disaster, or theft.

After going through this piece of content, you have realized that the best thing you can do to your musical instruments is to insure them under a comprehensive musical instrument insurance plan.

General Advice on Flute Instrument Insurance

For musicians, no matter how small or big their aura and fan following is, their musical instruments make a significant part of their lives. Some even travel miles to meet the real makers of their gears to get the tone and tenor right. Sounds amazing. Right?

Not only this, they can go the extra mile to make sure that their musical instruments and the entire musical paraphernalia stay in good shape and protected. Therefore, they make sure to do everything that is needed and beyond that.

Inheriting a musical instrument is a matter of pride.

In some families, the people of the current generation inherit their great grandparents' vintage gears. The joy and pride that they experience can never be described in words. The feeling is something surreal and divine.

So, in simple words, musical instruments are not mere commodities of music lovers. They are something beyond explanation that only the lovers of music and musical gears can understand. Therefore, musicians, collectors, music instrument shop owners, and even students prefer to insure their gears these days. They have probably understood the limitations of home insurance.

Now, let us get on the actual topic, that's protecting your flute. Do you know what the best part of musical instruments insurance is? You can go for instrument-specific coverage, such as Flute Insurance, string instrument insurance, woodwind insurance, and so on.

Do you understand how important a dedicated cover for your flute is?

Although most people are least likely to understand the importance of specialized musical instrument insurance cover, the latter is much-needed for instrument owners.

Taking care of your woodwind by doing regular cleaning, wiping, polishing, and tuning are alright. You have to do it regardless of anything. However, protecting your gear from unforeseen events can be difficult without a musical instrument insurance plan. Therefore, getting it as soon as you buy a musical instrument makes a valid point.

Some crucial pointers to keep in mind before buying a musical insurance plan for your flute:

●    Before you zero in on any specific insurance policy, make sure to read all policy-related documents carefully. Missing out on details can be detrimental in the future.

●    Make sure to understand the policy terms and conditions before signing the agreement papers. It is a very important step that most people overlook. However, you should not.

●    Make sure to learn the extent of coverage that you will get with your plan. It will help you understand the inclusions and exclusions of the policy you intend to choose.

Make sure to ask the following questions and their solutions:

●    What if someone steals your flute?
●    What if it gets damaged accidentally?
●    What if the shipping company misplaces it?
●    What if someone asks for compensation for medical bills or files a lawsuit against you (involving a public liability situation)?

●    Go for a policy only if you get comprehensive coverage, unlike your homeowner's or renter's insurance plan. Otherwise, you might not get the right assistance at the time of need.

●    Make sure to ask about claim settlement. Owing to the advent of the internet, now it has become easy to file a claim. Moreover, with a reputed insurance provider, you can use the online platform to file a claim.

●    Make sure to choose a licensed and trustworthy insurance provider. Besides a valid license, you should also check their certifications and memberships. These documents or credentials are the benchmarks of quality and trust.

Get your policy copy online.

In today's high-tech era where digital transformation is ruling every aspect of life, buying appropriate Flute Insurance is not a big deal. Moreover, customer-oriented insurance providers try their best to live up to their claims and promises. Therefore, you will find a wide range of insurance products in the market. However, everything that shines is not diamond.

Therefore, as a buyer, you need to be very careful and well-informed. Otherwise, you might end up buying a policy that you should not have. And, when it comes to insurance policies, it is not only about a wrong choice, but also a lot of money and your darling musical instrument.

So, take some time out of your busy schedule, do thorough research, and find an appropriate insurance plan for your flute.

The Differences between Musical Instruments and Home Insurance

There might be many people for who the idea of musical instruments insurance is something out of the blue. Some even might find it utterly surprising to learn that dedicated musical instruments insurance providers do exist. Probably, you are also one of them. Right? And, therefore, you are here to clear your doubts. Let's read on!

Yes, insurance firms that specifically sell insurance for musical instruments are there. And, if you own a musical instrument for whatever reason, you should make sure to have your gears insured in the first place. It will save you a lot of hassles and financial losses while insuring your musical equipment and gear.

What kind of hassles does a musical instrument policy save you from?

Scenario without insurance!

Well, there is nothing you can predict about the uncertainties you live in. Isn't it? What if, say, your guitar is stolen? What if it gets damaged in an accident or while shipping?

To be exact, if your gear is not insured and a mishap happens, you are most likely to pay for it from your pocket. It could be a super-expensive or savings-swiping affair. 

Scenario with insurance!

