amp combo things for busking - advice?

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 May 16 - 06:32 AM

used to busk in the 70s and 80s needed an amp to compete with traffic noise had a peavey solo also needed a delay pedal to round off the tinny crap sound i had from my amp...ffw ( fast forward to the gen x and ys) spent a lot of money on expensive AER busking amps but due to lack of use had to replace built in battery twice..a really hard thing to do believe me..anyway long and short Im back again and this time Im serious just going to use an ashton if i can fix the battery side of it..so watch out..by the way i will be competing with roland PAs and drum groups..Ill probably buy a korg street2 when I get cashed up...hopefully i will die busking I should never have given it away..it is the most real and honest job i have ever had..cheers

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 13 - 11:14 AM

Hi Alan, Did you know Phil Free, Partridge and Mark and Simon? I played with all of them in the late 70s and 80s. I wonder if you remember Davey Bain from Scotland in the university cafe in copenhagen, or hung out with Phil in Switzerland.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 08:17 PM

The Roland Mobile Cube is a very nice little amp. It takes six AA batteries, so I use rechargeables. It packs a surprising punch. I get a very nice, clean sound for my harmonicas, which is what I want. It has all sorts of choices for inputs and it has chorus and reverb. I've had it for two years now and I'm chuffed with it.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,Dannyg1
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 05:04 PM

I use a Crate Taxi TX15. Weighs 13 pounds and is a bit larger than a can of paint. The sound ranges from very good to pretty bad, mostly depending on the condition of its internal, sealed lead acid battery. A new battery will have loads of back power that will hold strong for loud transients (This is called 'stiff' power)and, as the battery suffers abuse, that character fades. The amp sounds pretty great for that first week after a new battery goes in.

I've recently learned how to best care for an SLA battery and thought I'd share what I now know:
The two most important things to know are to never, ever let your battery get low enough that your signal sounds distorted. At the first sign of distortion, pack up the rig and start charging it. Second, never overcharge it. A full charge takes around 8hrs. 24 hrs for a 'battery has been sitting around unused for a month' and, charging back from distorted sound should take around 4 hours.

Best practice is to 'top up' your battery, as in play for two hours, charge for an hour. Batteries like to be recharged as soon as possible after run down. Batteries hate to be stored in a discharged state.

If your amp has been sitting for just a day or two, charge it for an hour before you leave to busk.

Replacing the battery in a TX15 is a very simple operation as well and the replacement currently costs $18US shipped on Ebay. Models directly interchangeably sized are: The OEM is a UB1272 (12v 7.2AH) and the upgrade is a UB1280 (12v 8ah). Both need to be ordered with 'F1' or 2.1mm connectors.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: DHonemanband
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 06:46 PM

Where I live we aren't allowed amps anymore. We used to be but it turned into amp wars. Alanabit is right on the money. Buskers are trying to make money and that pressure will cause many to ignore ettiquette and common sense/respect. I watched it happen here. In fact, it still happens, as we have marimba bands with full kit drummers drowning out everyone for blocks sometimes. The funny thing is they look like they would be "hippies" or "tree huggers" - long hair, tie died clothes etc - and would follow those sort of ethics - love, respect for others etc. Very much a generalization, I realize. We call them "loggers" because they clearcut the rest of us.

Amps - I used to use a Peavey Solo - compact - decent sound - not too loud (!) - 8 "D" cell batteries - one set would last the summer - two inputs including xlr for vocal mic.

Singing acoustically - I used to get very hoarse singing by a loud corner. I play over 4 hours daily, sometimes 8. Now I have found myself a quieter location and my voice holds up just fine. People will be drawn in to listen to quieter acts as long as the location isn't too noisy.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 08:00 PM

this was posted in wrong bit - sorry

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Dec 10 - 07:59 PM

i have just started busking in bath
everyone seems to be using amps - even violinists
there are several who play backing tapes as well
i play a kora - unamplified
i cant be hears within about 50m of these guys
one of them set up about 100 feet away from me while i was playing
is this just tough luck ? not sure wahat tthe decent way forward is
i am busking for a living by the way

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: acegardener
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 03:09 AM

Very good advice, always act the gentleman.



