Question for those that play private parties

perfdavid · #1 05-24-2006, 08:36 PM

We play hard rock/alt./ modern rock/etc..and are going to be playing fraternity parties this fall. That said, here is my question.
For those of you that play big parties do you bring your own PA and do your own sound or do you hire a sound guy. I think it would kinda be nice to have a sound guy who humps in the gear himself, sets it up, runs your sound the whole show, and breaks it down himself. Looking for opinions on this topic. If some of you guys do hire sound guys, what is usually the going rate?
Thanks

Kael · #2 05-24-2006, 08:44 PM

If you are looking to make money off these private gigs, bring your own sound. Hiring your a private sound company will eat heavily into your profits. For most private functions, most of the acts I play with will use a smallish "vocal only" PA (might stick a little kick drum, and acoustic guitar in it) and let amps handle FOH. Most private functions do not require massive volume (usually the exact opposite) so huge PA's aren't usually needed.

Just my $.02

blast_tyrant · #3 05-24-2006, 08:46 PM

It's certainly convenient to hire a sound guy, but that'll cut into your pay for the gig of course.

How big is this party? The biggest thing I ever played for was an outdoor company picnic (500+ people) and we humped our own PA.

markjazzbassist · #4 05-24-2006, 11:00 PM

do the sound yourself. you'll save boatloads of cash plus, you will learn how to correctly mix sound for live events (a great skill). It's a win win situation.

Kronde · #5 05-25-2006, 07:31 AM

We do our own sound for private parties. We have a very portable rig specifically for these type of events.

My experience has been less is more in the volume department. It is very important to consult with the party coordinator about volume and abide by their recommendations. You will get much more return business by being a professional and listening to the coordinator. If they want you to turn down (usually the case) then turn down. Solicit feedback (and listen to it) during soundcheck and after the first few songs, during breaks, etc. We have had our drummer playing with brushes at times to achieve the desired volume level.

addylewis · #6 05-25-2006, 08:11 AM

I've never done any, but you wanna at least get some money from it. Tell them your rate (about 4-500 per man is about right so I understand - bearing in mind the travel, the cost of all the gear, the service you're providing...) and tell them to enquire about a soundman. If you know someone, tell them to contact him/her...if they can't afford both - make sure they tell you first so you can bring your own P.A.