However, if you have had the coverage of an all-encompassing musical instrument insurance plan, you are safe from breaking your bank to replace or buy a new guitar.

Therefore, industry experts always recommend that anyone who owns musical gear should make sure to purchase a suitable insurance plan to protect their more-than-life musical instruments.

It applies to all. Be they musicians, music teachers, students, music shop owners, collectors, or hobbyists.

Home insurance plan - does it not work?

Initially, you might think of your home insurance plan to cover the instruments because it offers personal property coverage. And, as your musical instruments are also your personal belongings, they are automatically covered.

Yes, that is correct. Home or renter's insurance plans cover your gear as personal belongings, there are some limitations, and the coverage is likely to be too low.

Therefore, if you have a costly device, it is better to get specialized insurance instead of relying on your home insurance.

Situations when your home insurance plan might not help

There are several situations where your home or renter's insurance fails to come to your rescue. The first one is already clear, i.e., if you own gear with a high price tag. The other situations are as follows:

You take your gear outside your house.

You or your kid takes the musical instrument, for example, the violin, along with them to the music school, or you are a professional musician. Any accident involving your musical instrument that happens outside your home goes uncovered under your home insurance. However, insurance for musical instruments will cover all.

You are a musical instrument collector.

You collect vintage and expensive musical instruments. Your home insurance plan is less likely to cover vintage gears owing to their extravagant price tags. Dedicated plans cover all types of gear.

You partake in paid performances.

You participate in paid performances using the insured gear. A home insurance plan is least likely to cover the gears that you use in exchange for money. However, a specialized musical instrument insurance plan covers your instruments no matter if you perform in paid shows or you just play for fun at home.

You travel with your gears.

You are a worldwide traveller (a touring artist). In any case, your home insurance policy will not cover your musical instruments worldwide. However, a standalone insurance plan for musical instruments covers you all over the world.

You got stuck in a public liability scenario.

You are involved in an accident of public liability. In such cases, you can expect almost nothing from your home insurance plan. However, an instrument-specific insurance plan will cover you.

Your gear is lost or damaged during transportation.

Also, home insurance plans do not cover any damage or loss incurred during transportation or shipping. However, your musical instrument insurance will be there for you if your gear breaks or gets misplaced, or suffers any kind of loss or damage during transportation.

All set to buy one?

Hopefully, now the differences between home insurance and a dedicated musical instrument plan are clear to you. So, why not get one for your gear too?

Interesting Facts about Viola Instrument, the Cousin of Cello and Violin

Have you decided to enroll your child in the school band? Do you intend to choose the viola, or does your child want to learn the viola? Well, that is great! Bridging the gap between the cello and the violin, the beautiful sound of the viola is commendable. Your child will have fun playing this instrument for sure.

However, before your kid joins the classroom, how about exploring some lesser-known facts about the viola? It will be an interesting chore for both you and your child. So, let's get started!

A nickname that lives up to the reality

Did you know the viola is oftentimes referred to as the Cinderella of a band or the orchestra? Yes, that's correct. And why so? The reason is pretty obvious. Among the world of musical instruments making a buzz in the world of music, this cousin of violin and cello is often the neglected or forgotten one.

So, what does it mean? Should you reconsider your choice and find some other musical instruments, the more popular ones, for your kid? Well, no. It means that if your kid happens to learn the viola with proficiency and aspires to become a viola player or teacher, they are more likely to witness less competition. It will allow them to make a better and unique career. 

The harmonizing strings

The viola is often considered to be a harmonizing musical instrument because its pitch is lower than the violin and higher than its other cousin, the cello. Also, the strings of the viola include C, G, D, and A, wherein C is the lowest, and A is the highest. Therefore, the sound it produces is mellower and earthy than that of the violin (strung with G, D, A, and E). However, as the viola is one octave higher than the cello, the former does not have the natural mournful vibe.

Music and fitness go hand in hand

The size of the viola is a bit bigger than the violin. Therefore, people often say that striking the viola may improve muscle strength, making your hands, biceps, and wrists stronger. So, learning the viola gives double advantage - music, and fitness at a time. Jokes apart, but yes, when you run your fingers through its string while holding its heavyweight, you are likely to experience the power.

Learn the clef

A viola player needs to read the notes with the viola or alto clef (related to notation) and not with the treble clef. Not every musician requires this. The alto trombone is another exception. If you are completely a novice, you do not need to worry about it because you are learning it from the beginning.

