From the Flute forum
I remember that my hometown had paintings for loan along with books. I wonder what kind of instruments would be suitable for the abuse and cleaning that would be needed. It would be nice to go and try out a polymer flute before purchasing one just to know what the finger spread is for a D flute.
I would like to borrow a pipe organ!
The flute and practice set of uilleann pipes (by Patrick Murray) in our lending library are both polymer–nearly indestructible and easily cleaned. Most of the whistles are plastic, though there are a few metal ones. The fiddles were donated. They’re just student violins but in good playable condition and have been well set up. Two of them have better than average tone and responsiveness. In short, the instruments all play in tune and comfortably, minimizing the usual frustrations beginners run into with low-quality instruments.
The lending library was just a way to put our session tip jar (foisted on us by the publican) to good use. We also use some of the tip jar proceeds to pad our bar staff’s tips and for charitable causes.