Good idea or bad idea?

[bluewine]

Wowza.. mixed responses.
Well, about the crush on Kate (our vocalist).. well, she's pretty to look at at.. that's all I have to say on that.
After that... I guess I wasn't clear enough, earlier.. She would be paying for the remainder of the PA cost and we would just be helping.
Times are hard, and I can understand not having money. You can want something with all of your might and still not come up with the funds for it. Friendships should be valued, either way, imo.. but I appreciate all of the input here.

Matticus, I have no idea how her credit is but I will propose the idea to her. I know she has a job and is going to college.

Most hot chics alway find a way to get money.

 

[zachoff]

If it matters, this is the PA I got:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Phonic-Powerpod-410S710-PA-System?sku=630485

Like I said, it wasn't loud enough, but my band is loud. If you're not so loud it might work. If not, $100 more gets you something a little more substantial. Guitar Center is going a no interest for a year if you pay it off thing right now too so you're cool as long as you pay monthlies & have it all done by year's end. This one would qualify.

Really, you don't need a PA if you're playing bars & stuff. Seems like you guys aren't a cover band so yeah... You'll probably be playing bars. You just need something for the practice space.

 

[yem]

1) She should buy a mic.

2) Mario is freaking me out.

Well, of course she is.
She's the one pounding da bewski there in the middle:
Link Removed

 

[Radical Edward]

If it matters, this is the PA I got:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Phonic-Powerpod-410S710-PA-System?sku=630485

Like I said, it wasn't loud enough, but my band is loud. If you're not so loud it might work. If not, $100 more gets you something a little more substantial. Guitar Center is going a no interest for a year if you pay it off thing right now too so you're cool as long as you pay monthlies & have it all done by year's end. This one would qualify.

Really, you don't need a PA if you're playing bars & stuff. Seems like you guys aren't a cover band so yeah... You'll probably be playing bars. You just need something for the practice space.

Thanks! I'll definitely talk to her about it all. I dunno how the GC around here works, but I do know when I went to buy my new amp recently I had to put it on layaway and they told me that my only other option was to get a Guitar Center credit card and they told me that you have to have a credit score somewhere around 750...

Yem.... Mario rules my room. I'll post another picture of him in his entirety...
Here you go: Link Removed

 

[bluewine]

If it matters, this is the PA I got:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Phonic-Powerpod-410S710-PA-System?sku=630485

Like I said, it wasn't loud enough, but my band is loud. If you're not so loud it might work. If not, $100 more gets you something a little more substantial. Guitar Center is going a no interest for a year if you pay it off thing right now too so you're cool as long as you pay monthlies & have it all done by year's end. This one would qualify.

Really, you don't need a PA if you're playing bars & stuff. Seems like you guys aren't a cover band so yeah... You'll probably be playing bars. You just need something for the practice space.

I am not sure this is turning into a discussion on PAs, but it's something a lot of bands battle with.

We are not all playing clubs that provide sound. I was lucky with my last band, all of are bookings were in clubs with good sound and lighting.

But still how serious is the band, is it worth investing a few grand. Because thats what a used gig worthy sound (lets call it a sound solution) is going to cost.

A used 32 chanel board, 4 to 5 SM58s and 57s. One or two high end mics for drums. decent power, compression, reverb and decent delay with at least 4 stage monitors, power amp, speakers and sub woofers and more important someone that can run the board.

I don't know how old you guys are, sombody must have some parents that are loaded, hit them up.

 

[Radical Edward]

I am not sure this is turning into a discussion on PAs, but it's something a lot of bands battle with.

We are not all playing clubs that provide sound. I was lucky with my last band, all of are bookings were in clubs with good sound and lighting.

But still how serious is the band, is it worth investing a few grand. Because thats what a used gig worthy sound (lets call it a sound solution) is going to cost.

A used 32 chanel board, 4 to 5 SM58s and 57s. One or two high end mics for drums. decent power, compression, reverb and decent delay with at least 4 stage monitors, power amp, speakers and sub woofers and more important someone that can run the board.

I don't know how old you guys are, sombody must have some parents that are loaded, hit them up.

Lol. We're adults.. also, I'm pretty sure mentioned somewhere it's just something for the time being. You have to start somewhere. I'm not looking to get top-notch gear.

 

[jive1]

A used 32 chanel board, 4 to 5 SM58s and 57s. One or two high end mics for drums. decent power, compression, reverb and decent delay with at least 4 stage monitors, power amp, speakers and sub woofers and more important someone that can run the board.

32 channels? That's pretty overboard for a 4-5 piece band. I've done gigs with full drum mic setup and never required that many channels, ever. Delay on a PA is mostly useless, and some mixers have reverb built-in. If you don't know how to use compression, reverb, and other effects you can make your sound crappy or cause feedback easily. Most stages in clubs won't fit 4 stage monitors, and you'll need additional power amps for those. In short, this set up is way too complicated for a band that's starting out and on a budget. Don't forget someone is going to have to store and lug all that crap around, as well as pay for it all.

