isaacullah
2781 posts
Jun 02, 2014
7:19 AM
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It's been almost two years since I last was able to get out and play on the street (there wasn't much of a "scene" in South bend last year, and man, east coast winters are harsh!). But I'm gearing up to get out this friday up on Penn Ave. at the first friday art walk, and I'm really looking forward to it. Should be fun! Hopefully I can snag a little video for y'all...
Who else is getting ready to hit the streets this summer?
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rockmonkeyguitars
96 posts
Jun 02, 2014
7:40 AM
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I'm going to be doing a bit in Chester if I can get my guitar player to take a break from festivals.
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KingoBad
1481 posts
Jun 02, 2014
7:55 AM
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I'll be playing in Holland,MI at their annual street performer series. I'll actually get paid to busk (woo hoo!). I get to take tips, but can't sell the merchandise...
We also try to hit the streets in smaller towns when we go in to drum up some extra business for the show that night.
I'm sure I'll hit a few farmers's markets and events before the end of the summer.
I'll finish in September for our big Playing for Change event here in Indianapolis. We usually spread out that busking (for the charity) over several weeks. We also did a webathon with our local pbs station - but I guess that is not busking?
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Danny
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isaacullah
2783 posts
Jun 02, 2014
8:12 AM
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Nice! Glad to see that some other folks are gonna be hitting the street corners soon! Best of luck, guys!
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Rgsccr
253 posts
Jun 02, 2014
9:03 AM
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Our band will be playing at the Farmers Market in Des Moines, WA several times this summer. They have a nice set-up and have bands or single performers pretty much every weekend June-Oct. Should be fun.
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2chops
255 posts
Jun 02, 2014
9:19 AM
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@Isaac, Lucky you. You got here just in time for the first real PA winter we've had in a good 10 years. Go get 'em.
My group does a few sidewalk gigs in front of a pizza joint here. Lots of foot traffic on Friday nights. Hoping to do a few of the First Fridays here too.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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2chops
256 posts
Jun 02, 2014
9:25 AM
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I forgot to add that we have a paved River Walk here that is heavily used in the warmer weather. It's one of my favorite places to play. Being right next to the river really sets the mood and inspires me. The passers by always go away smiling. Almost has the same feel as the open area by the Elvis statue on Beale St. Hoping to make it back there some day.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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jbone
1642 posts
Jun 02, 2014
9:52 AM
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@Isaac, 2chops, and all,
Jawbone and Jolene are already out and about. Farmers market, street here and there, and looking at a few other outdoor deals as well. Arkansas has been pretty nice for the past month and we inaugurated Spring with some visits to the River Market last month, along with a couple of sidewalk tip deals across the river in North Little Rock.
Mostly we do all acoustic but one guy with a store had us bring the amps and p.a. and we blew it up very nicely a week ago.
There are some porch type venues we want to get involved with a few hours north, maybe make an overnight trip to the Ozarks to combine a bit of "work" with nice scenery and some stream fishing. One venue is a canoe rental/bbq near a really nice river, the other is a town square thing.
The whole open air thing is such a good vibe, we mostly go away high just from the music and the folks who respond to us.
This is prime time here right now, between rain storms. But not too dang hot yet and lots of folks out getting their spring on.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
Last Edited by jbone on Jun 02, 2014 9:53 AM
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isaacullah
2785 posts
Jun 02, 2014
10:42 AM
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Right on, guys! Yeah, the weather is PERFECT right now for busking. Not too hot, not too cold, and little to no humidity. Yeah, a few storms rolling through here or there, but the forecast is dry for this coming Friday!!! :)
Glad to hear so many folks will be bringing harmonica to the people!
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Goldbrick
468 posts
Jun 02, 2014
1:29 PM
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Participating in fete de la musique in Miami Saturday June 7th. Musicians and street performers will be all over Coconut Grove with nice publicity and maps provided to tourists
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OzarkRich
506 posts
Jun 02, 2014
2:36 PM
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Don't know how close I am to busking yet, but I've finally put my drum together.
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Ozark Rich
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Goldbrick
471 posts
Jun 02, 2014
2:59 PM
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Looks good Rich
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2chops
258 posts
Jun 02, 2014
3:35 PM
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Hey Rich, I like that foot drum. I was thinking of making the same kind of rig. Still figuring on it. Just haven't gotten to it yet. Looks like a 14" snare, yes?
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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OzarkRich
507 posts
Jun 02, 2014
4:33 PM
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13" snare. Clamp system still needs some fiddling but it's working for now.