Definition of a gentleman= someone who can play the accordian but doesn't.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,Guest - L.indy
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 02:55 AM

I also have to agree about loudness. When I pass a busker, I want to be able to hear the words to the songs they are singing and not overwhelmed with loud amps.

Also, always thank a person who gives you money, no matter how little. I have seen buskers who never thank people, not even a smile or a little nod of the head to let the person know that you are acknowledging their contribution. I realize that sometimes people pass and drop some money in while you are in the middle of the song. Well of course if they leave before your song is finished, just a smile or head nod is fine but hopefully they will stay and listen to some of your songs.

Do try to wear clean clothes that look half way decent. I have seen some pretty shabby buskers out there, who look really dirty and haven't taken a shower or bath for awhile. I realize of course they probably don't have much money or too many clothes but as long as you are clean & clothes are clean and not looking like a slob would be good.

If someone has a request, try to play that song for them if you know it. People passing by really appreciate and enjoy hearing a song they have requested. If you don't know that song, just be polite but tell them you don't know that particular song but thank them anyway for the request even if you cannot play it.
It's important to be polite at all times.....and try not to smoke when you are out there in front of people. Just not the best image and many people don't like to be around cigarette smoke (2nd hand).

And don't forget to practice, practice, practice your songs before you go out there busking. Know your lyrics and songs well!
If you are doing cover songs, try to do some originals. If you know mostly cover songs try to throw in ones that are not as super well known by that artist you are covering. Try to learn some of their lesser known songs.
For example if you were doing a lot of well known very popular Neil Young songs also try to do some of his lesser known songs from his albums. I find it more interesting to hear a busker doing a combination of well known songs as well as lesser known songs.

I wish you well!

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: acegardener
Date: 22 Sep 10 - 01:43 AM

I would never tip an amplified busker, neither an accordian player. I like to hear them as I pass (not accordians) but hate having to hear them at the far end of the street.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Tootler
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 05:23 PM

Guest Large Marge, don't shout. All caps is shouting, so please avoid.

Loud is the last thing I want to hear from a busker, so loud amps should be avoided. You shouldn't need to amplify for busking.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,Large Marge
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 03:25 PM

THE BEST SETUP YOU COULD HAVE FOR BUSKING IS USING 2 PIGNOSE HOG 20 AMPS. ONE FOR VOCALS AND ONE FOR GUITAR OR KEYBOARDS OR WHATEVER. YOU CAN AMPLIFY EVERYTHING THROUGH THE SAME AMP, BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU USE SEPARATE AMPS FOR A MUCH BETTER SOUND AND LESS STRAIN ON THE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. YOU CAN PLAY SEVERAL HOURS WITH GOOD SOUND ON A SINGLE CHARGE. EACH AMP HAS 2 BATTERIES AND THEY CAN LAST A LONG TIME. JUST KEEP THEM CHARGED WHEN YOU AREN'T USING THEM FOR LONGER LIFE. YOU CAN STACK THE AMPS ON A LUGGAGE TROLLEY FOR EASY TRANSPORT AND KEEP THEM ON THE TROLLEY WHILE YOU'RE PERFORMING. THEY ARE SUPER-LOUD AMPS. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ANYTHING ELSE. THE ROLAND BATTERY AMPS ARE ONLY 2 WATTS. GREAT FOR A BEDROOM AMP, BUT RIDICULOUS FOR BUSKING. THE PIGNOSE HOG 20 IS 20 WATTS AND CAN BE HEARD THROUGH LOUD TRAFFIC AND OTHER NOISE. USE AN IMPEDANCE TRANSFORMER TO CONNECT YOUR MICROPHONE TO THE AMP. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR VOCALS LOUD. IT'S JUST A SMALL CONNECTOR DEVICE FOR ABOUT 15 BUCKS. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BUSKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,LashLaRue
Date: 09 Aug 10 - 02:42 PM

If they still make them - the Pignose amp.
Loud, small and battery-operated.
Depending on how you hold your instrument, it can be hung off your belt.

