Karaoke Forums

Some of my karaoke regulars are starting a band. They've asked the owner if they could do a set or two before karaoke starts for free because they are just getting started. He said it is okay with him if it's okay with me.

Heck I don't care. They are nice people and may possibly bring in a few extra people for karaoke.

The problem is they keep bothering me to use my equipment. I've said NO from the start. I basically told them this is my livelihood and I don't ever let bands use my equipment. If something happens even by accident I am in big trouble. I'm there 3 nights a week, this isn't just for fun for me - it's my job. So then they ask me if they can hire me to run the sound and use my equipment. NO AGAIN. I have no clue how plugging in instruments effects my system and I have no idea how to mix a band. They're worried about where to put their equipment because mine is permantly at the bar.

I just feel like this is not my problem. But they are making me feel like it is. They've now asked me to sing a few songs with them and I don't even want to do that. I am so frustrated with the whole thing. I don't know how to get acrossed to them using my equipment is a bad decision for me. Aaaarg!

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Babs gently direct them to the nearest rental store where they can rent what they need. It's also a great place to buy used equipment.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

That's a great idea!!!!!

Their complaint is their equipment is way more than they need large and bulky. I think he has an at home studio. Instead of renting me and my equipment they can rent somewhere else. Great idea.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

You wouldn't plug any instruments into the mixer at all. They would use their guitar amps & if the sound needed it, then you would just mic the guitar amp. Sounds like a small place, only thing I would mic is the kick drum & vocals - well and keyboard if any. Not much to it really. Then you just adjust the vocals to just a bit over their music level - like karaoke! Running sound for bands is actually alot of fun!
It's when you start mic'ing up an entire drum kit, bass guitar, guitar 1, guitar 2, keyboard, sequencer/computer, 4 vocals, efx returns, etc. is when it starts to get a little more involved.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I would let them use my system for mics, but only if I was running it. Like Lonnman said, the guitars and bass will have their own amps.

I once did a party where they had a guitar player singer giging before me. I was set up before him, he heard the quality of it and asked if he could plug in a mic, and his acoustic guitar. I plugged the guitar into one of my mic inputs. I had to change the bass treble settings to make it sound right, but once done it sounded great. He liked the PA and speakers so much, he ended up buying the same stuff for his shows.

Like I said, I ran it though. I wouldn't trust anybody to run my stuff. Like you said, way too much money invested, and would be in a hurt locker if it broke.

Felix the KJ

It just shows you how little I know about band setups. I'm just not comfortable with the whole thing. If I wasn't so stretched thin with work already I may consider putting in the time to learn more about it. I'm the type of person that if I'm going to do something I want to do it the best I can. This whole thing is going to be a subpar event. I don't even think they have a drummer.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

I have this happen on a fairly regular basis at my main gig. My set-up is permanent there, and bands occasionally ask if they can "just use my stuff since it's already there". They always swear that they are "professionals" and won't mess any thing up. My answer is always "NO". They can't use my stuff, and I won't run it for them.

I even had one band that came in, saw the set-up, and just assumed it was a "house" system that they could use if they wish. I wasn't there at the time, so they used it, tweaked every knob, left the phantom power turned on, and stole a mic stand. The bar staff claimed they had no idea it was happening.

I now have signs that I have to put up around the DJ booth to let any bands know that my stuff is not to be touched, and that the security cameras will let me know if it happens. No problems since

Babs I wouldnt do it either...I did let a kid use my cordless mic on NY eve and it was dropped (not really his fault) and consequently I had to pay to have it repaired...so the answer in future for me will be a resounding NO

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Babs I think your approach is the right one. I don't know anyone that owns PA equipment that would allow someone they don't know to use it without serious contract language about who's liable for damages.

If you're not comfortable running production for a band I wouldn't do it. They won't be happy with you, you'll be stressed out and it won't be good for anyone.

