Terms for Instrument Owners
General Information
The Maggini Foundation generally accepts only instruments that are in good condition and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity as well as a current insurance valuation. Instruments meeting these requirements may be considered for inclusion in the Foundation’s lending programme.
Insurance of Instruments
The instrument remains insured by its owner throughout the rental period. Prior consultation with the relevant insurance provider is required before an instrument can be placed through the Maggini Foundation’s lending programme.
Alternatively, the instrument may be included under the Maggini Foundation’s insurance policy with Aon Switzerland in Zurich. The annual premium (rates available upon request) may either be invoiced directly to the owner or, in the case of a successfully leased instrument, deducted from the rental income received.
The Foundation will be pleased to assist owners in evaluating the most suitable insurance arrangement for their instrument.
Maintenance and Care
The Maggini Foundation oversees both the rental process and the maintenance of the instrument. For violins and violas, the Foundation works closely with Atelier Fortin & Petermann in Neuchâtel, Gertrud Reuter (formerly of Roland Baumgartner) and Jürg Buchwalder in Basel. However, owners are also welcome to nominate their preferred violin maker or workshop.
Tenants are permitted to change strings and chin rests independently. Any other repairs, adjustments, inspections, or restoration work may only be carried out by a selected professional violin maker and require the owner’s prior approval. The tenant is required to have the instrument inspected by a professional violin maker every six to twelve months. The violin maker is kindly requested to provide the Maggini Foundation with a brief condition report following each inspection.
The instrument may only be played by the tenant named in the rental agreement.
Before the instrument is returned, the tenant must have it professionally inspected and cleaned by an experienced violin maker.
Monthly Rental Fee
The monthly rental fee is determined on the basis of the instrument’s condition, playability, and current market valuation. The proposed rental fee is discussed individually with the owner before an instrument is included in the Foundation’s lending programme.
In the event of a successful placement, the owner receives an agreed percentage of the monthly rental income, while a commission is retained by the Maggini Foundation to cover administrative, organisational, and ongoing management costs associated with the instrument.
Rental Agreements
A formal agreement is concluded between the Maggini Foundation and the instrument owner (a sample agreement is available upon request). Additional provisions or amendments can be incorporated without difficulty to accommodate individual requirements.
Once an instrument has been successfully placed, a separate rental agreement is signed between the Foundation and the musician. A copy of this agreement is provided to the owner, ensuring that they are always informed about the location and status of their instrument.
The Maggini Foundation places great importance on protecting the privacy and anonymity of instrument owners. Personal information is treated confidentially and is not disclosed to tenants or third parties without the owner’s explicit consent.
Rental & Notice Periods
The minimum rental period for musicians is generally between two and six months, depending on the instrument. Unless otherwise agreed, the notice period for the tenant is one month.
Once an instrument has been successfully placed, both the owner and the Maggini Foundation are committed to a four-month notice period with respect to the tenant. This arrangement provides musicians with the stability and planning security required for auditions, competitions, concert engagements, recordings, and other long-term artistic projects.
If an instrument is not currently on loan, the Foundation and the owner may agree on its withdrawal or return at any mutually convenient time.
Any modifications to these arrangements may be agreed upon individually with the owner and will be specified in the respective contractual agreement.