Annual maintenance
check
Together with the musicians who play our instruments, we bear a great responsibility for the careful management of our collection. One of the most important aspects is the annual inspection and revaluation of every instrument, bow, case or cover.
You are required to visit your expert with your instrument at least once a year. The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation works closely with experts who inspect, maintain and appraise all our instruments annually. At the start of the loan period, we will determine together with you who the expert for your instrument will be.
Make your annual appointment with your expert in good time. We must receive your maintenance report before 1 November.
Please contact us before 15 October if you expect that you will not be able to meet the deadline.
Why is this so important?
Our insurer requires all instruments to be re-appraised by an expert every year in order to maintain global all-risk coverage.
By having all our instruments checked annually by experts, we ensure that they remain in top condition and are tailored as closely as possible to the wishes of the musicians who play them.
In addition, we prevent instruments from suffering unnoticed damage due to wear and tear or external influences.
Our accountant closely monitors that this annual maintenance check and valuation is carried out on time and with care.
Think of the expert as the best doctor for your instrument. The expert checks the bridge, the strings, the sound post, and together you can find a setting that suits you. You will hear the right attention and care reflected in the sound of your instrument.
This is how it works
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In May, you will receive an email reminder for the annual maintenance check for the instrument, bow, case or accessory that you have on loan.
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That email will tell you which expert is responsible for performing the inspection. If you would like to go to a different expert, please always contact Geertje van der Linden first. Only the regular expert can access your instrument's digital system.
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You then have until 1 November at the latest to ensure that your expert carries out the inspection.
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Make your annual appointment with your expert in good time. Do not wait until the last week. We must receive your maintenance report before 1 November.
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Your expert has access to the digital maintenance report. This means you do not need to bring the report with you. Once the inspection has been carried out, the expert will send us the maintenance inspection data digitally.
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You will receive an email confirming that the inspection has been carried out and providing an overview of the expert's findings. If any work needs to be done on your instrument as a result of the maintenance inspection, this will be indicated. You are obliged to have this work carried out by the expert at short notice. This email also serves as proof that the maintenance inspection has been carried out. Please keep this email for your records.
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Instruments above a certain value must be re-appraised annually by two experts. This is required by our insurer. If this is the case, your e-mail will tell you which two experts should appraise your instrument.
Absolute deadline: 1 November
Every year, we must have our maintenance reports and reappraisals ready on time for the insurance company and accountant. We need your help to achieve this. We urge you to respect our deadline of 1 November.
Every year, there are musicians who are late in seeing the expert. Constantly reminding latecomers takes a lot of time and causes us problems.
Our rules
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Call your expert as soon as possible after the summer to make an appointment. Do not wait until the last few weeks.
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We will receive the expert's report on 1 November.
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Please contact us as soon as possible, and in any case before 15 October, if you expect that you will not be able to meet the deadline.
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Musicians who are late without notice risk a fine of €34 in administrative costs for each week that a report is late. If this happens repeatedly, there is a good chance that your instrument will be confiscated.
Repairs and maintenance: the musician's responsibility
If the expert advises that certain repairs should be carried out, please inform us and have the repairs done as soon as possible.
Comments from the expert regarding the maintenance of the instrument should be taken into consideration.
We sometimes receive maintenance reports stating that the musician is not treating the instrument with sufficient care. If this is not resolved, we may decide to reclaim the instrument.
Do you have
any questions or need help?
please contact Katrien