LL

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 10 - 10:42 PM

You want something that you can re-charge by plugging it into the wall. The Line-6 and the Crate are both very cool, lots of effects, but they eat the batteries.

The Fender Amp-Can rocks, though it's on the Trebly side. I use an Alesis Transactive Mobile. It's 20 watts, will hold a charge for 12 hours. You can run an Ipod or tape player through it, and it will charge your Ipod while it's being used.   

But, I used to have a Pignose Hog 30, and loved the sound. Big, and warm.   The Battery only lasted for 3 plus hours though and the skin was on the soft side - not as tough as street gear should be.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: buddhuu
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 10:03 AM

I'm afraid I also have a strong preference for unplugged, acoustic buskers. So, if I had been around to offer advice to the OP in 2002, it would have been to save his money.

Probably not very helpful really.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Bernard
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 09:47 AM

Yup, I'm in agreement with that. I've seen buskers who seem to be on such an ego-trip that they would consider a 2k rig somewhat under-powered!!

However, let's not forget some buskers play solid body guitars that sound a bit naff unless amplified, and the Ashton looks to be good value for money in that respect.

Shame the mic input is a jack, though - in this day and age pretty much everyone uses balanced XLR rather than a jack. Matching transformers are available, though you'd be stuffed if the mic needed phantom!

Ashton claim 8 hours average battery life from the internal re-chargeable... if you aren't getting that, maybe the battery needs replacing? Or maybe you're just driving it a bit hard?!

We have some Fohhn FP2+ units in our hire, which easily do 8 hours or more, and have built in UHF radio receivers so they can run completely wireless. Mind you, they're not exactly cheap...!!

We had to change all the sealed lead acid internal batteries last year, as they weren't holding a charge any more... now they're fine.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: greg stephens
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:21 AM

I tend to support the alanabit anti-amplification-for-buskers. I always put money in a buskers hat if they are playing acoutically. If they are using an amp, I only cough up extremely rarely if they are playing exceptionally well!

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,Busker Gal
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:40 AM

I use the Ashton BSK158-
http://www.ashtonmusic.com/productView.asp?productID=65
It cost me £120 brand new.
It's a little beast I charge it up over night and it lasts 6 hours, I get 3 hours of proper volume after that it fades a bit. I use one channel for my vocals and the other for electric guitar.

I'm saving up for a Roland for my vocals-
http://www.reddogmusic.co.uk/Guitars-Amps-and-Effects/Guitar-Amps/Guitar-Combos/Roland-Cube-Street-Red.html?origin=googlebase

Its more expensive than the Ashton at £199 but I've heard many of these amps in action and they are loud and the sound quality is very good.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 09:20 PM

Those new AER ones with a rechargeable battery look very good - if a tad expensive.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: alanabit
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:27 AM

There are several threads about busking here. I think you are wandering a little off subject, here, because this thread is really a discussion of what amplification is suitable for buskers.
The main thrust of your post, as I read it, is that you need to know how to make your local authority realise that good busking can be an asset to your city. This has certainly been mentioned in passing elsewhere, but it may be time to have a thread dedicated to this subject. Why not start one?

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: musicalison
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:02 AM

