Frequently Asked Questions
1- What kind of sound equipment do
you have? Do you bring backup equipment just in case
something happens to the other equipment?
We use professional PA systems. Our powered speakers are Mackie® or EV brand with 1000 watts in each cabinet. We carry backup equipment in case of a failure, and we also have an emergency DJ on call to either fill in or bring out more equipment if necessary. Our digital players and mixers are either American DJ® or Numark.
2- Do you use CDs or a computer?
We primarily use a digital player designed specifically for DJs. We use a unit called a Numark D2 Director. In addition, we carry a laptop with DJ software for backup.
3- If we have certain songs that we
want played for specific dances with people, and you
don't have them, do you purchase them, or do we?
Chances are we have them and would
bring them. If not, we will make every effort to get
them. If they are obscure material that we do not have
or cannot get, we will ask that you provide them.
4- If we have certain songs that we
want, but you don't have them and we do, can we bring
them the night of the reception and lend them to you for
that time?
Yes, depending on how much material
you are providing. Some people have asked to provide us
with the entire music list for the night. Generally we
do not do pre-programmed events. You are hiring a DJ for
their expertise on selecting the right music for your
audience. We do welcome your input as to style and
recommend no more than 15 must play requests . Requests will be taken only if you have specified
that they may be.
5- Would you personally be the DJ
for the night, or do you have someone else providing
those services? If you get sick or just can't make it
the night of the reception for any reason, do you have a
back-up DJ?
Best Music has multiple DJs
that work for us. All equipment and music is
provided by Best Music so we can maintain a consistent
quality of service. We always have an emergency on-call
DJ -- usually me. I am accessible by phone whenever we
have bookings. We have standard party DJs and wedding
professionals.
6- How many times before the night
of the wedding do we have to meet to go over things?
Generally, when you book with Best
Music Services, you start with a meeting with me. You go
over what you want, and I will explain what we do. I
will pass this info on to the DJ assigned. About 1 month
before the booking, he will contact you to go over your
songs and the timing of events. He will also make
suggestions based on our experience on how best to
handle certain events.
7- If possible, we would like to
hear what your sound system sounds like before the
wedding date. We’ve been to receptions where the DJ
services didn't have a good system at all. You could
barely hear the music because it sounded all distorted.
Our sound systems are kept up to date and provide crystal clear sound. We never over-drive our speakers. Contact us and we can provide a location where one of our people are performing.
8- Do you also MC the reception?
Some do and some don't. This would be after our MC does
his thing. You would announce special dances/songs,
speeches, etc.
We can MC if you want us to and
normally announce the special events after the dinner.
9- Do you provide a wedding
reception planner?We use a standard wedding planner we
provide to you after booking. Our DJ will go through a comprehensive
interview with you prior to your event to review this
planning information.
10- Do you come to my home to go
over the details of the event?
The DJ will arrange to meet with you
at an agreed-upon Durham Region location.
11- Have you received any formal
training as a DJ?We have more than 25 years’ experience
and have done thousands of dances. I train all my
people.
12- What are your rates?
Use our convenient eForm to
ask about rates.
13- Are you registered with any
professional organizations?
We are members of the Canadian
Online Disc Jockey Association (CPDJA) and
are registered through them.
14- Are you a member of your local
Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau?
We’re a member of CODJA but not the
Chamber of Commerce.
15- What time would you arrive at
the hall to set up your equipment?In the local area, whatever time you
want us. Outside the local area, we would arrive about
45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
16- Do you wear a suit and tie?
Either a suit and tie or a jacket and
tie.
17- How many songs do you have in
your library of music?
We carry 20,000 + songs in our
standard set. Note we do not carry entire albums, only
hits. People only dance to music they know, so why carry
music they don't know? We can accommodate any special
requirement you might have. Our standard library is put
together from requests we’ve received throughout our
years in business. We keep our library up to date,
adding some 100 songs every month.
18- Would we get a chance to look at
your library before the wedding day? Would we be able to
let you know basically what types of music we want and
what we don't want?
Check out our Music page;
our listing is on it. We welcome your input as to music
selection - it is part of your online planning page.
19- Do you offer a wireless mic for
speeches, etc?
Yes, our DJs carry a digital wireless
microphone, and their use is included in our rates.
20- Do you/would you provide
cocktail/dinner music? And if so, is there an additional
cost, or is it just the additional $70.00 per hour?
If it is within your booked time, it
is included. Otherwise, it is $70.00 per hour.
21- Do you offer basic lighting
effects with this package? Do you offer one at all?
We have everything from up-lighting,
custom Gobos, intelligent dance floor lighting, lasers,
mirror ball effect, bubble machines and low-lying fog.
All our lighting and effects are available as
separately-priced options or included in our various
packages.
22- Are there any additional
charges, like for setup or travel?
Not in the local area.
23- Is your
price all inclusive?
Yes.
24- Do you provide a written
contract and guarantee?
We provide a written agreement
including the name of your DJ and their contact
information.We
guarantee our services and
we have never missed a booking in 30 years of service.
25- Do you DJ full-time or is this
just a weekend job?This is a full-time business for me. I
have been doing it longer than any DJ service in the
area.
26- How many years of experience do
you have as a disc jockey?
I have been in business since
1973. My DJs range in
experience from 20 years to more than 5 years. My DJs
also go through special training for weddings.
27- Are you able to handle requests?
Do you have a reliable indexing system so you can
respond to requests at a moment’s notice?
All our music is catalogued for the DJ by artist and title. We can retrieve and get a song cued in seconds. Our digital systems are fully searchable and allow us to setup playlists for every event.
28-You had said in your email that you send out appraisals after all
your dances and that they always come back saying either
“excellent” or “very good.” Could I request to see some
of those appraisals?
You may go through all my appraisals.
Some are available on our Testimonials Page.
29- Do you request a down payment on
your services, or do you want to be paid in full?
Deposit is $75.00 and would be
returned to me with a copy of the agreement.
30- Do you offer payment plans for
your services?
You can make payments if you like, as
long as the balance is paid by the date of the booking.
We have had people give us 4 or 5 post-dated cheques to
cover the balance.
31- Why are your rates so much lower
than other DJs?
People think that because they pay
more they will get a superior service. Our sound systems
are more current and of a higher quality than most other
services, and our DJs have more experience than most.
The truth is that most DJ companies price their service
high because people are willing to pay it.
32- Can I meet the DJ prior to
booking? What if we have a clash of personalities? Can I
request a different DJ?
Generally you meet your DJ about a
month prior to your event. All my DJs are hired based on
personality. They have to be the type of person who
immediately makes people feel comfortable. They are
professional and are there to do what you request of
them. There will not be a personality clash. We don’t
hire “egos.” If you want to speak with the DJ prior to
booking, we can arrange for him to call you and discuss
your concerns.
33- How do I choose the right DJ?
Best Music Services has been providing
great DJ music in the
Most people who contact us for DJ services first ask
"how much?" Unfortunately, this habit is a disaster just
waiting to happen. Price is absolutely no indication of
how good or bad a DJ is. Quite a number of people who
contact me feel that one DJ is as good as the other.
This couldn't be further from the truth.
A DJ in the business for, say, 5 years can purchase the
best music and lighting systems available. But if he has
only been doing dances for teenagers, he has no frame of
reference for playing for an older audience. Try tuning
your radio to a station with music you really dislike
and imagine having that as the music for your event. For
some DJs, that music is all they normally play.