Here's my rule of thumb for getting gear on a budget. If you don't know why you need it, you don't need it.

 

[yem]

Link Removed

Yikes. How big is that thing?

 

[Radical Edward]

Yikes. How big is that thing?

4 or 5 feet tall, I'd say. Too bad he's stuck up there and I can't take him with when I move.

 

[modulusman]

If it matters, this is the PA I got:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Phonic-Powerpod-410S710-PA-System?sku=630485

Like I said, it wasn't loud enough, but my band is loud. If you're not so loud it might work. If not, $100 more gets you something a little more substantial. Guitar Center is going a no interest for a year if you pay it off thing right now too so you're cool as long as you pay monthlies & have it all done by year's end. This one would qualify.

Really, you don't need a PA if you're playing bars & stuff. Seems like you guys aren't a cover band so yeah... You'll probably be playing bars. You just need something for the practice space.

If the OP band/singer is dumb enough to buy either one of those PAs they have to promise to never inflict them on the public.

 

[baalroo]

And Balaroo ( I believe that's spelled right), no I wouldn't buy a drumset or bass for someone in my band but I would consider helping out with an amp, cables, etc.
The way I look at it, you have to look at your band as a business and it's hard to make money off of a business or even sustain a business if you don't make some investment into it and make sure your people have the equipment they need.
My opinion, of course.

I'm not sure I completely agree with that assessment, but that's irrelevant. If that's your approach just make sure you are ok with going into business with (and financing) someone who doesn't share your viewpoint. if this girl hasn't made any investment then you should think long and hard about whether or not she will make an appropriate business partner. If you have to hold her hand just to get her some basic beginner's gear, how reliable is she likely to be?

If a guitarist walked into audition and said "yeah, I don't own a guitar or an amp... or really any gear at all, but I promise I'm really good," how seriously would you take them?

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I'm not sure I completely agree with that assessment, but that's irrelevant. If that's your approach just make sure you are ok with going into business with (and financing) someone who doesn't share your viewpoint. if this girl hasn't made any investment then you should think long and hard about whether or not she will make an appropriate business partner. If you have to hold her hand just to get her some basic beginner's gear, how reliable is she likely to be?

If a guitarist walked into audition and said "yeah, I don't own a guitar or an amp... or really any gear at all, but I promise I'm really good," how seriously would you take them?

I have to agree. If she isn't willing to buy a simple mic then I'm willing to bet she won't be willing to help pay for studio time, either.

 

[bassplayer8953]

Don't buy a PA as a "Band".

Someone in the band buy it for themselves and let the band use it free of charge for rehearsing. That way the question of "who owns what" doesn't arise. This is the way I do it - I've always had some sort of rehearsal/small gig PA since I got serious. I let the band use it for rehearsing, and if there's a small gig that it's suitable for I charge a nominal hire fee.

If it's just a microphone she needs, then I'd suggest everyone chip in and get her one as a birthday/christmas/kwanza/hannukah/ramadan/hogsmead gift.

Anybody who has been in the business for any length of time will tell you that co-ownership of band equipment is NOT a good thing. When the band dissolves, or someone leaves or is replaced it leads to a situation where everybody has a different idea regarding what the value of their share is.

There's a way to do this, & have the best of both worlds...sort of.

Our band needed a pa. Bigger than a vocal pa, enough to mic up the band in a couple of venues that should have had pro pa, but didn't. The venues paid decently, but not enough to rent a pro pa, & make a decent buck. We decided to buy a pa ourselves, but there was some cost involved. (Vocalist owned his own vocals-only pa & wireless mic & effects, but didn't have the $$$ to participate on what we decided to do):

We worked it out that I bought the mixer & power amps. Guitarist bought speakers. Drummer chipped in for monitors, & band fund bought the rest of the mic's & di boxes; we were good to go. "The band" owns a pa. But if we should happen to split up, each of us owns their own piece(s).

To the OP: "HOWEVER" if the singer is soooo broke that she can't even pony up for a decent mic, I'd question her commitment, workable attitude or not. Getting a band working & making music are not free. Neither are guitars, basses, drums, amps...or pa systems. The rest of you have made an investment, and if you're willing to find a way to help her out, that's fine. But to have her invest nothing...well, she doesn't "want it" very bad, does she?

 

[Radical Edward]

There's a way to do this, & have the best of both worlds...sort of.

Our band needed a pa. Bigger than a vocal pa, enough to mic up the band in a couple of venues that should have had pro pa, but didn't. The venues paid decently, but not enough to rent a pro pa, & make a decent buck. We decided to buy a pa ourselves, but there was some cost involved. (Vocalist owned his own vocals-only pa & wireless mic & effects, but didn't have the $$$ to participate on what we decided to do):

We worked it out that I bought the mixer & power amps. Guitarist bought speakers. Drummer chipped in for monitors, & band fund bought the rest of the mic's & di boxes; we were good to go. "The band" owns a pa. But if we should happen to split up, each of us owns their own piece(s).

