Jim Norman opened his business, Rock n Roll Rentals, 26 years ago as a response to the economic downturn in the 1980s. He said renting was a way for fellow musicians and bands to access quality sound equipment without having to pay a lot of money and buy it. What he did not realize was businesses, nonprofits, churches, governments and individuals also wanted to rent quality equipment for events, such as backyard parties, quinceaneras, weddings and office parties. “I had no idea of the scope of what it would become,” Norman said. “It’s the diverse clientele that makes it fun.” The business offers rentals for audio-visual, recording and music equipment, such as guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, effects pedals and drums as well as amplifiers, sound mixers, and lighting. As the city grew, so did demand for rentals, Norman said, and he opened his second location in February 2015 at 8335 Burnet Road, Austin. Store employees offer tutorials on setting up and using equipment before customers leave the shop. “Our job is that you be successful,” Norman said. “We don’t want you to have a problem, so we offer a flat rate for the weekend so you can check it out first to have time to figure out any issues.” One of the most popular rental items is a portable PA system that uses Bluetooth wireless technology so the user may connect to a tablet or smartphone. “We need to be right at the edge of technology all the time and want to rent out the newest and coolest stuff,” Norman said. Pricing starts at $35 for a basic PA system that would work for backyard parties, Norman said. Most customers pay about $25-$100 for short-term rentals, and they may also choose to buy the equipment. Norman said renting equipment is an affordable option for hobbyists. Rock n Roll Rentals has a Pedal of the Month club in which customers pay $9 a month to try out a guitar effects pedal and exchange it for a different one each month. A similar program for guitar rentals costs $7-$36 a month. [g-slider gid="166411" width="100%" height="55%"]