Frequently Asked Questions

• What instruments are in a string quartet/trio?

  A string quartet comprises four instruments: 2 violins, a viola and a cello. A trio can either have two violins and cello or violin, viola and cello (we use the latter).

• Can you provide other ensembles?

  We frequently play with other instrumentalists and singers, and are happy to consider any combination.

• What do you require in order to perform?

  Each performer requires one armless, wheel-less non-revolving chair in a playing area that is sufficient in size not to interfere with their playing posture. If the venue does not have adequate lighting, please notify us in advance and we will bring our own lights.

• Can you play outside?

  We are very happy to play outside, weather permitting. We do, however, reserve the right to refuse in the case of conditions we deem unsuitable on the day. This can be any degree of precipitation, direct sunlight, winds, or extremes of temperature. With prior notice and for an additional fee we can provide our own cover in the form of a gazebo (3m x 4.5m), though it is the responsibility of the customer to clear this with the venue.

• What do you charge?

  As a basic guide, our current (April 2012) rates for string trio and string quartet are below, though these are subject to change:
  Quartet: first hour £550, each additional half hour or part thereof £50
  Trio: first hour £440, each additional half hour or part thereof £40

  Travel: we do not charge a fixed rate for travel, however we may add a subsistence charge depending on distance, journey time and whether meals or refreshments would be provided.

   

• What do you wear?

  Our normal dress is all black, with jackets for the men. Alternatively, we can wear DJs / cocktail dresses. If your event is themed, we are more than happy to dress appropriately, hiring costumes (costs to be covered by the customer) where necessary.

• How far do you travel?

  We are based in Edinburgh and Perth, and routinely perform all over Scotland and the North of England. We would be happy to consider requests for performances further afield.

• Can we hear you play before booking you?

  We have sound clips available on the ‘Our Music’ page (along with a list of our repertoire), and if you sign up to our newsletter on the 'Contact & Hire' page, we'll keep you posted of any public performances.

• Do you have public liability insurance?

  Yes, we have public liability insurance.

• How do I/we go about booking you?

  Please complete our online enquiry form and we will endeavour to reply within 2 working days. If you decide to go ahead with a booking, we will send you a booking form by email which we would ask you to return along with a deposit (for quartet bookings, 20% performance fee, for trios, 25% performance fee). We then ask that the balance be made available on or before the day of the event at the customer’s discretion.

   

• How far in advance do I need to book you?

  We frequently take bookings for events (particularly at weekends) 18 months prior to the event date, so we would encourage you to book as early as possible. However, thanks to our large pool of exceptional musicians we are able to accommodate most requests, even those at the last minute.

   

• Can we meet you in person?

  We are more than happy to meet up with customers in person, should you so wish. In our experience however all details can be dealt with via email or over the phone.

   

   

• What about the ‘Small Print?’

  Please read our Terms & Conditions