I use 12 volt batteries from smoke alarms that have to be changed each year for safety reasons and are sold off cheaply (for £2 ) instead of £40 at my electrical shop. They are the same as those for wheelchairs and quite light.
I have busked afor a long time (25 years while raising a family as a single parent). This was versatile enough to fit in with when the children were asleep or playing with friends.
Now they are grown up and I am trying to expand but am getting quite depressesd so this is why I am on this site.
I have spent a year acquiring a second hand semi acoustic, an old amplifier (for keyboard range---maybe I need a more specific one for voice and guitar),trolleys,chairs and learning electronics and making my own CD at home and doing voice work.I have done my voice in singing too long too high and too loud for too many years which is the only way for people to appreciate my /hear my voice and for me to make as much money as on a whisle.I also can modulate my singing better with a mike.
Last year both my home town and the ajacent one started making permits and rules and I have tried other venues and busking trips not with great success.
The prime pitch I used to use to bump up my take and also where I could shelter if wet and play gently to people heightened by the beauty of the nearby cathedral has been taken over. A group of very self possessed healers led by an ex top business woman who nearly died from cocain addiction but seems to have retained the cocain confidence have set up doing retreats next door at all times and days of the week including bank holidays.It would seem that the volunteer helpers have had nervous breakdowns so are extra sensitive and angry and ,of course, there is a definite conflict of interests in that they need complete silence whilst being in a busy through way. The healings cost a huge amount so are only for the wealthy. I have studied many healing arts and alternative techniques and consider my sound in a sound healing and earth aligning way. They are intent on and successfully changing the rulings I am not sure if this is entirely legal--I have yet to see any minutes of any meetings. By stopping begging a number of beggars have started to play instruments but actually after a while if you listen some of these actually sound really nice and meditative and tuned into the place. My letter last August was ignored and I hoped the rules would relax gradually which they had but now they intend more rules with a photo and 3/4 hour limit. It seems that only the trader's views are listened to. I realise even James Galway would get on people's nerves after a long time but elsewhere on occassions the police have been called to move me if a particular one objected.Of course none of the buskers needs or wishes of the customers have been considered (how many people give me money in an hour 10?20? even excluding those who do it out of charity.). I have hardly done any in the town for a while and will only be able to do straight whistle since it takes too long for me to set up and move the other trips.
As to pay --in the good pitch on a feast day it was possible to get £15. Now with all the bad will this has dropped. I am pleased if I get £6 or £7 and feel it is about OK when it is £4. Last bank holiday I averaged £2 in a spot that could have been good and this was including the sale of a CD at £3.50.
My Cd is not perfect but I have tried about 200 people and about 90% say they really like it. It is also of local traditional folk music (maybe I need to present ift differently for tyhose non folkies who also like it if they listen to it) I did think that when I got my singing trip together it would sell. However in spite of people really liking the singing it didn't sell so I need to think of how to make this better.
I also am aware that often I am selling energy so feeling lonely and depressed about it all is NOT a good thing.
Anyway I sent an email wth a request reply instuction and had a hurtful reply saying that that people did not have a right to earn a living in this way,they wanted to stop musical beggars and many people would like to see it banned. I am now researching on the internet to see if it IS banned in any towns. It is cedrtaintly bamnned in most private shopping malls. It does seem like there are laws against racism,etc but none against discrimination because of your class or social standing.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,NUTTER STILL NUTZ
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 11:41 AM

yeap, but i wanna run it all from a car battery and i will need to wire something up, i have never done this before, i wanna make it robust and safe.. any more details? maybe like fit a four way plug socket thing that clips to the battery with bulldog clips and then i can do without snipping my thre-prong plug from my amp? dang i may have to ask this at maplin.. ;D

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: harpmaker
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 09:31 PM

ingredients. 1 battery for the minidisc player. 1 battery for the amp. 1 small 2 channel mixer (9v.dry cell) Method. Plug your instrument into the mixer (may have to be pre-amp't)plug your minidisc player into the mixer also. plug the mixer into the amp, turn it all on and start playing with all the knobbs and sliders untill you sound fantastic!!!! Then you can go ern some cash. Good luck, John the harp.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 01:24 PM

Sort of "duelling backsides" type thingy with lasers? WOW!!

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,Nice Nut.
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 11:45 AM

..and fanks to C-Flat for the flatulence assistance, maybe he would like to join me for a duet performance, like an open-air concert?

Worked for Jean-Michelle Jarre..

NUTTER _

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,NICE NUT
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 11:41 AM

Okay. I will start by apologising for the previous mail. It's just that I really do need help in..

a) Choosing a good car/motorbike battery. Once that is cheap, sealed well, with maybe three terminals? Do terminals matter? Does size matter? I think it does. So does the girl I was with last night.. :( NO I will keep this practical so here goes..

I want to run an amp, a MiniDisc player and a hairdryer, joking about the hairdryer.

