Busking - Experience and Questions

Subject: Busking - Experience and Questions
From: GUEST,josh
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 08:51 PM

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!

Subject: RE: Busking - Experience and Questions
From: Peace
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 09:08 PM

Something you might want to try is to put a few bills in the case, (some ones, twos and fives, along with some silver). Lets 'em know any cash is accepted. We used to start the hat like that in basket houses in the 60s. Gotta give 'em the right idea. Look professional. Shine the axe (guitar), and pay attention to your audience. It's a business or it ain't. Mostly, if you can hold 'em for a song they'll leave you something. Some days will be better than others. No shades--people like to see eyes. Get a set of songs that seem to work. Upbeat is good; these people are on their lunch hour, and they may be hungry. They might give you three minutes, but you won't get ten. What songs are you doing now? What's the age of your audience? How long you been playing/singing for?

Subject: RE: Busking - Experience and Questions
From: Cluin
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 09:18 PM

When you find out which songs work, keep playing the same ones over and over. You can get by with about half a dozen, if you don't get too bored with `em. You're audience will likely keep changing. Also, try and learn a couple of the hits now, even if they sound pretty spare with just a guitar (or whatever you're using). People will appreciate that and just want to hear the song they really like right now, no matter how far you get from the recorded version.

Also, a duet (or more) busking seems to be taken more seriously than a solo and can make more money, though you will have to split it of course. You'll probably come out further ahead that way.

Subject: RE: Busking - Experience and Questions
From: hesperis
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 09:20 PM

There's tons of other threads on busking, have a search. :)

Subject: RE: Busking - Experience and Questions
From: alanabit
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 03:09 AM

I agree with most of the comments made so far. I don't know what the temperatures are like in Pittsburgh at this time of year, but I believe it is in Pennsylvania, which would be a similar latitude to here (Köln, Germany). I'll add a word or two about winter busking. The first point is that the most valuable asset in your act is you. It is well worth looking after yourself and shielding yourself from the cold as best you can. Good thick boots, which insulate your feet can pay off - as can a good scarf (you do not want your throat to get cold) and some sort of hat. You can lose a considerable amount of body heat through your head. One of the most persistent problems I had in winter was cuts. The tips of my fingers would harden and then split. They then bled over the strings/fretboard and it stung like Hell. The answer is to rub in some sort of handcream before you go out and avoid washing your hands after that if you can. You can get gloves which do not cover your fingertips. It takes a bit of practice to get used to playing with them, but it's worth it, because it helps retain circulation in at least the centre of your hands.
I quite like the sound of phosphor strings indoors, but the thing about Martins is that when you break them (usually at the bridge), you can strip down the end and rewind them around the eye. It sounds quite good enough for busking and I always had a small pair of pliars with me for the purpose.
I one man banded for nearly twenty years and busked for twenty five. Most of the strings I lost were down to my appalling right hand technique. I have come to the conclusion that good right hand technique will save you more strings than any amount experimentation with string type. Using the hardest pick I could helped me to be more aware of whether I was striking the strings correctly or not.
If you think I can offer you any more help, feel free to PM me. Good luck to you.