Stevek can i ask what 5 b tunes and backing you would use??? also and would you use something like a boogi box with battery play back. and last of all do i need a permit to set up ??? or just turn up and play??? thanks and well done to the others for din there thing :welldone. \i wish this thred could go on and on its been great speaking and hearing your stories Thanks Tom.
I have so far used the following with success: (E=Easy, M=Medium, H=Hard)
Ain't Misbehavin' E
Body and Soul E
Bye Bye Blackbird E
Desafinado M
Don't Get around much any more M
Lady is a Tramp M
The Girl from Ipanema M
Lambada M
Let it Be Me M
Lover Man E
Misty M
Oye Como Va H
Stranger On The Shore M
Summertime M
Sunny Side Of The Street E
A Train M
Brown Eyed Girl H
Billy's Bounce H (Alto ideally)
Take Five H (Alto ideally)
Just the Way You Are H
One Step Beyond H
The Nearest Thing to Crazy H
What a Wonderful World (Easy but hard to make it sound good)
These are al very safe and stand up well on their own as interesting melodies without having to improvise. I sometimes throw in a blues shuffle to improvise over.
I use a Tascam Transamp ( I think this is the correct name but I can't check it as I'm travelling at the moment) It has a whopping great power supply, 30 watts amp with a good sound, an Ipod dock on the top and two other inputs for balanced/unbalanced. It has a single speaker but you can link it to another amp to make a 'mini PA'. I do not use a mic for the horn as they are quite loud enough on their own. It is very heavy but luckily it comes with wheels and a retractable handle rather like a suit case. Carrying this around (the wheels don't work well on bumpy surfaces) with a tenor is just about manageable. It's weight is a problem (my arms are often aching by the time I set up) but the up side is that the quality is very good, I setup all the songs on my Ipod, it recharges off the mains and the charge lasts for ever (8 hours+), it even recharges the Ipod. I am often asked to play at parties and family gatherings so it is very useful to just turn up with it so I know what I'm working with - nothing worse than unfamiliar equipment!. I wish it had reverb but I haven't needed it yet anyway.
Roland also do a very good range of battery or rechargeable amps (Cube) which are very compact and I've seen many buskers using them. Primarily for guitarists, but if you need to mic up, some of them have balanced inputs as well. If I was buying again for busking I would go for a Roland - my amp is great but just too heavy.
I took some time to find out if I needed a busking license and then was eventually, to my surprise, told that I did not but was asked to not play where it bothered people and not play for more than two hours before moving on. I was forwarded to the traders licensing department and then finally to the high street management office. The person I finally spoke to was very helpful and said they encouraged live music. Shopping areas usually welcome responsible buskers as it adds to the atmosphere.
I have never had any complaints. I have had a number of band offers, made some pocket money (but I hate it when it hits you between the eyes) and even had a drink or two bought for me.
I cannot see anyone trying to steal or interfere with you while you're paying - but maybe I am naive - you just need to look a little menacing. Jack Dupre, the famous barrel house blues singer/player, said that he chose the piano for his main instrument because when the bullets started flying it was the pianist who usually survived (due to the large wooden frame in front of him).
Although I can play some of the songs by heart I take a music stand anyway. I find this adds confidence but ideally I will stop doing this in time. I also do a couple of the songs without backing as it presents a different challenge.
Most people, like me, I imagine, go through phases and find some days or weeks their playing doesn't sound as good - I suggest you pick a high point if you can.
Make sure you use a robust stand - the collapsable wire one's can be a liability on a bumpy pavement especially if it is windy. Oh, and take some clips to stop the paper flying away.
Have at least one spare reed ready to play. I find that when I feel nervous, as I do when I am first setting up (fine once I'm playing) it is very easy to split a reed.
If you are in cold weather you will have to push the mouthpiece in further than usual. I suggest that you try this at home first as you will probably be pushing it onto fresh cork which can be difficult.
When you first play in an open space you will sound quite different to playing in a house as you will not hear the close reflections of sound - be prepared for this and don't worry as your ear will gradually adjust to the change and 'tune' into the new sound.
I busked before christmas when it was -3 degrees. I had to push the MP on further than ever before. It was quite a struggle and in the process I managed to bend the octave mechanism and split a good reed. I managed to bend it back but my session was off to a less than ideal start.
If you play with backing music, I suggest (because I'm a wimp) that you use an electronic tuner to get set up before your start.
One last thing - especially if you are using backing music, get the playing order sorted out before you leave home. You don't want to be shuffling sheet music on a windy day and it is best to maintain continuity between the songs.
Taz, apologies if I have repeated anything - I haven't had a chance to read your busking adventures yet but certainly will.
Steve