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Ozark Rich
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STME58
857 posts
Jun 02, 2014
8:43 PM
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I have been playing in Balboa Park on most Sundays while my son is at Youth Symphony rehearsals there. I have yet to put a hat out as a permit is required for buskers. I do sometimes get people dancing and singing along. This Saturday is permit issue day at the part. I may see if I can get one.
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catochan
38 posts
Jun 02, 2014
10:31 PM
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I am! Gotta pay for fancy harmonicas somehow…...
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BronzeWailer
1295 posts
Jun 03, 2014
12:24 AM
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My guitar man's been busy with his day and night teaching job but pretty soon now we're going to be back out there.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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Rubes
857 posts
Jun 03, 2014
4:13 AM
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Gee Eric.......it's getting cold in our neck of the woods eh? My friends and I are seeking out the warmth of the open fire assisted likes of pubs and cafés at the mo...............
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BronzeWailer
1296 posts
Jun 03, 2014
4:17 AM
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Paul, it's fine once you get moving. And anyway, busking is as much of a "need to" activity as a "want to"...
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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oldwailer
1996 posts
Jun 03, 2014
8:08 AM
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I've done a Farmer's Market thing about three times already this year. It's a lot of fun. Just got a new 6-string banjo for my birthday and I'm looking forward to trying it out next week-end--I'm hoping the novelty of the sound and the increased volume (they don't allow amps) will bring in more tips--but--if it was about the money, I'd just bag it--I just like to get out there. . .
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"Too Pretty for the Blues."
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isaacullah
2786 posts
Jun 03, 2014
9:15 AM
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OzarkRich: That foot drum setup looks really great! I'm planning on putting together a suitcase drum - I've got the vintage suitcase and a way to attach the drum pedal, I just don't have the pedal yet! :) Until then, I've got one of these Meinl foot tambourine rattles, which works surprisingly well!
Oldwailer: Ray, I bet your sound translates really well to the banjo! I've been digging into recordings of Piedmont style guitarists these days, and I must say that I'm really really digging it...
@STME58: Is that Balboa Park in San Diego? If so, what a cool place. I miss Cali. I bet it'd be a pretty cool place to busk (if allowed), especially that part with all the museums and stuff...
@Aussies: Y'all are brave to be busking in the cold! ;) You're better men than me!
PS, working from home today, so I took some time at lunch to set my whole busking kit and ran through some songs... So much fun!
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Last Edited by isaacullah on Jun 03, 2014 9:16 AM
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isaacullah
2788 posts
Jun 03, 2014
1:43 PM
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Seeing OzarkRich's cool foot drum, and reading about Oldwailers new Banjo got me thinking about gear. Over the years, I've pretty well narrowed down on my "essential" busking gear, so I thought I'd list it here in case anyone was interested, or if any of you would like to compare your set up. Here goes:
Seat: A "Roll-a-stool" This is really great. Just the right height for foot stompin', light-weight, lumbar support, and very portable.
Stand for harp case: A "Pack-Stool". Same brand as the roll-a-stool, but with out the back support. Holds my harp case at the perfect height while seated, and can double as an extra chair in case a friend joins.
Harp Case: The Fender briefcase one. Yeah, there are better cases out there, but I like this guy. I've got my "One Harp" logo (see my signature below) stenciled on the lid, and that acts as a "sign" when the case is open on the stool next to me. I use the red accessory tray as a "tip jar". I made a sort of "stand up" harp holder that holds 26 diatonics, and I keep my other harps (bass harp, octave harps, chordomonica) in the bottom tray. The case has remaining space for my mic, my repair kit, and my foot tambourine.
Harps: 26 diatonics in a variety of tunings. Leo Shi Bass harp (best way for "real" sounding basslines), tenor tremolo and tenor octave harp (cool shimmery chords), Chordomonica II (fun doo wop chords).
Pedals: Zoom G3 multifx (I use two "main" patches: an "amped" one, and an "accoustic") with an auxiliary volume control pedal (to control mic volume - very helpful for looping). That goes into a Vox Lil' Looper, two channel looper, with the extension foot switch. Very versitile little looping pedal that allows for two independent loops. Love it. The output of that is fed into a Behringer DD400 digital delay. I use that on the output for all kinds of wierd dub effects, including sample and hold and long delay. You can really mess with the sound!
Amp: Pyp PB1 . The company that made these is out of business now, but it's a pretty decent little amp for its size and weight. I bought mine used a few years back, and the battery was shot so I modified it to run from an external 12v sealed lead-acid marine battery. It goes for hours and gets loud enough for my needs. Not a lot of bass though, so I'll eventually be replacing it.
