Terms and Conditions
By booking a rehearsal session at National Sound you are entering into a contract by which you are agreeing unconditionally on behalf of the band/artist to abide by the studio's terms and conditions as detailed below.
Booking a rehearsal: Rehearsal bookings, times and dates are subject to availability on our online booking system, with a minimum session time of 2 hours. National Sound books sessions in 2, 3 or 4 hour slots, if you wish to have more or a full day rate then please enquire via email, music@nationalsound.co.uk and we will do what we can to accommodate. The last session on any given day must end by 11pm (please see Load-in/load-out section of t&c’s). National Sound reserves the right to cancel bookings at any time based upon circumstances beyond our control. Any booking that is cancelled by National Sound would not be chargeable to the artist/band. In the event of such occurrences, we will ensure your session is rescheduled at the earliest convenience. Bookings can be made via our online booking system and are valid upon receipt of confirmation email. Lead booker (person who books session/service) must be over 18 years of age. Under 18's who intend to use our services and premises must have an over 18 present.
Payment: All payments for rehearsal sessions must be paid in advance upon booking your session online. Payment can be made through the online booking system by credit/debit card – all major cards accepted. It is the responsibility of the band/artist to cover the cost of each session in full in advance. Bands/Artists are responsible to pay in full for the time slots in which they have booked their recording or rehearsal session for. Sessions cannot be extended or shortened.
Load-Ins & Load-Outs: Please arrive and load in at your booking start time. The time that your session is scheduled for is the time you should plan to arrive at National Sound and begin to load-in and set up. A member of staff will be there to greet you and talk you through everything. The time that your rehearsal session finishes is when you need to load-out by. For example, if you have booked until 9pm, you need to be clear and loaded out of the rehearsal room by 9pm to allow the next booking access to the room and to allow for smooth transitions between artists/bands. Please allow enough time to break down and load out. A member of staff will be there to lock up/see you out of your session.
Cancellations: National Sound has a cancellation period of 48 hours. This means if you cancel your session within the 48 hour period a refund will not be issued and your slot will be reallocated or lost. Only in the most exceptional circumstances can National Sound consider a full or partial refund; this decision will be made by National Sound. If cancellations become regular (3 or more in a row) inside or outside the 48 hour cancellation period, a decision to temporarily or permanently restrict your rehearsal bookings may be made. All cancellations can be notified by calling 01908 904101 (please leave a message if you get through to the answer phone) or by email to: music@nationalsound.co.uk
Equipment: Our rehearsal room is provided with a PA, mic stands, XLR cables, Pearl drum shells, snare, hardware and a Blackstar backline (two combos, one bass amp, one 4x12 cab) this equipment is static; should you wish to bring your own equipment we ask you make this clear prior to your session so we can have anything not required cleared. We can provide vocal
or instrument microphones upon request (excluding drum mics). We ask drummers to bring breakables. Sticks, plectrums, instrument cables, instruments (excluding drum shells) and anything breakable will not be provided. In emergency cases some additional equipment can be made available.
Breakages and damages to studio equipment/studio itself: Any damage caused to studio equipment or the facilities due to misuse and abuse will be charged to the band/individual. Refusal to pay for breakages will lead to exclusion and prosecution. Upon booking a session at National Sound, you agree to look after the studio and prevent any damage occurring. As the person responsible for the hire of the studio, you agree to supervise all users of the studio, the facilities and the building, directly or indirectly connected to you. If an item of equipment is damaged or missing at the start of your session please report it to a member of staff immediately. All National Sound equipment is tracked and traceable.
Personal items/lost property: Please make sure that you do not leave personal items unattended and ensure that you take all of your belongings with you when you leave. National Sound is not responsible for any items that are lost or damaged on the premises.
Smoking: Smoking and vaping is NOT permitted anywhere inside the studio. If you leave the premises to smoke, please ensure that you are a safe distance from the studio and that your cigarette stubs are disposed of appropriately.
Drugs/alcohol: We ask that you please do not bring alcohol onto the premises. The studio operates a zero tolerance policy on drugs. If you are suspected of or found to be in possession of ANY CLASS of drugs on the premises, you will be asked to leave and reported to the police.
Food/Drink: You are permitted to bring your own food and drink into the studio; however, this must not be placed on any of the equipment under any circumstances. Any damage caused to the studio/studio equipment/furnishings due to spillages and negligence with food and drink will be charged as per our damages policy above. Please help us to keep the studio tidy by placing any rubbish in the bins provided. During your session you will have access to the kitchen area. Bands/artists will be provided with complimentary hot/cold beverages; please ensure you leave the kitchen area as clean and tidy as you found it, including any cutlery/crockery you may use.
Rubbish/Broken Drumsticks: Broken drumsticks are a hazard to other studio users and studio equipment. If you break a drumstick, please make sure that you put it in the bin before you leave. Please help us to keep the studio tidy by placing any rubbish in the bins provided.
Safety and Liability: As previously mentioned, the premises is strictly no smoking throughout. Upon booking a session with National Sound, you agree to comply with safety regulations connected with the permitted use of the building including fire regulations, health and safety regulations, performing rights regulations and licensing and gaming laws. You can not use the facilities for any illegal or immoral purpose. A member of staff will indicate fire and emergency procedures with you upon your first booking; please ensure to familiarize yourself and any
person connected to you with the fire emergency procedures. National Sound accepts no liability for any loss or damage to the client or any user connected directly or indirectly to the client. For the avoidance of doubt, the client is solely responsible for any liability, injury, personal claims, litigation or any other matter resulting from the hire of the premises on behalf of himself/herself and fellow users/guests and indemnifies National Sound from any such costs. In the interest of safety, we request groups no larger than 6 per session; however exceptions can be made for larger groups upon discussion with a National Sound staff member prior to booking.
COVID-19: At National Sound we recognise the importance of continuing to do what we can to keep each other safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studio and its contents are cleaned daily and to a high standard after use. Hand sanitiser will be readily available for use. Face masks are welcome but not mandatory.