Answers to some of our most commonly asked questions...

1) What areas do you cover?
We normally work anywhere within a 40 mile radius of Torquay, but will happily consider other areas.

2) What type of music do you play?
Our DJ's carry thousands of songs covering the last 6 decades and will try and play a selection of these to suit the age group and type of the function. We encourage customers to request songs before the event where possible, especially for weddings and parties (song for first dance etc). Our DJ's are always happy to take requests on the night itself as well, although some may be filtered out if they are not deemed suitable for the occasion.

3) How much do you charge?
Please contact us with as many details about the event as you can and we will do our best to quote you for a suitable package. The price quoted depends on many factors, the size of the event, number of hours, distance to venue etc. We do not believe that a set price is fair to our customers as everyones requirements are slightly different. It is worth bearing in mind that just to HIRE a very basic sound and light system would cost you in the region of £150, along with all the hassle of setting it up and arranging your own insurance... 

4) How long do you take to set up your equipment?
We usually require between 30 & 60 minutes to set up our equipment for a disco/karaoke. Please ensure that we will be able to access the venue at least 1 hr before the start time to ensure we can set up fully and sound test before your guests arrive.

5) Can you set up your equipment in the daytime instead?
Yes, although daytime set ups are subject to a surcharge of £30 (This does not apply to childrens parties or discos booked specifically as a daytime event)

6) Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit of £30 is required within fourteen days of asking us to hold your date. The balance is due either by cheque posted to us in time to clear before the date of the booking, or in cash to the DJ before the start time of the event. We can also take deposits and full payment via PAYPAL.

7) Can we meet with you?
Of course! We are happy to meet at your home, place of work or the venue itself. We do not normally charge for this service unless significant travelling is involved.

8) Do you have public liability insurance? Yes. We hold £2 million public liability insurance. A copy of our current certificate is available on request.

9) Is your equipment PAT (portable appliance) tested?
Yes. A copy of our last test report is available on request.

10) I have found another DJ who is cheaper, why should I use you?

How many times have you bought something that was cheap only to be dissapointed with the quality later on? We use professional equipment and only use DJ's that have proven reliable and have years of experience covering all types and sizes of venue and event. We also ensure all our equipment is tested and safe, along with the backing of public liability insurance. We have NEVER had to cancel a booking, but you would be amazed at how often we are called to provide a DJ at short notice because “£70 Sid” or "a mate of a mate" down the road didn't turn up for the gig! We have spare equipment available and DJ's on standby to cover last minute illness or vehicle breakdown. If another DJ is cheaper, you need to ask why! A legal, safe Disco or Karaoke show is NOT cheap to run. However, it's YOUR function and YOUR choice.

11) Can I have karaoke as well as a disco?
Yes, but we need to know before the day of the event because extra equipment will be needed, there would be no extra charge for Karaoke.

12) Do you have any testimonials?
Yes. We hold a number of references from recent clients. All of these are letters or emails which are available for viewing on request. (Some of which are available to view on the website, on the references tab above)

13) My friend is a DJ and is coming to the party. Can he play a set?
No. For insurance & safety reasons we only allow our own staff to use our equipment.

14) What happens if your equipment breaks down on the night?
We usually have enough equipment on board to cover breakdowns and even carry spare fuses and bulbs.

15) We are also having a band at our function. Can you work around them?
Yes. This arrangement works very well, as the disco can fill in when the band take their breaks, which provides non-stop music throughout the evening. We always liaise with the band in an effort to avoid duplicating their set list and to ensure equipment is set-up in a safe manner. (Bands must provide their own PA equipment.)

16) Do you use strobe lights?
No, as they can have an adverse effect on people with certain medical conditions. Some of our lights do flash, but not at a rate known to affect photo-sensitive epilepsy sufferers. If you have any guests that absolutely cannot tolerate flashing lights for medical reasons, let us know beforehand and we will arrange alternative lighting for you.

17) Do you use smoke machines? 
Unfortunately most venues do not allow us to use smoke machines these days, as they can set off fire alarms. However, if your function is in a marquee or a venue which permits their use, we can supply a smoke machine on request for no extra charge. They are a great effect when in use and we do encourage you to check with your venue to see if they can be used, or we can enquire on your behalf. There is no extra charge for this service.

18) Can you go on later than booked if required?
Usually, yes, subject to venue restrictions & the agreement of venue officials where appropriate. The overtime rate is £30 per hour, payable in cash to the DJ before the overtime period commences. On some rare occasions this may not be possible due to other commitments.

19) Our venue has a sound limiter. Will this cause a problem?
Most sound limiters cut the disco's power if the volume exceeds a pre-set level, but are often set too low for most functions. They can often be triggered by singing, cheering or clapping. Therefore, to avoid dissapointment, we usually visit the venue if they have a limiter fitted, before we accept a booking. So please inform us if you become aware that your chosen venue has one.

20) Our function is taking place in a marquee. Will this cause you any problems?
We have worked in many marquees over the years with no problems, although there are a few things we will need to check, for example we need to know if the marquee company will supply power sockets, as we may have to bring extra leads to obtain power from a nearby building if not. (If this is the case we will need to be satisifed that this is going to be safe.) Also, we can't set up on a temporary dance floor, as this is unsafe for our equipment, your guests and can cause the music to jump. All electrical equipment must be set up in a way that it will not get wet if it rains.

21) How far in advance do we need to book?
As soon as possible, as we are unable to hold a date until you make a booking and send us your deposit. Most clients secure our services between 3 months and 18 months in advance, but we can usually accept short notice bookings, subject to availability. Traditionally June, July, August, September & December are our busiest months so if your event falls in one of these months get in quick, especially if its on a Friday or Saturday night.

22) What will you wear on the night?
We always dress appropriately for the occasion. For weddings, this usually means a shirt, tie and trousers. Karaoke gigs in pubs are usually smart casual dress and childrens party hosts have their own outfits.

23) Can we get written confirmation of our booking?
Yes. We will happily send a detailed booking confirmation letter after we have received your booking form and deposit, please let us know if you would like one. Alternatively we can email you a copy.

24) What happens if we need to cancel the booking?
Please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel one week or more before the function date, you will owe us nothing more but your deposit will not be refunded, (Although if you make a booking with us within 6 months we will discount the cost of your original deposit). If you cancel within 7 days of the function date, 50% of the outstanding balance will become due. If you cancel on the day of the booking, full payment is due.

25) Are you making efforts to reduce your Carbon Footprint?Yes, there are several ways in which First Choice Karaoke & Disco is making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. We offer digital services such as payment by PAYPAL and emailed confirmation, reducing the use of paper and postage. We now use recyled paper for the majority of our printing needs. We are gradually upgrading all our lighting to LED, which uses a fraction of the amount of energy that traditional disco lights use. We have invested in new digitally amplified speakers which are far more efficient than the models they replaced. Our website is hosted with "1&1" who soley use renewable energy and lastly, we ensure that vehicles used to carry our staff and equipment to gigs are regularly maintained and are driven in a responsible fashion to reduce fuel consumption. We are always looking for ways to reduce our impact, if you have any further suggestions please get in touch. 

26) What if we have a question that is not answered on this page?
Please ask us by using the email link on our contact page or by giving us a call! We usually reply to emails the same day.