Using a generator to play at a park

[AndreyR]

Hey everyone, I'm not sure exactly where to post this thread, so I chose live sound. Me and my jazz band are thinking of playing at Central Park this upcoming Tuesday, and of course, there aren't any outlets for me or my keyboardist to plug into. That's why we're thinking of renting a generator to power my bass amp (its 100 watts i think) and my keyboard player's keyboard and amp (his is also 100 i think). Did anyone here ever did something like this, have a generator generate electricity and plug in? If so, please tell me about your experiences, suggestions. Thanks!!!

[spaz21387]

It can be done but power spikes are a bad thing be very careful. Get one that generates way more watts then you need and make sure you unplug before it starts to run out of gas. Also keep in mind that the generator will probably be louder then your 100 watt amp. so get extention cords.

[Billnc]

Make sure your power requirements are exceeded by the generator where need be and matched where need be and it will be better than 'city power'. Know your requirements and tell these to the renter of the generator and all will be fine.

[BogeyBass]

We use to do a show on the beach every labor day weekend.

It was fun, anywhere between 6 to 10 bands and keep going till the sun went down.

Never had to many problems, we just start the generator and let it warm up a bit. Then wait for the RPM to stay steady. Then turn things on.

If your slick about it and add gas while its running, yah can keep going.

Otherwise same thing, turn everything off when you have to restart the generator after a refill. Instead off wasting time telling everyone to turn off, just yank the extension cords at the generator. Get the engine steady and then replug. Saves time and keeps the risk of surging peoples stuff.

We got away with a 1000 watt generator, you might get away with less. you need big power with large PA system or bands that run multiple hi wattage tube amps.

heck you can get a stinky little 2cycle generator at Harbor Freight.

But i really liked the 1800 to 2200watt four stroke generators, colemans are cheap and loud, and Hondas are really quite and expensive.

[lelandcrooks]

You should really look for an inverter style. They're more money, but safer for electronics. For sure safer for your keyboard player's electronics. Standard generators tend to be fairly dirty power, fine for motors and such, not so much for anything with chips. Amazon.com: Hyundai HY2000si 2200-Watt Portable Inverter Generator: Patio, Lawn & Garden is really cheap for a 2000w inverter style. There are smaller ones if you don't need 2k power.

[allexcosta]

If you do outside often, consider purchasing a Roland BA-330.

It sounds three times it's size and has connections for mics, drum machines/mp3 and instruments. 8 hours on batteries...

Looks good too...

[AndreyR]

for this one time, I'm looking to rent a generator. Anyone know where I can rent one around Brooklyn?

[allexcosta]

Originally Posted by AndreyR

for this one time, I'm looking to rent a generator. Anyone know where I can rent one around Brooklyn?

Home Depot

[walker rosewood]

just make sure you do everything properly. Most big boy genny's have a low-speed idle setting used for starting up and shutting down. Make sure it's set up appropriately for 3-phase or single phase (which ever you are using). Bring a multimeter and once everything is up and running meter it yourself-- don't trust the gauges. It also has to be grounded properly. Usually accomplished by literally connecting it to a 'ground rod', a metal bar that is hammered several feet into the earth.

Oh, and make sure you have a compatible power distro. If the genny has cam-lock connections you need to get it to a usable edison plug.


I don't know too much about power so I always defer to the members of our crew that have electrician's backgrounds. You might want to find a good electrician to help you out. It's cheaper then replacing all of your gear.

[anonymous122511]

Hard to go wrong renting a Honda generator. They're common as dirt and super reliable. One with an inverter is a good idea for running electronics or if no inverter run some pro quality spike protection between the genny and yer gear.

[aaronhutson]

I have played shows where we ran the entire pa on one generator and all the guitars/bass/keyboard off the other. We had no problem at all. No spikes or drops. An amp or two shouldnt be too big of a deal.

[AndreyR]

Hey guys, I just did the show yesterday, my bass amp, keyboardist's amp and instrument plugged into one 2000w generator rented from home depot for $56 plus tax, worked out great! Thanks!

[leightonbrave]

Great to hear that everything worked out fine with your gig!

Originally Posted by spaz21387

Also keep in mind that the generator will probably be louder then your 100 watt amp. so get extention cords.

I found a really good generator that is only half as loud as the rest. It called the HushPower quiet generators and you can find it under generator rental and it’s really a good solution for the future.

[warnergt]

Originally Posted by jeff arddun

Hard to go wrong renting a Honda generator. They're common as dirt and super reliable.

+1 And Honda generators are relatively quiet. There are some
really noisy generators out there. Avoid those at all costs.

[Ric5]

Put a surge protector and a power conditioner between the generator and your amps.

[The Mouse]

Originally Posted by Ric5

Put a surge protector and a power conditioner between the generator and your amps.

Yup, and make sure you know what you're doing as regards the generator. It could kill your gear.. and you if you're not careful..

[chadhargis]

Whatever generator you get, be SURE it is an "inverter" type. An inverter cleans up the power so you get good even power. See here:

Honda Power Equipment - Honda Generators - Inverter Generator Advantages

I used to have a Honda EU2000 and it was awesome. Quiet, fuel efficient, and worked great. They cost some coin, but you get what you pay for.