Foot percussion: Right now, just the Meinl foot tambourine. It really works well, and I like it... I may perhaps add to my foot percussion section in the future with a stomp box (I bought some bass guitar pickups that I plan to use).
Mic: I just switched to a vintage Electro Voice 626. It's a cardiod Hi-Z dynamic stick mic, very similar to the RE10, and I love the tone from it. I'm planning to still bring my Behringer XM8500 as a backup.
Cables: I buy all my patch cables from Monoprice. Great price, very good quality, and are user-fixable (all the plugs can be opened up and re-soldered). I carry at least one spare of every cable.
Batteries: In addition to the 12v for the amp, I bring a lot of spare AA's, as all my pedal run off them. I use high capacity rechargeables.
Water and a hat: Always bring water. I bring two bottles. Always have a hat. It gets hot out there!
All the pedals, cables, water, and the amp fit into a small backpack. I carry my harp case in my hand, and the two stools strap together and have a shoulder strap. I can usually walk several blocks without getting tired of holding all that sh*t.
Finally, I'm considering also bringing a mic stand, since I've been doing a lot of acoustic work, and I really like using my hand wah's these days on those tunes... I think it could strap up to the stools, and not be too much of an extra burden.
What kind of setup are y'all working with?
Last Edited by isaacullah on Jun 03, 2014 1:47 PM
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OzarkRich
508 posts
Jun 04, 2014
9:19 AM
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I will be visiting the Raleigh/Chapel Hill NC area July 1st through the 4th. Raleigh charges $40 for a street performer permit. I'll probably only have one day free and I doubt I'll recoup that much. Does anyone know of any locales where I could perform for free?
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Ozark Rich
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isaacullah
2794 posts
Jun 06, 2014
2:06 PM
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I got my stuff all packed up and I'm about to head out the door and walk over to Penn Ave... I've got a decent idea of where I want to set up, and hopefully there'll be some decent foot traffic. There's some competing stuff going on downtown in the cultural district, so I'm not sure how many folks are gonna be out... Should be fun either way! :)
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2chops
261 posts
Jun 06, 2014
3:06 PM
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Have a good time isaacullah.
Backing up to your previous question of busking rigs...amp is a Micro cube. Mic an SM57 w/Bulletizer. Hosa cables and impedance transformer. Mainly SP20 harps. All but the amp fit in an open top tool bag I got at Lowes. I usually stand or position my carcass near a wall so I can sit/lean on. One place I play in front of let's me drag one of their extra chairs outside to sit on.
Edited to delete a double post.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
Last Edited by 2chops on Jun 06, 2014 3:09 PM
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BronzeWailer
1299 posts
Jun 06, 2014
5:12 PM
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Roland BA-330 AMP, will run on 8 AA batteries for about 8 hours. Enough volume to make people think we're playing inside the pub across the street.
Lone Wolf Harp Tone Plus pedal. Shure SM58 vocal mic and one of Greg's custom mics for harp. Use a mic stand for the vocal mic. Bought some "good" cables after the el-cheapo ones I originally bought gave me terrible crackling noises. Spare for each cable just in case. No chair as me and the guitar man both stand. I bring a 1.25l bottle of plain or sometimes sparkling mineral water for a treat. Most of it's gone after three hours. The tip jar is a large square red melamine bowl (about 6 inches on a side) I bought from a restaurant supply shop which has sloping sides so the tips rebound back into the bowl. Red so people can see it and not trip over it. A sign that says "Investment Buskers - brought to you by the GFC" and "This is our day job" in a hard clear A4 plastic cover (it has a "foot," but the foot part snapped off in transport). People slow down to read it and then often tip. The amp is about 35lb. but it has a roller bag. I have a Slim's harp case which I stick my harps in. Mainly regular keys (no Db or F#, which I don't own)with a few lows. I put the harp case on top of the amp and it's just the right height for reaching. Busking licence and business cards are tucked sticking out from under the tip bowl. We have gotten gigs from the cards (weddings, 50th birthday parties and the like) as well as many false promises.
I recently got a stomp box and have a looper and will incorporate them once I get better at using them. Then I guess I'll have to get a chair. (When I used to play with a slide man we always sat down; we “borrowed” milk crates as chairs). Once you’re on the lookout, you can see them everywhere.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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isaacullah
2795 posts
Jun 07, 2014
8:32 AM
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Well guys, it was a pretty good night! I made substantially more than minimum wage, and more importantly, had a blast! My wife took some video, but I haven't looked at it yet. In the mean time, here's a photo of me where I set up. You can see my whole busking rig (I did bring the mic stand, but I'm not sure if it was worth it).