However, if you have been playing the violin or any other musical gear for this long, and now you want to switch to the viola, it may be a bit tough to relearn. However, if you happen to do it seamlessly, it would be a perk for you.

A unique instrument to play

Only a couple of people opt to become viola players. Therefore, it can be an amazing choice for your kid if they want to learn the same. It is a unique instrument but with lots of potential.

So, these are some of the many interesting facts about the viola. If your child is eager to learn this musical instrument, make sure to encourage them.

Time to discuss some important aspects

Is your kid ready for enrollment? Have you purchased the gear already? Wow. That sounds great. Did you get Viola Insurance as well? Purchasing a viola can be an enjoyable experience. However, losing it to accidental damage, theft, or any other unfortunate event is not.

Not only does a musical instrument cost thousands and millions, but you also have a hard time without it, whether you are a professional or just a beginner.

An all-encompassing Viola Insurance makes sure that your beloved gear and your savings are safe and secure in case a stroke of bad luck strikes you.

Unlike your home insurance policy, a dedicated musical instrument insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage worldwide. Plus, it has many other upsides, including all-risk cover, transportation damage cover, and public liability cover, to name a few.

So, without any second thought, get an insurance plan for your viola and let your child learn and play it without any hassle.

Get Studio Coverage and Stay Ahead of Competition

A music recording studio is a place that is an eye witness to the making of many famous artists and bands who were once new to the industry. Did you know there are more than 4000 music recording studios in the United States? Yes, that is right. Musicians and recording artists often use music recording facilities to create, record and mix music. They often use these for their final albums.

The design of music studios and quality of music

The design of a music recording studio is such that the structure does not impact the sounds and vocals that artists record inside. It provides them with an acoustic setup that is a prerequisite for music recording. A well-equipped music record is designed according to the principles of acoustics. It ensures that the final piece of music that goes out is of the highest quality and clarity.

So, when so much effort and designing goes into creating a decent music recording studio, don't you think the facility needs a comprehensive Studio Coverage plan?

It will make sure that the facility remains safe and sound. Many people do not bother about getting their studios covered because their homes are their studios. They believe that their home insurance plan will cover their studio owing to the location. However, the real scenario is not alike. It is different.

Why do home insurance plans fail to cover recording studios?

Whether your music recording studio is located right in the basement of your home or just another room of your home, your home insurance or renter's insurance will not cover it. The reason - you use that place for professional and commercial use. And any property or facility that you use professionally is not your home insurance's concern. So, to protect your music recording studio, you need a separate policy, or else you will get no coverage. 

What do you mean by recording studio insurance?

Music Studio Coverage is a kind of business insurance plan that guards recording studio owners against a plethora of unwanted perils. These include loss of business property, damage to the business property, lawsuits from third-party, among others.

An insurance policy from a reliable insurance provider offers protection options crucial to music studio owners. It allows them to create customizable plans to live up to their specific requirements. So, no matter whether your studio is a tiny home-based one or a large professional facility, getting it insured is imperative.

Get that competitive edge!

Today's business environment is highly competitive. Therefore, you always need that edge to outshine others. Right? It is especially vital when choosing an insurance plan for your business. As music recording studios are not like other businesses, you cannot insure them like any other business.

You will need a specialized policy to meet the special insurance needs of a music recording studio. Therefore, you should make sure to choose the right insurance provider. Always select an insurance company that allows you to broaden your extent of coverage according to your needs, including liability, property, in simple words, comprehensive umbrella coverage.

On what factors the cost of a recording studio insurance depends?

Although the cost of a recording studio is likely to vary from one insurance company to the other, some of the standard factors may include the following:

●    The size or area of your music recording studio
●    The location of your music studio
●    The number of years your business has been in operation
●    Your annual revenue (gross)
●    The extent of coverage you intend to have

A trustworthy music recording insurance company will ensure that you get the best possible coverage for your recording studio.

Some FAQs on music recording studio insurance

What types of damages or losses does a studio insurance cover?

An all-encompassing music recording studio insurance with a reliable and experienced insurance provider covers all risks. These include - accidental damage, theft, hailstorm, thunderstorm, vandalism, transportation damage, earthquake, to mention a few.

What types of damages or losses are not covered by studio insurance cover?

No matter which insurance plan you choose, there would be some exclusions. They may include the following:

●    Regular wear and tear
●    Manufacture defects
●    Faulty workmanship
●    Damage or loss due to mold, insects, etc.
●    Intentional damage or loss
●    Acts of terrorism