How many of you guys own a tuxedo?

Dave Muscato · #1 12-29-2008, 10:22 AM

Thought this would be an interesting thread.

I finally bought one while Joseph Bank was having a huge Christmas sale. I got the shirt collar a 1/2-size larger than I regularly wear, figuring I might need to move around more than usual while performing and hauling gear. I also got suspenders (braces) instead of a cummerbund, and a size up in pants from my usual, for the same reason.

Just curious how many of you guys have your own, also (for gigging).

Please also note if you also play double-bass. I imagine there's a stronger correlation between double-bassists and tuxedo owners than those of us who only play electric.

As a follow-up question, do you have a pre-tied bow tie, or a normal one? I've always thought the pre-tied ones were terribly tacky, but I can understand why you'd have one, if you're a musician and want to be able to get it picture-perfect without a mirror or a lot of fuss (I bought a normal one, but I might go back and get a pre-tied one, as well).

IotaNet · #2 12-29-2008, 10:49 AM

I have several but not for gigging.

As a young man I was told that a Gentleman should own a tuxedo -- just because.

They're not that expensive and if you own it, you can be sure that it will fit well and you'll look good in it.

If you end up going to a lot of formal events, you can add some variety by getting a seperate dinner jacket and some different tie/vest combos.

Regarding the pre-tied bowties, as long as it's not a clip-on, they are just fine.

Hoover · #3 12-29-2008, 11:03 AM

I play electric. I bought a tux specifically for gigging in 1991. I outgrew it in 2004. I haven't done any gigs in the past four years that require one, so I haven't yet replaced it. I'm torn; part of me hopes I never have to replace it, because they're so freakin' uncomfortable to wear with a bass strapped on...and part of me recognizes that the gigs where I wore a tux were the most lucrative!

bongomania · #4 12-29-2008, 11:07 AM

I have a long-tail tuxedo made of shiny purple raw silk with red silk interior lining. I wore it during my burlesque-band days. Sadly, the waist is too tight for me these days- I gotta work on that and bust out that stage look again.

Ed Fuqua · #5 12-29-2008, 11:09 AM

I've worn out at least 4 tuxedos so far. I also tie my own bow tie.

mimaz · #6 12-29-2008, 11:16 AM

I own a tux in basic black. I need it occasionally for business, events, whatever.......but I haven't had a need for a tux while gigging in years. By the way, I play electric.

Commreman · #7 12-29-2008, 11:20 AM

I've owned my tux for about 18 years, and I'm about to retire it for a new one. It was a great investment.

pointbass · #8 12-29-2008, 01:43 PM

I have several ..... and yup, I do play DB as well as electric

Tie my own ties, too ....

Wally Malone · #9 12-29-2008, 02:31 PM

In the past I've worn black tux shirts so that at banquets I didn't get asked if I could bring coffee or more bread.

Wally

MD · #10 12-29-2008, 07:14 PM

I still have my tux from the early '80's, bought specifically for a "top 40" lounge act I was a part of. We played the more up scale hotels in the Detroit area. Always tied my own... slab.

Don't really have a need for one these days, but I still have the matching bow ties and cummerbunds that belonged to my grandfather/dad from the '20's - '50's. Today, a nice pair of pleated slacks and a henley dose it.

Can't really vote... Horizontal acoustic.

VroomVroom · #11 12-30-2008, 08:52 AM

Own the tux (two, actually...and four shirts...and two clip-on ties), play electric only. I'm a penguin on more than half of my gigs these days. I bat about .250 with a real bow tie, so the clip-ons are the way to go.

Not to stretch this out, but when I pulled the trigger, I went with a true tuxedo...down to good quality shoes, cuff links, and braces (no cummerbund for me, either). Not that I'm a fashion nazi, but I do find it interesting that easily 75% of the other players on such gigs where oxford shirts, polyester black trousers with a tuxedo jacket, mismatched shoes, etc. On more than a few occasions I've gotten referrals and repeat calls from event organizers because my small group looked good...didn't matter how we sounded, but we looked the part.

rfclef · #12 12-30-2008, 09:36 AM

One basic black tux, bought about 1991ish in college as a music ed major, cause you gots ta have one. As a tuba player, I bought the thing HUGE (cause tuba players gotta have room to breathe) and it still fits. used it for college concerts, recitals, later gigs with my brass quintet. Got married in it. did not really use it again for about 10 years til about 5 years ago I started playing with a community orchestra for a couple years (again, on tuba... though I did play a kazoo solo on one piece). Have not donned the monkey suit since becoming a bass player (2 years ago)

BishopM05 · #13 12-30-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

I have a long-tail tuxedo made of shiny purple raw silk with red silk interior lining. I wore it during my burlesque-band days. Sadly, the waist is too tight for me these days- I gotta work on that and bust out that stage look again.

Tailcoats are where it's at!

joel kelsey · #14 12-30-2008, 11:30 AM

I have had mine for about 8 or 9 years. I wear it about 5-10 times a year. Just had it dry cleaned for the first time. So many memories washed away......

**Pacman** · #15 12-30-2008, 04:21 PM

I own only one now, but in Atlanta I owned two because I was gigging in them so much. I don't usually wear ties, opting instead for a button cover. Only once did a bandleader say anything about that.

tplyons · #16 12-30-2008, 05:52 PM

Not anymore. Owned my own in high school. Sadly put on 30lbs since then.

steve66 · #17 12-30-2008, 06:39 PM

Im the Dude in a the Tux that scores all the chicks

**Eric Perry** · #18 12-30-2008, 06:52 PM

My last band did 4-5 weddings a year, many times it was black tie. It was cheaper to buy one (and a hell of a lot less hassle) than to continue renting.

Just electric here.

DoomandHeavy · #19 12-30-2008, 10:33 PM

Tuxedos and Metal dont mix well except for Akercocke, but i dont own many shirts that arent band shirts. And a tux isnt one of them!

Gordon of Eden · #20 12-31-2008, 01:06 AM

I bought one in the early 90's when one of the big tux rental places had a blowout sale. One of the best purchases I've made. I has served me well for countless weddings, business events and gigs. I have not needed it in about 4 years but recently had an event that called for one. The bad news is I gained just enough weight and can't fit into it any more. The rental tux's are a hassle so I will be purchasing a new one soon. They are cheap enough when you find those sales and pay for themselves in just a couple wearings. Pre-tied bowtie? 1000 times yes!!!