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Last Edited by isaacullah on Jun 09, 2014 11:35 AM
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isaacullah
2796 posts
Jun 07, 2014
8:40 AM
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Hmmm... Pictures not showing up. I'll have to fix it later. Here's the link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/k2pz5s0s2m6htft/IMG_20140607_112748.jpg
@frank: we are about to head down to the point for the arts festival! Should be fun!
@2chops:how do you like that micro cube? Does it have a decent bass response? My little amp gets loud enough, but sounds a little small...
@bronzewailer:is that ba330 a bass amp? How does it sound? Seems like you've got a great busking rig there!
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Frank
4481 posts
Jun 07, 2014
10:06 AM
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Da yam a jamma - that is a really sweet spot to blow your horn...stylish :)
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Goldbrick
477 posts
Jun 07, 2014
10:58 AM
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If you are in Miami today-June 7th- Huge busking event- 15 acts in Coconut Grove. We will be across from the Barracuda Bar on Fuller St. 6-10 PM
From the local paper:
with Fete de la Musique involved, there will be so many more live musical performances, practically in every little nook and cranny of the village. As you stroll from one gallery to another, you'll come upon all sorts of musical talent, all free, all throughout the Center Grove.
"Musical acts include Three Sheets to the Wind, Wynwood Walls, Nathan Taylor, The Earthshine Duo, Sunshine Stompers and Orange Flight, a musical collaboration of soul, hip-hop, indie, and funk, will be playing at Barracuda Bar & Grill."
Last Edited by Goldbrick on Jun 07, 2014 11:10 AM
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BronzeWailer
1301 posts
Jun 07, 2014
3:03 PM
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@Isaac. It's a portable PA with clean sound. The Lone Wolf gives the harp a bit more grit. Look forward to hearing/seeing your video!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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2chops
263 posts
Jun 07, 2014
6:09 PM
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@Isaac: Well, for a 2.5 watt amp with a 5" speaker it sounds a lot bigger than it is. I keep the tone set at about 3. Any higher and it could be a bit bright. But the lower end isn't too bad for what it is. Best bet is to try one out.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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2chops
264 posts
Jun 07, 2014
6:09 PM
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@Isaac: Well, for a 2.5 watt amp with a 5" speaker it sounds a lot bigger than it is. I keep the tone set at about 3. Any higher and it could be a bit bright. But the lower end isn't too bad for what it is. Best bet is to try one out.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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isaacullah
2798 posts
Jun 09, 2014
11:40 AM
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@Frank: That's what I thought! :)
@2chops and BronzeWailer: Thanks for the amp info! I'm always in the market for a "better" battery amp, and first hand info from folks I trust is always much appreciated! :)
@GoldBrick: Hope it went well! Sounds like an awesome thing!
I looked at the video that my wife took, and if I can get it off her iPhone and onto my computer, I'll edit a quick little snippet and through it up on YT (and link it here). Fun times!
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2chops
266 posts
Jun 09, 2014
2:07 PM
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@ Isaac: check out Ted's vid in his "The Bottom Line" thread he just posted. I think he is playing through a Micro cube in it. If so it'll give you an idea of the sound.
By the way. Neat back drop in the pic.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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isaacullah
2799 posts
Jun 10, 2014
8:22 AM
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Thanks 2chops! I'll check it out. By the way, here are the videos from last Friday! Not the best quality, but it shows a bit of what I was doing... They're from early on in the set, and I'm definitely a little rusty. I think I got better towards the end, but by then my wife was bored and wanted to head home! :)
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oldwailer
1997 posts
Jun 10, 2014
9:02 AM
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I use two different set-ups for busking these days--one for acoustic--and another for amplified.
My amplified kit got way fancier this last winter when I built a box for it so I can just roll everything on a built-in hand truck. Since I play guitar and harp at the same time--I can't get everything into a backpack. In my box I have a Pig 30 amp, all the cabling I need, mics, a stool--a Behringer 8-channel mixer that runs on two 9v batteries--water--all the trappings--even a tip can that velcros onto the box. I plan to do a video of the set-up in the next week or two--I'll post it when I can. The down side to this rig is that it's way heavy to get in and out of the car--but really easy to handle once it's on the ground--and it can be set up and playing loud inside 6 minutes. Really fast to break down too. I bungee the guitar on and carry the banjo on my shoulder with a gig bag.
The acoustic set-up is just a big shopping cart--the kind you see old ladies with at the market. I can get everything into it--including a guitar, banjo, a bag of harps, rack, and a folding stool. I'm going to make a shelf to put on top of the cart so I can put CD's and stuff on top of it.