How would I rig this up? Fanks for your replies

Sexy smiles,

Nice Nut.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: C-flat
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 11:32 AM

Well Nutter, I should think you'll need a system with lots of "bottom-end" to capture the full resonance of a Brussell sprouts induced trouser-cough! Are you sure about performing in a shopping mall? What about defartment stores? I bet you'd blow them away with a rendition of the theme from "The Godfarter"! Best Wishes, C-flatulence

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,NUTTER
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 11:08 AM

Hi there, I would like to use a car battery and a Fender amp to project bowel movements to a medium-sized crowd in a shopping mall. How would I rig up the car battery to feed the amp, and how about rigging up a four-way adaptor so I could juice up the MiniDisc player?

How about feeding myself so I can bottom burp with pride? A good strong sound should suffice I'd say so I am thinking Brussel Sprouts.. :D

Hugs,

Nutter _

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 09:12 PM

My advice is similar to harpmaker's but for slightly different reasons. The TOA PA amps can be found very cheaply second hand and are designed to be used for fixed PA insallations in shops and factories where the 12 Volt facility exists in case the mains power fails. The trade will tell you that they don't break down.

On the negative side they are heavier, need a tiny bit of tech savvy to put together with a loudspeaker, and of course are not a single integrated unit.

For positives, the sound quality is excellent, typically have two, three or four inputs, but importantly are very cost effective secon hand. Yes there are other high quality names, but the only other brand that I've used is Audio Telex (Australia).

Best wishes, John [e-mail]

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: harpmaker
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 07:43 PM

I busked with a big band for six years, with my harp, amp't up. if you want the best-(bet I get me arse kicked for this) go to http://www.toaelectronics.com/ They do some gems, loads of inputs, 12v dc. 12v motorbike battery is best, the lightest. There I've done it now! If you want any more info, contact me [e-mail] John the harp. Be glad to help.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: CraigS
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 05:27 PM

I've done a bit of busking - I don't use an amp for vocal reinforcement, but I've used it for amplifying an electric guitar - that was the way to save my FINGERS from damage (I can't play with a pick - it ends up on the floor or in the soundhole in seconds). I used to use a small Vox amp - it was possible to buy Pignose amps at inflated prices, and while battery powered Fender Champs may have been produced they never seemed to get to GB twenty years ago. If I were you I'd be looking for any of these, second hand .

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Mooh
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 09:49 AM

I've never busked with amplification, but I think a small travel electric guitar (like the Earlwine [sp?]) and a small amp could pack smaller than a flattop guitar, making it easier to get around. Combined weight might not even be more once a case is figured into the equation. Personally though, there's something more pure about an acoustic and busking, but that's just me. Whatever works will do.

There sure are some real pro buskers!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: alanabit
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 06:50 AM

Good luck with it. No complaints about that!

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 06:44 AM

Just to clarify - I want it to play with, to practice mic technique (which is a different type of singing), and to use outdoors with friends etc. So I want a "busking amp" rather than actually looking for an amp to busk seriously with. Sorry that wasn't clear at the outset. I don't need amplification in order to be heard - but I also think that belting everything out isn't the be-all and end-all. Amplification does wonders for quieter songs & that's what I want to explore.
Thanks for all the info.

Kris

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 02:45 PM

The best buskers I have ever seen are Phil Free, Don Partridge, Mark and Simon, Klaus der Geiger and Glynn Nicholas (yes that Glynn Nicholas who is a top comedian in Australia nowadays). None of them needed amplification and they all were able to pull big crowds and make good money. In over twenty years of busking I have never used amplification and when I have played well and at sensible times and places, I have been able to bring people closer to me. There are plenty of threads here to help singers who are having problems with their voice. The problem with amplification is that if you need it, you are probably forcing the guy fifty metres down to either use it too or leave town. Acts have certainly got louder over the years, but I am not sure that they have got better at entertaining people.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 11:40 AM

Hi. Checked 'em all out last year. The best BY FAR (in so many ways) was the Pignose Bass amp. Inner battery recharger, best speaker, hadles two inputs well, good battery life...looks great. Real cheap. ('bout 300 Canadian)

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 09:34 AM

I've just been talking about this subject on the Stony Stratford thread.

