Thank you for the kind words, Jim. Unfortunately, "Alan" (that is not this client's actual name) DID break some gear by doing something negligent while using it. We're not sure WHY he did it, but he did, and refused to pay for the repair. Our gear is never left in a rehearsal room - it is available as a separate rental. This way we are able to inspect it before and after every rental, insuring proper maintenance and guaranteeing it to be in good working condition for the next client.
The fact is that this allows Stage One to charge lower rates than other rehearsal facilities if you bring your own gear, and comparable rates if you do need to rent drums, an amp, etc. Our rooms are bigger, and our PA systems are better than any other rehearsal facility in Orange County - ALL of our clients who have come from other facilities tell us this. We also give you 15 minutes of load-in and 15 minutes of load out with every band booking so that you are not paying for the time it takes the previous band to load their gear out of the room. That's a free half hour; NO OTHER STUDIO OFFERS THIS!
Stage One is hear for you - the musician. All of our staff are musicians and enjoying contributing to the local music community. We treat our clients with respect and appreciation - you're the ones who keep our doors open! Come check it out for yourself; you'll never want to go anywhere else.

I don't know what Alan is talking about, but I've been going to Stage One for years and have NEVER had a problem with them or their gear. I've been to a NUMBER of rehearsal studios, and none are as nice as Stage One. It sounds like he got sent to collections & is a bit bitter... skip out on a bill, Alan? Anyhow, if you're going somewhere else you're missing out!

the equipment carefully before you rent it and document any minor problem. Otherwise, they will say you damaged something you didn't, and send nasty debt collectors after you if you dispute it. However the threats are idle, and the company they use has been sued ...