The only way Freebird gets played is when a C note hits the bottom of the tip bucket. Surprisingly it's happened a few times.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Is A Tip Jar At A Gig OK? - With Poll
- Thread starter mrjim123
- Start date
Collecting dead president portraits is a great way to increase revenue. There are some situations where you don’t announce it, but there is nothing inherently wrong with it.
There aren’t enough C notes or beer on this planet to get me to play that song.
Haha dude...it's not that bad. I love playing it, such a fun song to play BUT...I've got to know that someone out there wants to hear it, like really bad lol.
I not only bring one to every gig, but to every practice as well. My bandmates are real cheapskates, it turns out.
Like the one your hoping to end up with after the gig?? (Been there btw, ended up marrying her, and we just celebrated 41 years of marriage this month)
Congrats on the 41 years of marriage! Nah I'm hooked up with our singer. Yeah it's one of those bands. reverbnation.com/parris7
Which is why I always tip my waitron in cash. If they put it in the pool that's on them, but I want them to have that option.
It's okay as long as it's okay with the venue. If it's not okay with the venue, them the act should be getting paid enough to compensate for the lack of the jar.
I have never seen a band playing original songs at a club have a tip jar. I would think it is super cheesy if I ever did see one.
Having a merch table is a much better option.
Having a merch table is a much better option.
ANY gig. I don't care if Nelson Rockefeller is in the audience in a tux. Get yourself one of those old fashioned clear mayonnaise gallon jars. Soak it until the label comes off, or you might have to buy one on eBay. Get one of the girlfriends design a sign to tape to the jar. Make sure TIPS is in large letters.
Before you put the jar out center stage, put a dollar in the jar. It's odd but that helps start the tipping.
Before you put the jar out center stage, put a dollar in the jar. It's odd but that helps start the tipping.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
This.
Earlier this year, a drunk woman danced up to the stage and tucked a 20 in the waistband of our 64 year old guitarist. Nothing wrong with tips.
A tip jar would have prevented this obvious breach of personal space. Should have known better!
Our band does a number of breast cancer benefits. We always have a tip jar but if we are playing local we donate the entire amount. If we are playing out of state then usually the member coming the farthest is offered the jar. You have to understand that one member lives in Alabama one in SC and two in Florida. I know you question our quality of show but we were together for many years and still are requested to do these shows for a really great cause. Just an FYI no member has ever taken the money. It always is donated back. It’s what we do to pay back for our talent!
My tip jar is always to the side, and never in front of me. If no one sees it, the bar sometimes puts one in a more obvious place without asking me. Around here, it is quite acceptable and expected. I only started using one because people would ask me where my tip jar was. Perhaps the answer is somewhat a regional thing?
A $2 or $3 tip is more common than a $1 tip. A few will usually be a $5 bill. $20s are more common than $10s. Then there are the mysteriously and secretly deposited $100 bills which are rare. I appreciate each and every one of them. Nice to be appreciated also.
My real answer would simply be, do whatever you want. That's what I'm gonna do.
A $2 or $3 tip is more common than a $1 tip. A few will usually be a $5 bill. $20s are more common than $10s. Then there are the mysteriously and secretly deposited $100 bills which are rare. I appreciate each and every one of them. Nice to be appreciated also.
My real answer would simply be, do whatever you want. That's what I'm gonna do.
I always thought the tip jar was more of a way to pay fines for requesting songs like Mustang Sally and Brown Eyed Girl
Musicians are gravely underpaid compared to literally everyone in the building, no matter where they perform. A tip jar is always okay as long as you do not keep mentioning it and it won't be stolen.
Also, what's with all the "as long as it is okay with the venue" posts? Why suck venue's ducks more, when they'll take all the drink money, most of the door and then pay the soundman, but not you?
Also, what's with all the "as long as it is okay with the venue" posts? Why suck venue's ducks more, when they'll take all the drink money, most of the door and then pay the soundman, but not you?
Another question is passing the tip jar. Sometimes someone from the crowd will pass it. A band member's wife did it last Sunday when we scored big.
Look in the foreground at the silhouette of a guitar, that is our tip jar.
Look in the foreground at the silhouette of a guitar, that is our tip jar.
My musical partner and I are thinking of getting a Square and keeping it on a nearby tablet for digital tips.
