Frequently Asked Questions

All the information you will need when considering booking the 16 Strings String Quartet.

• What does 16 Strings String Quartet consist of?
• What area does 16 Strings String Quartet cover?
• Will 16 Strings String Quartet perform as a trio
• What’s the difference between a string quartet & a trio?
• What requirements do you have regarding space and equipment?
• How do you charge? And can I get a quote?
• How do I make a booking? And do you require a deposit?
• When is the final payment due?
• How do you accept payment?
• How do we choose the music we would like?
• The song I like isn’t on your repertoire list. Can I request a song?
• What do the string quartet wear?
• Will you need to take breaks?
• What would happen if I cancelled the booking?
• Can I change the time of my event once my booking has been made?
• Does 16 Strings String Quartet need to be at the wedding rehearsal?
• Are 16 Strings String Quartet able to play outdoors?
• What would happen if on the day one of the quartet members was unwell?
• I would like 16 Strings String Quartet to play at my wedding and reception. They are at different locations. How does this work and what are the charges?
• What's the normal structure of a wedding with a string quartet?

What does 16 Strings String Quartet consist of?
A string quartet consists of two violins, viola and cello. However, our Gold Coast string quartet replaces the cello with the double-bass. Either way, both setups will give your special event a distinct touch of elegance and class.

What area does 16 Strings String Quartet cover?
We have two string quartet groups servicing different regions. Our Gold Coast String Quartet service the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and Surrounds. And our Brisbane String Quartet services Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. Our Sunshine Coast String Quartet services Coloundra, Mooroochydore, Noosa and surrounds.

For Hinterland and outside a certain radius in the different regions, bookings will incur an additional travelling fee and a minimum booking of 2 hours is required for these functions. Please notify 16 Strings of the exact address and suburb of your function to clarify if the fee does or doesn't apply to you.

Will 16 Strings String Quartet perform as a trio?
Unfortunately no. 16 Strings String Quartet has compiled a vast library of quartet music. This large musical library also includes their own unique arrangements of songs, written for quartet. Hiring the ensemble as a duo or trio severely limits the musical repertoire and the special sound that only a string quartet can provide.

What’s The Difference Between A String Quartet & A Trio?   
When considering whether you will book a string quartet or a string trio, you most likely don’t know the difference between the two. 16 Strings String Quartet only offers the quartet option because we believe that four instruments create a much fuller and richer sound then just having three. With the extra violin, it allows us to include additional harmonic sounds , that builds the melody line creating a beautiful rich atmosphere. The additional instrument especially compliments pop and jazz music as it allows us to be more creative with our music arranging (more parts = fuller sound.) But don’t take our word for it - we have prepared an excellent audio example for you to listen to, that will clearly present to you the difference in sound  between a trio and a quartet. Listen here.

What requirements do you have regarding space and equipment?
We need an area covering about 3.5 x 3 metres. It is preferable that we are on a flat surface with adequate light. We will bring our own chairs. It is also helpful if there is a place where we are able to leave our cases during our performance.

How do you charge? And can I get a quote?
To find out how much it would cost to book the quartet for your engagement please click here and fill out the required fields and will get back to you with our information pack.

How do I make a booking? And do you require a deposit?
16 Strings String Quartet requires a deposit of $110. Before a deposit is paid, we will hold your booking for five days from date of invoice. However, if your holding deposit payment is unable to be made by the due date we cannot hold or guarantee your booking. The holding deposit confirms that we will make no other booking at the time of your function. And your holding deposit will be deducted from your final payment, which is due one week before your function.

When is the final payment due?
16 Strings String Quartet will contact you one month prior to your booking to finalise your song lists and also send you through your final payment invoice. Your final payment is due one week prior to your event.

How do you accept payment?
16 Strings String Quartet provides you with an invoice. We accept cheque and direct deposit.

How do we choose the music we would like?
When you make your booking we send you a form so that once completed will provide us with all the details for your booking. On this form you can select the styles of music you would like to have. For a wedding ceremony you can let us know what you would like for the key parts of the ceremony (processional, signing of the registers and recessional). If you need help choosing the music please do not hesitate to ask.

The song I like isn’t on your repertoire list. Can I request a song?
If you require a specific song that’s not on our current repertoire list we are happy to consider it for arrangement. For requested songs this will incur an additional arrangement/sourcing fee per song. To arrange a song it takes around 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of the piece. We require a minimum of 2 months for this service.

What do the string quartet wear?
16 Strings String Quartet always dress smartly and wear all black outfits. If you would rather we wear something different please let us know at the time of booking and we may be able to cater for you.

Will you need to take breaks?
We will need to take some breaks during the booking time (except for a ceremony only bookings). However, we have arranged certain songs that allow one or two members have a break while the others play. We usually allow about 10mins per hour.

What would happen if I cancelled the booking?
On the very rare occasion that a client cancels the booking, we would retain all monies paid to date. All deposits made are non refundable, but is fully transferable depending on the availability of the string quartet.

Can I change the time of my event once my booking has been made?
Yes – and No. During the busiest seasons, 16 Strings String Quartet may be playing at several engagements on one day and the change of time may not suit with the quartet’s additional engagements which cannot be changed. However, if this isn’t the case, the quartet is more than happy to work with you on your time change if this is possible.

Does 16 Strings String Quartet need to be at the wedding rehearsal?
Generally, no. This is an additional expense to you that really is not necessary. Your 16 Strings String Quartet team leader for your region will call you the week of your booking to run through the last minute details and to give you peace of mind that everything is ready to go. The team leader will also arrive at your event about 10-15 minutes early to coordinate cues with your wedding planner, the groom or other person who is in charge of your event.

Are 16 Strings String Quartet able to play outdoors?
16 Strings String Quartet are more than happy to play outdoors on fine days. Should the weather be too windy or wet, we would have to move inside. We ask that there is some shade for us to play under to protect our instruments from direct sunlight.

The only area outside we are unavailable to play is directly on sand at the beach as it can destroy our instruments. If 16 Strings isn't notified that your booking is on the sand and we arrive expected to set up on sand we have the right to refuse to play and locate to a position nearby that is on a grassy or cemented area. We make this clear in our information pack and stick to these rules without questions.

What would happen if on the day one of the quartet members was unwell?
If a member of the quartet were unwell, we would make sure that we found a suitable replacement. 16 Strings String Quartet have a circle of professional deputies that play with us regularly. These proficient players stand in when one of us is on holiday or otherwise engaged so they are well rehearsed with the music and acquainted with our high standards therefore you wouldn't notice that one of the main members isn't there.

I would like 16 Strings String Quartet to play at my wedding and reception. They are at different locations. How does this work and what are the charges?
We quote from the time we start playing to the time we finish/leave. Therefore, if you require 16 Strings String Quartet to play at two different venues or there is a break between ceremony and reception (at the same venue) – the time spent waiting or travelling is quoted as if we were playing. We quote on our time. This is because the quartet would not be able to accept additional engagements/bookings whilst waiting to play your reception.

What's the normal structure of a wedding with a string quartet?
The answer to this question is located on another page on our website. To go to that page please click here.