Okay, so I assume others who read these forums have had some experience with busking, so I thought I'd share mine, as well as ask for some advice. I had gone out once or twice before, but for the past couple months, I've taken a more serious approach to it. Like many other fledgeling musicians, I work a day job. Recently I formed a folk project doing mostly Scottish traditional tunes, as well as some originals, called Gallows Tree. We're not quite to the point where we can do gigs, but I thought it would be a good practice to spend my lunch breaks out on the street.
Pittsburgh isn't exactly the hippest or most urban city in the world, but I work near one of the colleges and medical centers, so there's quite a bit of traffic with students, professors and doctors, as well as people who live or work in the area. I noticed almost immediately that perkier, jumpier songs tend to go over a little better than slow sad songs. I can also get a bit more volume singing in a higher register, so I've had to relearn a few songs so they can be heard over traffic. The first time I went out, I did not bother with a guitar case or hat to collect donations, figuring I'd be doing it just for fun and practice, but enough people insisted upon handing me money that I did bring a hat (I keep a dollar in there, as that I've learned some people are still unsure as to how to give me money if they like my music). I've endured a bit of mockery, as one would expect, but much more smiling and nodding heads as people walk by. A couple times I've had people stop and sing a few verses with me, which was way beyond cool. I've been keeping a log, consisting of when I play (30 minutes every weekday), what songs I do, how much money I make as well as notes on what went well. It's interesting to watch the way certain songs change from the way that I had "perfected" them before. I have noticed I've been breaking a lot of strings, As and Ds mostly. I've switched to heavier strings, as well as lighter picks. Has anyone else had this problem? Any solutions? I'm sure the changes in temperature and humidity have a lot to do with it, though the Rogue phosphor strings seem to be holding up better than the Martins (the only brand they carry in the area where I work). I'd love any advice anyone can offer, as well as any suggestions for more songs to learn! And if anyone is near the old King's Court by the University of Pittsburgh around noon, stop by and sing a couple songs with me!