Buy a cheap one.

Thank you - this is very much appreciated!

Have the guy at the music store explain to you & kid how they clean the instrument between rentals. I take my kid's trumpet in for ultrasonic cleaning every couple of years and would assume that rental instruments are cleaned similarly, but you probably should ask.

My kid is a germophobe too and we rented a saxophone. You will need to buy your own mouthpiece -- that took care of most of the anxiety for my kid. Also tell her/him it's OK not to let anyone else play the instrument. Have the people at the store explain how the instruments are cleaned.

So, DC is a big germophobe - great in some respects, not so great in others.
We'll need to rent a wind instrument for lessons.
I need language advice for communicating that instrument is clean...
I know, crazy, but any useful advice would be appreciated
TIA