Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have tried to answer the most commonly asked questions that our clients may ask. If you can't find the answer to your question, or would like further information then please contact us using the email address above.
- How long does a tuning contract last?
- How do I cancel a tuning contract?
- If I am unhappy about anything, what should I do?
- When I report a fault, how soon will it be attended to?
- What does a tuning visit involve?
- How do I arrange a tuning visit?
- Do I need to be present for the tuning?
- What should I do to prepare for a tuning visit?
- What is the faults book for?
- How much does an assessment visit cost?
- How much does a tuning visit cost?
- Do we have to pay VAT?
Q: How long does a
tuning contract last?
A: After the initial 14 Days 'cooling off' period, all our tuning
and maintenance contracts last for a minimum of twelve months. After
this you can cancel your tuning contract at any time, with 14 days
written notice. This allows us time to finalise your account and
return any keys. If you have not received confirmation from
ourselves after 14 days then please call to ensure we have received
your communication.
Q: How do I cancel a
tuning contract?
A: Contracts must be cancelled by written communication, with 14
days notice. Unlike other organ builders we do not insist on an
unnecessarily long notice period. If you are unhappy with the
service you receive we believe you should be free to go elsewhere.
The 14 days notice period we operate is to allow us to finalise your
account and return any keys.
Q: If I am unhappy about
anything, what should I do?
A: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the service you have
received from GO-Organ Builders Ltd. then contact us in the first
instance, and we will do our utmost to rectify the situation. In the
case of a complaint you should contact Gary Owens directly, either
by email-
G.Owens@go-organs.org.uk or by
calling him on 07786541878.
Q: When I report a
fault, how soon will it be attended to?
A: This entirely depends on the urgency and severity of the fault,
and if we are immediately available to attend to it. We do our
utmost to respond to all faults within 7 days. This may not always
be possible, but we can always arrange for a sub-contractor to
visit. However, other organ builders can charge a lot more, so if a
fault is not urgent then we advise you allow us up to 14 days to
attend. In the case of urgent faults, we are willing and able to
work evenings and weekends if necessary.
Q: What does a tuning
visit involve?
A: A standard tuning visit will begin
with checking of the organ for any faults, followed by rectification
where possible. We will then begin tuning the instrument. It is
normal on larger instruments that we would not tune all divisions in
one visit, unless adequate time is allocated. However, all reeds are
tuned on every visit. Blowers and humidifiers (where present) will
be checked. The console will be cleaned. Where woodworm is present
the timber will be treated. Any findings will be reported back to
the church.
Q: How do I arrange a
tuning visit?
A: Tunings are automatically allocated by ourselves, based on how
often you wish the instrument to be tuned, and around key events.
This information will be detailed within your tuning contract. If
the date and time allocated is not convenient please let us know. If
you require an additional tuning then please
contact us.
Q: Do I need to be
present for the tuning?
A: We do not require anyone present during the tuning. All that we
ask is that, in cases where we do not have our own key, someone is
available to grant us access to the church.
Q: What should I do to
prepare for a tuning visit?
A: Ensure the faults book is left on the console. It is of paramount
importance that the building is heated to the temperature normally
attained for services. The stability of the tuning relies heavily on
the temperature and humidity of the building. Please ensure that any
keys are available to the tuner. We also ask that the building is
kept as quiet as possible for the duration of the visit. It is worth
checking with other groups who use the building if they intend to be
present at any time- including cleaning parties, coffee
groups...etc. They will not find the sound of an organ being tuned
pleasant, and any noise they make can impede our ability to tune the
organ.
Q: What is the faults
book for?
A: The faults book is a record of work carried out on the organ and
any problems, which should be noted when they arise. Please do not
tear pages from the faults book, remove it from the organ or use it
for any other purpose. A visiting organist will expect to find a
faults book at the console- they may find a fault and be unable to
report it if the book is not present. If you require a new faults
book, please
contact us and we will provide a new
one.
Q: How much does an
assessment visit cost?
A: Any assessment visits carried out within a 50 mile radius of our
Liverpool workshop will not incur charge. Beyond this we will only
charge for costs directly incurred by the visit. We do not charge
for actually compiling a quote, so the cost will include mileage,
staff wages and accommodation where appropriate. All assessment
costs are deducted from the total of works carried out, excluding
general tuning and maintenance. We do not charge for quotes for our
existing clients, as long as the assessment is tied in with a tuning
visit.
Q: How much does a
tuning visit cost?
A: Tuning quotes are provided following an initial assessment. There
are a number of factors involved in calculating cost, and we will
happy to furnish you with a quote upon request.
Q: Do we have to pay
VAT?
A: In almost all cases the church will be expected to pay VAT on any
organ building work. However, there are some exceptions.
(1) Subject to certain conditions, new organs supplied and installed as fittings in new churches are zero-rated.
(2) Subject to certain conditions, new organs supplied and installed as fittings in the course of an approved alteration to the fabric of a listed church are zero-rated.
(3) Work to an existing organ in a listed church in the course of an approved alteration to the fabric of the building may, in certain circumstances be zero-rated.
For the organ to qualify as a 'fitting', it must not be easily moved (i.e. it is built into the church in some way). Zero-rated simply means that the rate of VAT is 0%.