You don't need much amplification for busking, but you do need sound reinforcement. Unless you can find a pitch with plenty of walls and other surfaces to reflect sound (ie the underground) there is a tendency to thrash your voice in the open air. I'm willing to bet that my voice is much more powerful than yours or alanbits (ask Breezy), but I still find it's a good idea to use a small PA if I'm going to sing outdoors for any length of time (and if you're trying to raise cash you'll need to).

There is also a difference in the tone of your voice when you are having to project hard - a lullaby won't sound right sung FF (in a concert, club, or on an operatic stage the audience will listen to PP with bated breath - but not in the street!) When you use just a small PA you can achieve a much better range of dynamics and tones.

In most places you need a clear sound radius of at least 30 metres to busk effectively, otherwise your public will have walked past you before they've even heard enough of you to decide that you're worth listening or contributing to. Don't forget that you will most likely be competing with traffic and pedestrian noise, shop window distractions, and possibly other buskers. After all, the bible discourages "hiding your light under a bushel"!

Even if you have the vocal power, a guitar being thrashed like hell (to the detriment of both instrument and sound quality) will not carry very far in the open, so you can do with the system to provide you with a balanced mix.

I, myself use a small soundcraft mixer feeding a car sound sound system amp, powered by a small car battery (I use an inverter to get 240v for the mixer). The speakers are small Yamaha monitor ones.

I think that you'll want something much simpler and the NOBELLS or PEAVY (if you can find one) amps should both be fine. I'm not sure what batteries they use - it'll probably be either a load of "D" cells or there'll be a socket for 12 volts. If you do need a 12v supply, a rechargeable dry lead-acid battery is probably your best bet. Remember, a 15 watt amp will normally only be drawing a small current - it's only for the odd fractions of a second that you tend to hit peak power.

Finally, what are you planning to use for microphone and guitar pickup? Ideally, I would recommend a small headband boom mic for the vocal side and a transducer inside the guitar. That way you don't have to cart a stand around with you, the whole setup is less obvious to the public, you take up less space, and you can move around a lot more.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Mooh
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 08:57 AM

Fender still makes a small battery powered amp which will accept a mic input as well as a guitar (or other) input. It's called The Amp Can. It is quite durable, includes a charger and weighs (I'm told) about 13 lbs. I've several times tried one in the shops but haven't yet bought one. 15 watts isn't much, but it's enough to give some presence to an outdoor performance, and might be exactly what you need. Good luck.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: RichM
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 08:05 AM

I agree, using amplification to blow away other buskers would be rude...

But most people I think, would use amps to save their voices from strain, and hands from having to beat on instruments...

I myself have to use an amp with my upright bass, otherwise I get very inconvenient tendon and ligament problems in my hands.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 07:34 AM

My advice is strengthen your voice so you don't need amplification. Loud amplification simply makes it impossible for other buskers to work in quiet places and as such it is selfishness. You are also more likely to fall foul of city by-laws. A little competition among buskers is not a bad thing - but simply blowing them off by being louder is everything I never want busking to be.

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 07:20 AM

the batteries are normally the blue and red kind

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: GUEST,breezy
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 07:03 AM

Whats the battery you use with this sort of set-up?

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 04:43 AM

Cheers Ned, that's a start.
Kris

Subject: RE: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 06:40 PM

Peavy Solo. one vocal input,one guitar,battery/mains op. a good 15 watts- one snag I think they're discontinued so you might have to look for 2nd hand.

Subject: amp combo things for busking - advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 12:29 PM

Hi all
I was going to buy a Nobels Streetman 15 busking amp, because it had great reviews for the price. But the price went up from £79.99 to £115.99 - which makes it harder to justify, and so I need to do some research into what else might be available.
Does anyone have any recommendations? I am looking for something to amplify guitar + (female) voice, needs to be capable of battery and mains operation.
I'd be grateful for all advice - especially any pitfalls to avoid.
Cheers'm'dears

Kris