recommend a tablet for live shows

There's no such thing as easy when it comes to tablets, they all have a learning curve. I went through Android and Windows tablets, each had their problems, but when I looked at an Apple iPad Pro 12.9" and the Apple Pencil, I realized it ran circles around anything else. Been using it and the forScore app with my uke group for the last 7 years. I only use Apple products, started on a Mac in 1986, and over the years have done support, training, repair and more. I got the 12.9" iPad Pro because it's as close to real paper size as can be.

 

Samsung Galaxy A7, i got mine in a sale bundle at Costco. MobileSheets for charts and setlist management. ILock mike stand holder and iRig BlueTurn page flipper pedal - came on a bundle from Musician's Friend or Sweetwater. Finally a rubber armored case guard. Worked great these past three years..

 

I was a die-hard paper fan until I went to a rehearsal without a part and the drummer lent me his small iPad. Even with the small screen I found it easier to read than paper. Now I would never go back to paper although I always take printed parts to gigs just in case.

I agree that the iPad Pro 12.9" and the Apple Pencil plus ForScore can't be beat. I got a screen protector called PaperLike which make writing on it feel more like writing on real paper. I use an AirTurn pedal for page turns.

**Leigh

 

I got the most basic iPad brand new for $300 in 2017 and it's been nice & stable for me with way more than enough storage for many binders' worth of charts.
Most other musicians I work with also have iPads and the ability to transfer charts directly back & forth via AirDrop is a significant plus.
If you really hate Apple that's okay. Just don't be like my buddy, all bragging about how he got his tablet for $50, then holding up the show when the thing freezes. (Spend a few more $$$ on a more current & capable droid - or at least don't brag.)

 

I went through this drill at the beginning of The Plague. I despise the whole Apple ecosystem but still ended up buying a one generation old iPad brand new, which ran about $300 at that time for the most basic model, and for my needs it's just fine. With a cheap adapter it fits on the tripod section of my Manhasset music stand and the stand can double for video work if I should ever get around to doing any. I've retired from playing gigs but that's actually enhanced the value of the Pad in some ways, because the readily available free synth apps have spun off a new musical rabbit hole that's quite fun.

 

I have iPad and really like it, but I know plenty of folks happy with Android. I got the 10” and it’s fine for rehearsals and home (which is all I use it for.) but if I was using on stage I’d definitely want the 12.9”. I get by with finger for notes, but a stylus would also be a very nice feature.

check out backmarket.com if you want to go refurbished. I got 2 there and both work great.

and a big thread on the topic
Choosing a Tablet for Reading Charts

 

I've been using an iPad 2 since they came out - originally for both charts and production stuff until it became too old to support the production stuff. Just upgraded my personal iPad to an iPad 11" Pro and couldn't be happier. Now I've put a bunch of other production software back on it to go with my 1000+ charts in ForScore.

Also using a Pageflip pedal to turn pages...

 

Kindle?

 

I'm on my third. First was a Samsung Galaxy 8" but it wasn't large enough. So I went with a Galaxy 10.1".
The 10.1 stopped working after two years (it was old when my wife gave it to me). So I just bought a 10" Samsung A8 which works well with the Songbook Pro app that I use.

 

i still use paper (so i can re-do arrangements/sheets to fit my old eyes), but my bandmates (two bands) fall into these two general, user categories:
- those with vision concerns: they like the large ipad screen --- looks just like an 8.5x11 page.
- those without vision concerns: use the android products just fine and prefer them as cheaper options.

good luck with your tablet considerations!

 

maybe an unpopular opinion, but if you’ve been able to perform without one…stay that way. There just isn’t anything lamer than iPads on stands in front of a bar band.

 

iPad!! Soo handy. Got a Bluetooth pedal for page turns. Life changing.

 

I disagree. Having a music stand with a book is way lamer. I use an IPad hanging on my mic stand. I only refer to it before songs or if we are bringing something brand new up with minimal prep time. I sometimes need it for lyrics on newer songs as a safety net. I hate having to read charts while playing, it ruins my focus and keeps me from interacting with my fellow musicians and the audience. Knowing your material is the way to go. Next best is a tablet.

 

I use MS Surface Pro tablets in warehouse management applications.

Overall, if you get a higher-end model, they work pretty well. Do NOT get their convertible detachable-keyboard Surface Books - junk. But a Surface Pro tablet with any good USB keyboard/mouse ( or solo tablet ) works pretty well IMHO. Get yourself on W11, bite the bullet, and you are set for a few years. Good luck!

 

How much over $200 is an IPAD PRO 12.9 and accessories needed

I have used something like this[pocket sized] after having to learn 45+ song quickly and gigging right after until I got them memorized consistently.

Got song list in advance and put them in order rest alphabetical; just chords and structure and sometimes a note[ on speaker beside amp head. Always had clip on light or small flashlight an wrote letters/numbers large.

Just needed a glance once started playing memory returned.

For singers IPAD hanging from Mic Stand may be good idea don't know how many times I heard singer just make up lyrics

 

Oops - I did not see the $200 thing. That will not be easy.