To the OP: "HOWEVER" if the singer is soooo broke that she can't even pony up for a decent mic, I'd question her commitment, workable attitude or not. Getting a band working & making music are not free. Neither are guitars, basses, drums, amps...or pa systems. The rest of you have made an investment, and if you're willing to find a way to help her out, that's fine. But to have her invest nothing...well, she doesn't "want it" very bad, does she?

Good point. However, as I've mentioned before here we'd only be paying for a small portion of it. She'd be paying the rest. She was borrowing a PA and stuff until recently, and that's where the problem lies. She has money and I have no doubt that she's willing to spend it on stuff the band needs, but gear isn't cheap and that's why I was wondering about helping her out.

 

[bassplayer8953]

Good point. However, as I've mentioned before here we'd only be paying for a small portion of it. She'd be paying the rest. She was borrowing a PA and stuff until recently, and that's where the problem lies. She has money and I have no doubt that she's willing to spend it on stuff the band needs, but gear isn't cheap and that's why I was wondering about helping her out.

Great. Then she does have some $$$ commitment in mind (& in wallet). Still, take what I posted above to heart. Help her out...by buying a piece, or pieces, of the pa yourself. You own it. She (& if anybody sings backup vocals) can use your piece, but it remains yours. You leave, the piece goes with. Same for the others who choose to help out. Figure out what you each can afford, buy pieces accordingly. Pa's consist of a bunch of pieces, so this is reatively easy to do. As the band grows, & budgets increase, from gig momey or whatnot, more, or better parts can be added, by unanimous consent. But at least for now you'll have a something workable...and individual band members might be inclined to buy a better "piece" knowing that they themselves, not the band, own that particular part of the big picture.

 

[Radical Edward]

Great. Then she does have some $$$ commitment in mind (& in wallet). Still, take what I posted above to heart. Help her out...by buying a piece, or pieces, of the pa yourself. You own it. She (& if anybody sings backup vocals) can use your piece, but it remains yours. You leave, the piece goes with. Same for the others who choose to help out. Figure out what you each can afford, buy pieces accordingly. Pa's consist of a bunch of pieces, so this is reatively easy to do. As the band grows, & budgets increase, from gig momey or whatnot, more, or better parts can be added, by unanimous consent. But at least for now you'll have a something workable...and individual band members might be inclined to buy a better "piece" knowing that they themselves, not the band, own that particular part of the big picture.

My thoughts, exactly. Thanks!

 

[MakiSupaStar]

Wowza.. mixed responses.


Maki- The one with the pirple streak of hair.

Ah, Ok. My bad. Yeah, I've done worse. What were we talking about again?

 

[Passinwind]

So, my vocalist has a really amazing voice, she comes to band practice pretty regularly and drives from pretty far away to do it. She's pretty awesome..
However, she doesn't have the money to buy her own PA and mic right now, and we don't have one any longer for her.

Then play acoustic, seriously. If it's an electric band there's no hint of an excuse for the lead singer to not own their own microphone. If she can afford 5 dollars, she can get a 5 dollar mike. If she can con someone else into paying her way, good for her.

Owning a PA is power. Whoever wants the power should buy the PA.

Best of luck in any case. Have fun, and be fun.

 

[zachoff]

I am not sure this is turning into a discussion on PAs, but it's something a lot of bands battle with.

We are not all playing clubs that provide sound. I was lucky with my last band, all of are bookings were in clubs with good sound and lighting.

But still how serious is the band, is it worth investing a few grand. Because thats what a used gig worthy sound (lets call it a sound solution) is going to cost.

I'd say almost all original bands in a decent sized city will close to never have to provie the house sound.

If the OP band/singer is dumb enough to buy either one of those PAs they have to promise to never inflict them on the public.

Why's that? That $200 one worked for me until I could afford something better & I kept the mic and sold it for $150. Not a bad deal, really. As I said in my post... It really doesn't seem like they need something for anything other than practice & reading the posts after that I was right. Not all of us have thousands of dollars to throw at our bands... Kids, mortgages, etc.

I was simply relaying the similar situation I was in a year and a half ago when I was singing and had no PA... I made it work with very little money invested and they can too.

 

[StuartV]

screw that!

look for a used peavey mixer head, some used 15"+horn speakers, and some used mics on CL or ebay.

+1

I'll add, people keep throwing around Shure SM58 as a mic for her. I personally prefer the SM57 (yes, even for a vocalist). For practical, meaningful purposes, the differences between the two can be compensated for in the channel strip EQ.

The 57 is more directional than the 58, so it is less prone to cause problems with feedback. Important at all times, but even more important when you don't have a dedicated sound engineer, top-notch PA equipment, or fancy feedback suppressors.

And the 57 is more versatile. If you get a 57 and the singer eventually gets something else that she prefers, the 57 also makes a good mic to put on a snare drum or a guitar cab.