One of my best pieces of equipment is a 7 inch tablet computer that I made a stand for--I have an ap called Songbook that contains all my lyrics--and it will scroll them for me at a rate that I set up--since I know a lot more songs than I can remember at my age, that helps a lot. I need to make a shade for the tablet though--it gets hard to read out in the sun.
I made a suitcase drum last winter too--but I haven't found a place to practice with it that doesn't drive everybody crazy, since I live in an apartment building. So far I think foot drums are pretty boring for me--playing with a real drummer is great--I just can't get enough variety into my feet to keep it interesting. The foot/tamborine thingies I built a few years ago are still in storage--they are too hard to carry around--and they get boring too. . .
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"Too Pretty for the Blues."
Last Edited by oldwailer on Jun 10, 2014 9:03 AM
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Goldbrick
482 posts
Jun 10, 2014
5:39 PM
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Recent busk in Miami
Last Edited by Goldbrick on Jun 10, 2014 5:51 PM
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isaacullah
2800 posts
Jun 11, 2014
10:53 AM
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@Oldwailer: Ray, it sounds like the rolling cart is definite plus for your set up! Mine is really on the edge of being carriable for long distances. I walked to the spot I played at last Friday, probably 6 blocks or so from my house, and the backpack was HEAVY by the time I got there. The mic stand was really over-kill, and seemed to make it much heavier (it's weighted so it doesn't tip over). Next time, I'm going to use a heavier-duty backpack, with an internal frame and a belt. If I ever upgrade my amp, then I'll have to think of something like your rolling cart system...
@Goldbrick: Looks like you guys had some fun! You MUST have to drive in those drums, no? Bet it draws a bigger crowd when you have 'em though!
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Goldbrick
483 posts
Jun 11, 2014
3:14 PM
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Yep Isaac, gotta haul it in although all my stuff fits in 4 bags that I can place on a cart.
The streets are pretty noisy and with just a duo it give us some bottom and drive to the music
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BronzeWailer
1307 posts
Jun 12, 2014
4:00 PM
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Hit the streets for the first time in months. I had my overcoat but left it in the car. It was a good 15 degrees C or so. Forgot my busking licence, seed money ($1 coin, $2 coin and $5 bill), and loot bag at home. Rangers drove by early in the piece but didn't inspect or hassle us. Some guys from the rooftop garden at the pub across the road were clapping. They came up and gave us $5 each later on. Someone threw a $2 coin from a passing car. Another guy said he wanted us to play in his restaurant and took a card. Had some dancers and people smiling and waving from cars and buses. I felt my singing lessons paying off in both singing (mainly breath support and throat openness) and harping (reducing strain). We watched local guitar man Ray Beadle do a set in the pub after we were done busking. Next Thursday we do it all again!
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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Tuckster
1417 posts
Jun 13, 2014
7:18 AM
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Isaac= Are you going to do it again? Wanted to see you Friday but had other commitments.
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isaacullah
2808 posts
Jun 14, 2014
7:24 AM
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@Golddbrick: right on, man!
@BronzeWailer: way to go! Sounds like fun!
@Tuckster: I'm thinking about doing it again next Fiest Friday, but that is literally right before we are moving, so I'm not sure yet. I'll post here if I do!
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STME58
901 posts
Jun 18, 2014
5:02 PM
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Not really busking but I stop at a shopping center on my way to work to play in a corridor that has great acoustics. Tee center is not open yet but there are a few people taking morning walks. This morning I was playing a slow bluesy improvisation and when I finished, a woman who had been listening nearby broke into enthusiastic applause. She asked me if I was a professional and said I should be. She may not know much about music but it still made my day!
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BigAl
28 posts
Jun 18, 2014
6:45 PM
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Cool stuff Isaac! Always thought busking would be fun, just can't convince the guitar playing friends. I'm from Pittsburgh as well, the internet always makes the world smaller!
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isaacullah
2823 posts
Jun 19, 2014
11:19 AM
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STME58: Cool1 Right on, man!
BigAl: Thanks! You should definitely give it a go. The art walk is a great place to try it out! Sadly, i'm leaving pittsbugh next month to go back to Arizona, but I definitely have loved living here! PGH is a great city!
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BronzeWailer
1318 posts
Jun 20, 2014
12:31 AM
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We played about an hour and a half in a veggie restaurant "Lentil as Anything" then hit the streets last night. Good times...
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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JustFuya
297 posts
Jun 20, 2014
12:36 AM
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@BW - Very good on you!
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BronzeWailer
1319 posts
Jun 20, 2014
12:51 AM
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Thanks JF! Had some fun.
BronzeWailer's YouTube
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