Bomb Shelter FAQs
1. Bomb Shelter is more expensive than some of its competitors, what is the difference? (and yes, there is one)
Answer: Well, here's the old saying "you get what you pay for" Its true in this case too. What we are able to offer our clients here goes far beyond just some cheap old rehearsal room. We are always striving to offer the best of everything for our clients. As the years go by we continue to update and upgrade our rooms and facility for your comfort. Theres also the need to keep our gear well maintained and in tip top shape for everyone to use, and that is no easy task. We are now ENDORSED by Sonor Drums for your playing enjoyment. To top that off we have the best customer service out of all the rehearsal studios in Orange County with a staff of friendly, knowledgeable and helpful pros. We take the time to learn your names, get to know you and provide personalized assistance and attention to you and your band. We also have additional services we offer here at the studios for your convenience, such as recording and production, and guitar repair and maintenance.
The construction of our rooms here far out does any industry standard rehearsal room, where you can easily hear the band in the next room almost as well as if they were playing in yours. We feature free standing solid concrete rooms, which reduces the amount of sound transfer between rooms dramatically. This particular feature has won many a musician or band over, because they are finally able to hear what they are playing in their own room without having to turn up to play over the band next door.
So, with these features in mind you decide weather its worth the extra money, we think you'll agree.
2. How are your rooms set up and what gear do you have available?
Answer: We provide our rooms set up to your specific request. Many OC rehearsal facilities supply all their rooms with gear weather you want it or not. This is NOT what we do. We don't think that you should have to move someone else's gear, which then takes up space in a room you are paying for. When you call to book time you will be asked how you would like your room set up. It is your choice to either bring your own gear, or use our backline of drums and amps or any combination thereof. All of our rooms have the P.A.s provided as well as mic stands and cables. If you wish to bring your own drums and amps, the room will be clean and clear of our gear ready for you to load in. If you want it with drums and amps we will take care of setting it all up for you and have it ready when you are.
You can check out as many microphones as you need, guitar cables, guitar strap, power cords, etc. with a driver's license or photo I.D. There is no additional charge for these items, they are provided as a courtesy to you.
3. Is set up and tear down time included in the time we book, or can we get there early to set up?
Answer: Technically the time you book is the amount of time you have to get in and out of the room. If you have a two hour rehearsal set up and tear down must be done in those two hours. Now, the straight scoop. We try to give everyone as much time as possible when they book any rehearsal. If we dont have a band in the room before you we will let you in 15 min early to start setting up your stuff. If you need more time than that, you will need to book it and pay for the extra time. On the load out, if we do have a band in after you please be courteous and have your gear out of the room promptly so the other band doesnt loose time. If we do not have a band in after you, we will let you know that your time is up and you may load out at your leisure. We do our best to keep everything running on time. If you have any other special needs, or need gear in the room please let us know in advance so we can have it ready for you ahead of time.
4. How can I hear my vocals better over the rest of the band?
Answer:
Check back, I'll add a more technical answer to this one.
5. I dont know how to set up the P.A., what do I do?
Answer: Most people are too embarrassed to even ask this because they think they should know how, but dont. Worry no more, lots of people dont know how to use the P.A. Even people who think they do, or who say they do, dont always know either. We make this one as easy and painless as possible. We are happy to come in and set up the microphones for you check the level add some reverb or delay and make sure everything is working. We are also able to help you run your keyboards, cd/mp3 player/computer, or acoustic guitar through the p.a. We have a knowledgeable staff who can help quickly troubleshoot if a problem arises. So rest easy, let us do all the work to help you have a great rehearsal.
6. We need to do a recording of our band, but there are so many optionswhere do we start?
Answer: Again, our motto here is keep it simple. If you want an inexpensive way to get going on a recording project try one of our rehearsal recordings. A three hour session for $150 can't be beat. It gives you a great sounding recording that you can use for a host of things. Copy it to give out at shows, use it to get more gigs, or use it as pre-production for an upcoming project. For more specific details about the rehearsal recording, please go to our blog about rehearsal recording. You can call James at Bomb Shelter Recording Studios, 714-609-3501.
7. If I have a problem with a piece of gear I rented to use at the rehearsal studios what do I do?
Answer: Run out of the room screaming while tearing your hair out? Maybe not. We work hard so that this problem rarely exists. However, things do break so please be sure to come out right away (or immediately) and find one of the staff and ask for their help. Sometimes its just a matter of swapping a cable or making a quick fix. It may take us a few minutes to troubleshoot and make sure we can either fix it or swap it, and in some instances find out that it is your piece of gear that is having a problem. In either case it is our goal to help find what the problem is and take care of it quickly so you can get back to what you do best, playing music.
8. Do you do monthly lockouts, or just hourly?
Answer: We get this one a lot folks, a lot. We currently have monthly storage lockers for rent, but not rooms to leave your gear set up in 24/7. Keep checking back with us on this one.
9. Can I set up a regular rehearsal time every week?
Answer: The answer to this one is yes, absolutely. What we generally do is once you've picked a day and time we will put you down for that time slot on a permanent basis, or as long as youd like it. Unless you call and cancel (24 hr. cancellation policy still applies) we assume we will see you. Remember if you cancel with less than 24 hrs notice you will still owe for the time.
10. If I need to cancel a rehearsal spot that I've reserved what do I do?
Answer: No matter what, please at least call us as a courtesy to let us know you are not going to be here. If you are calling with more than 24 hours notice then you are off the hook for the rehearsal time. If you cancel your rehearsal time with less than 24 hours notice you will be charged for the time you booked. For example if you booked a 2 hour rehearsal and only used our room with the p.a., you would owe $32. You must come down and pay in person or we can do a credit card over the phone. If you have two no show/no calls you will be required to pay over the phone with a credit card in order to reserve your time, and you will be responsible for taking care of the outstanding bill for the previous bookings. Suggestion, please do not book your time unless you are positive that all your members are available, that way youre not stuck paying for someone elses mistake.
11. What if I do cancel with less than 24 hours notice, or just don't show up?
Answer: While we hope that you don't have to cancel with less than 24 hours notice, we realize things do come up at the last minute. We try to be understanding, so we hope that you can also see it from our point of view. With less than 24 hours notice we may not be able to re-book the time, so you are still responsible for the rehearsal you booked. It is at the owners discretion to waive a fee for a rehearsal. If you just don't show up, then that's just plain rude, and yes you will owe us for the time you booked as well. If you have two no shows you will be required to pay for the time in advance with a credit card, and must also take care of any outstanding balances. Again, be sure you have checked with and heard back from all of your band members before confirming your rehearsal time.
12. If I book for three hours and during the rehearsal we decide we only want to do two hours can we only pay for the time we use?
Answer: You are responsible to pay for whatever amount of time you book. Our minimum is two. If you book three hours and during rehearsal decide things aren't "happening" and you want to leave early, you do still pay for the total of three hours. When you book time, if you are not sure how long you want to go book the minimum. That way you are not obligated for time you may or may not use. Sometimes if we don't have a band in after you, you are welcome to pick up and add time. You may call ahead and change the time, similar to the 24 hour cancellation policy, give me enough notice and I'm happy to accomodate you.
13. We only need to run through our set once, can we only do an hour of time?
Answer: Yes you may do an hour of time, however you will be charged for two hours which is our minimum for booking a rehearsal.
14. What else can you use your studios for?
Answer: LOTS. We have done video shoots, showcases, parties, photo shoots, guitar lessons, workshops, recording sessions, and anything else we can think of!
This was alot of information, but we hope it's helpful. We can keep adding to this one, so check back or let us know what you have a question about.