I do work with bands and I can tell you that having to come in and setup around a house system that either can't be used or we wouldn't want to use is a very common occurrance. So them trying to put any pressure on you is complete BS. Setting up around your stuff is part of the playing this gig, so they need to deal with it however they have to.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Letting a band use your equipment would be like giving a crack head access to your check book and your car.

c'mon not all musicians are druggies ! but yeah its a bad idea in babs' situation. Ive got myself a gig this summer at a local county fair doing karaoke all 5 days and sound for 2 or 3 bands on the same stage. Ive got most of the gear i need so i took the deal as i enjoy doing it once in a while, but have always run somebody elses gear for big shows. now ive gotta get a snake, some more stage lights , probably a set of drum mics and ill probably pick up a different 16 channel mixer as I don't really trust mine.Im leaning to an old peavey as they are cheap and durable. Im making ok money for the 5 days but expect it to be interesting. without a question it will be good publicity. I will not be using 90% of the gear i use for my weekly shows so I dont have much worry about getting stuff wrecked that I will have to replace right away.

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

I had a similar situation arise, where musicians came in and assumed that my system was a house system. First time it happened I exploded - asked staff who had given permission to these wanna be jazz players. That night I put a big note on the top of the rack: THIS IS NOT THE HOUSE SYSTEM. DO NOT TOUCH. Came back and it had been opened and used AGAIN. Third time: Walked in as they were setting up, moving my speakers around (actually had a glass of pop sitting on one of them). I asked who they were, they asked who I was, I gave them the 3-minute "real musicians don't touch other musicians' equipment..." I was SO furious. I bought equipment that would be suitable for use by a band as we were both in bands at the time, and though we've never used that setup for our band, we could if we needed to.

Another time a speaker cord went missing at another location. I told the bartender that I was not starting until I had that speaker cord (it was for a floor monitor)....presto, musician thief drives up with the speaker cord.

Babs, it is totally your decision. If you're not comfortable with micing a couple of instruments, don't do it. The other option is you could give it a try and charge them $150 for your time and equipment. Maybe they'll get a clue that you really don't want any part of their 'party.'

PS: A lot of this expectation they have arises from that nasty "well, it's only karaoke equipment." Interestingly many karaoke companies I'm familiar with have better eqiupment than a lot of bands.

The guy came in again for karaoke last night. He said what if we don't plug our instruments into your system and use guitar amps instead. So yeah they had every intention of plugging in the instruments. Then he said what if we bring our own mic cords and mics, and have you run the system. So all that would be running through the system is the vocals of 2 people. I told him I'd consider it, but if I agree to it, it would be just for this one time. They are only planning on doing 2 sets which is 2hours. I guess I could do it this once. I'll have to work karaoke for 6 hours after and it will make for a long night. They offered to pay me, but it isn't about the money.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Personally, I wouldn't do it, even "just this one time". We all know where that will lead.
Besides the wear and tear on equipment, like you said, it makes for a long night for you. Just tell them to get their own gear and let them know in no uncertain terms that you and your equipment are not for hire. Generally, musicians don't lend their equipment out. Ever. Musicians pay big money for it, just as you did, and it they would foot the bill if it was damaged, just as you will. But these guys don't seem to understand that concept. If they want to be a band, they need to start learning this right up front. They need to get their own gear, whether they buy it or rent from a rental place.
Again, no way would I let anyone use my gear for ANY reason.

I can tell you this much, it wouldn't be a "freebie".

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

You need to charge them for the P.A and your time.This will keep some of the BS to a min.

Some good friends of mine (I've known for 15yrs) started a band,got a gig,needed P.A.They had speakers but no power and no mixer.

I have no issues with these guys borrowing stuff, I know my stuff will be in good hands.

They ask if they can rent my Mackie 808 (small gig) I said ya, they said how much,I said you tell me, they said 15 bucks,I said OK.

Now 15 bucks,who cares but after the 3rd time 45 bucks going on 60 they say why rent we should buy.

If you charge them they will soon figure out they should buy there own.

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SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE LAST TUESDAY

...charge them....

my point precisely. Make it totally NOT worth it for them to bother you.

$15? I agree with the $150 if they dont like it let them find somewhere else to hire it

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Babs, it will not be a one time only deal. They will come back and say "well you let us before". Do yourself a favour and show then the nearest rental store. In the long run it will be less of a hassle and worries.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

Total up the replacement cost of all your equipment (what it would cost to buy all new stuff) and tell them you want that amount as a security deposit. On top of that $300 is about the going rate around here for an audio engineer with provided PA, so make that your fee for the night.

That should get them to leave you alone

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke