Members O.G.T.V. Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 Well... I just left my 4 years band, a couple of days ago. I had always played the guitar there, but always had been/felt unvalued on the band. Now that I'm out, a lot of people had approached me for working on their proyects; but today; someone heard me sing and play the guitar. He really was amazed at how I delivered singing different classic, romantic ballads; and is highly interested in me playing acousticly (as a solo artist) in a veteran soldiers activity. I talked to him about what I needed (microphone & speaker system), and he will talk to a friend, that can provide the service for the activity. I would also get paid for singing in the activity. My only ''live'' singing experience has been back-up vocals for my ex-band; but I have taken voice lessons. My voice is somewhere between the baritone and tenor ranges; and could improve with practice, singing lessons (for improvement). I have been researching acoustic amps for ''starting out''; and have considered the following ones: Fishman LoudBox Artist(the older) Fishman LoudBox Performer What would you recommend me for vocals & mic?What tips can you give me in this new musical venture? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members John Ellis Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 Welcome, the water's not really that deep. I'm not a great singer but I'm not bad. The difference, I try to sing every song like it's my last. I dig in.I used to use shure sm-58s to sing. Now I use a beta 58. Most live performers that tour and can use anything do too. It works really good for a tenor prone baritone voice. As a soloist, if you're going to play for more than 80 people, get a PA. If it's small rooms and you're doing singer songwriter stuff, a combo with 2 inputs will work. The best advice, is keep digging. if you want to do this, practice a lot, keep learning new material and when you start to hate it. take a break. no one wants to hear someone that doesn't want to be there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members pogo97 Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 Are you thinking of making a living with this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members O.G.T.V. Posted July 23, 2012 Author Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 Are you thinking of making a living with this? If it happens, it would really be a PLUS for me; and make me very happy! Still... I'm searching for a day job. Just graduated from University, and still job hunting*Music would be an even more viable way of working right now for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members John Bartus Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 I like and use the Fishman SA220; many also use different versions of the Bose L1 or L2 systems. The Fish Stick is a great portable PA designed specifically for the solo vocalist/acoustic guitarist. It combines mixer, amplifier, and speakers into a quasi-line array system that works well for gigging. There are loads of options -- try them out for yourself at a local music retailer, and good luck on the new solo venture! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bob Dey Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 Whats a veteran soldiers activity? What's your budget for a PA system? Upbeat and middle of the road songs are important. Slow songs are great, but if they're too slow, or if you play too many your audience will get bored. You can do acoustic versions of many oldies, classic rock, country, blues songs if you're a decent guitarist. Bob Seger, Jimmy buffet, Gordon Lightfoot, Jimi Hendrix, George Strait are a few possible artists to cover. It partly depends on your area, but there are a lot of songs that are known to be done by acoustic solos. There was a song list thread a couple of months ago that you should find for tons of ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members John Ellis Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 I believe you're right! So what equipment do you first recommend for ''amplified, home practice, first solo gigs''. Should I go for a PA or the acoustic combo? I imagine a PA on the long run*And yeah! I'm trying to learn new songs. My actual draft songlist consists majorly on romantic ballads, slow rock songs, and even some Johnny Cash songs. I would like to know more ''upbeat, acoustic singers''. Can you give me some artists hints and recommendations?If it happens, it would really be a PLUS for me; and make me very happy! Still... I'm searching for a day job. Just graduated from University, and still job hunting*Music would be an even more viable way of working right now for me. Id pick songs that you're doing and look them up on you tube. Then just start following the trail of other recommended videos for ideas.It's a friggin' gold mine. I've found more stuff to learn than I'll ever get around to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted July 23, 2012 Moderators Share Posted July 23, 2012 Fishman LoudBox Artist (the older) Fishman LoudBox Performer What would you recommend me for vocals & mic? What tips can you give me in this new musical venture? Thanks! Having done the research recently (and having slogged through innumerable threads on the subject here ), I would suggest that a small PA would serve you better in the long run; if you go with an amp, the minimum you should get with an acoustic combo is 60 wattts.... the Fishman Loudbox Artist is 120W...still, you should be able to get by with that for a while...assuming you play small rooms. Keep in mind you will need a stand for the amp (it needs to be off the floor to project correctly, a stand and cable for the mic...so you are already at about $600-700... for which you might be able to put a small PA together (used) depending where you are and what is available. There are tons of acoustic combos on the market; however, once you get over 60W, the herd begins to thin out...and I believe part of that is the fact that you can go with a powered speaker/mixer rig with more power and flexibility once you get to that price range. Mic-wise, the SM58 is pretty much the 'standard'...the Beta 58 version is better, but pricier, and the EV ND767 is a good step up, priced right between the SM58 and the Beta 58. Also worth looking at are the AKG D5 and the Sennheiser e835...both retailing at ~$100, which is the SM58s price range. Some people like the EV ND367, I felt it lacked something in the lower registers, so as you are a tenor/baritone, it may not be the best choice for you....IMHO. After looking at and testing tons of gear over several months, and taking into consideration my physical limitations and my car's diminutive size, I went a bit overboard $-wise, and got a SA220 Fish-Stick and an EV ND967. Is it perfect? No, but so far, it meets my needs and is easy to move, set up/tear down. This is neither a suggestion nor an endorsement. YMMV... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members YeahDoIt Posted July 23, 2012 Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 I saw a teenage girl perform originals a couple days ago at an outdoor patio gig, she used a Peavey Escort PA system, played her acoustic guitar through it also. She hired local bass and drum players to back her, autographed photos and sold CDs. Sounded pretty good overall. The PA is portable, perhaps 200 watts, she used speaker stands too. She appears to be on tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members O.G.T.V. Posted July 23, 2012 Author Members Share Posted July 23, 2012 I saw a teenage girl perform originals a couple days ago at an outdoor patio gig, she used a Peavey Escort PA system, played her acoustic guitar through it also. She hired local bass and drum players to back her, autographed photos and sold CDs. Sounded pretty good overall. The PA is portable, perhaps 200 watts, she used speaker stands too. She appears to be on tour. I remember using them when I played at my High School. People used to sing through it for gospel and praise music, while I played the guitar.It really never convinced me that much; but if it's a great way of starting out at the moment... I'll take it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members John Ellis Posted July 24, 2012 Members Share Posted July 24, 2012 I would also like to know what's a Veteran Soldiers Activity. For what I know, is a ''Get Together'' social event. There's gonna be music, food, dances, etc. I imagine people will also give some speeches. My budget will be about $500 - $600 for ''starting out'' as a solo artist. Do you remember that thread's name?I'll research what I can pull out acoustically. ''Unplugged'' is definitely a different experience than playing electric, with a full rock band.Your SA220 is what I have been aiming for. Now the budget doesn't allow it; but it's really on my wishlist for later on. Please tell me more about EV mics! I have never used them in my life. Just... Shure, Peavey and Audio Technica mics*Thanks man! I'll really check out where I can try them out here! I'll buy online since costs here are very high.I remember using them when I played at my High School. People used to sing through it for gospel and praise music, while I played the guitar.It really never convinced me that much; but if it's a great way of starting out at the moment... I'll take it! A lot of songs have an unplugged version.You can also check out individuals doing acoustic covers of songsMost are hideous but you can learn tons from their approach IM not so humble opinion, stay away from the passport.No bottom. As you get your feet wet, a simple drum machine will help you pull off faster songs. Sadly, the guy making the most money in my market is lightly playing and singing over standard Karaoke tracks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Voltan Posted July 24, 2012 Members Share Posted July 24, 2012 here's a thread that has an idea or two for tunes... set list exchange... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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