Who pays for what?

[mwm70]

Not trying to hijack this thread but, if the singer (cover band) is only the singer (no instrumental duties) is it unreasonable to expect them to buy a PA capable of handling a small bar gig? My feeling is that the band does not split the cost of the instruments or amplification so if the singer does not have upfront cost and maintence costs (strings, sticks etc) he or SHE should fund the PA. Am I missing something?

 

[HamOnTheCob]

Not trying to hijack this thread but, if the singer (cover band) is only the singer (no instrumental duties) is it unreasonable to expect them to buy a PA capable of handling a small bar gig? My feeling is that the band does not split the cost of the instruments or amplification so if the singer does not have upfront cost and maintence costs (strings, sticks etc) he or SHE should fund the PA. Am I missing something?

I totally agree. The singer in my old band suggested that we all pitch in and buy a PA, and I came to the next practice with copies of receipts for all my gear, and told him I'd chip in on a PA as soon as he gives me 25% of the cost of my stuff. haha that was when I had 3 Warwicks, an SWR Mo'Bass w/foot controller, and about 6 cabs of various name brands. He never suggested that we chip in on a PA again.

 

[suicas]

I'd go with each buying individual bits and pieces, saves any arguing about it when/if the band splits up.

Put any money you make from the band into things like paying for transport, equipment hire, advertising etc., anything consumable or one off payments that you'll never need argue about in future.

 

[Bassmanbob]

I didn't read all the other posts, but here's what I've done.

You could hire a sound guy who brings the PA and runs it. You have to either deduct it from your pay or charge the venue the extra money for it. Pros: You don't have to buy it, lug it and fight over how much to sell it when the band is done. Cons: Long term, it could cost you more money and some gigs ie: You can't get a sound guy for a particular gig, the venue doesn't want to pay the extra money for the sound.

Buy it as a group with equal shares and sign a contract. If one member leaves, the band pays him the current market value for his share (depreciation built in). The new guy could buy his share and enter the contract or the rest of the members now own it. If the band breaks up, you sell it and pay everyone equally. Pros: It's equal Cons: Complicated

Buy it yourself and work out how much extra you get per gig for providing it. You may have to set it up and break it down, but you can possibly get an extra cut for each gig.
Pros: You make extra money Cons: Band feels cheated that you get extra money, and you have to carry the stuff.

Good luck.

 

[uglybassplayer]

I didn't read all the other posts, but here's what I've done.

You could hire a sound guy who brings the PA and runs it. You have to either deduct it from your pay or charge the venue the extra money for it...

I'm not sure that's a viable option for them yet. All of the members save one are still in H.S. and this is their first band. I'm guessing that they're still pretty much in the garage band stage and won't be playing out for serious cash for a while yet.

- Ugly.

 

[Bassmanbob]

I'm not sure that's a viable option for them yet. All of the members save one are still in H.S. and this is their first band. I'm guessing that they're still pretty much in the garage band stage and won't be playing out for serious cash for a while yet.

- Ugly.

...which is why I gave a few other options. Financially, it could be better at first because you don't have to lay out the money for the PA in the first place. It gets more costly down the road, not at first.