starting a band!

Hi folks. Besides the basics I'd like to know what all is necessary to start a band. As far as equipment I and my band have already--recording and live

-130W Kustom Lead Head (bugera V55 head on the way)
assortment of pedals but I don't really use them. Fender American Strat

-200W Peavey Bass amp
Fender Standard Bass MIM

-Gretch Drums with Sabians

-2 (nondynamic) mics---cheap...about $70 a piece

I have lexicon lambda and reaper... i would like to record and do live shows and not have to worry about the house PA. We play blues--rather loud-- and last show was in front of about 70-90 people..

So if anyone has any secrets on good sounding bargain equipment please let me know.

What do you have for monitors? Being able to hear yourself is just as important as the crowd hearing you. At the least you'll need two decent monitor speakers, with three being better so you can keep one just for the drummer. And depending on your PA head you may want a separate power head/mixer just for the monitor system so you can use a separate mix than what the mains get. I would go used, but make sure you have somebody along who's up on PA gear when you go shopping. In-ear monitors are another option and might even be cheaper in the long run if you find a bargain.

Stage lights are another thing you may eventually want to buy. We always took our own lighting because most of the bars we played had no lights other than overhead stuff. I think our whole set up was about 300.00 for good LED lights and stands. And of course you'll need mic and guitar stands. You'll want some kind of mic for your kick drum, too. A few extra guitar, mic and speaker cables are also a good thing to carry with you. And a basic tool kit, pliers, screwdrivers, duct tape, solder gun, duct tape, electricians tape, duct tape... did I mention duct tape?

Keep an eye on Craig's list. Lots of times when a band breaks up they will sell their PA system. Just be sure to do your research before you make an offer, and check out all the amps and speakers just like you would a used guitar amp.

guitar stands check and and floor lights i have as well...thought I could get away with 1 floor monitor but i guess not...thanks man!

For PA, our band has one full range cab on either side of the stage on stands. We have one sub-bass cab in front of center stage on the dance floor. The singer's monitor sits on top of the sub. This way, the monitor is not on the stage and creates more room on stage for us.

get a copy of the book "How to Make Your Band Sound Great" Bobby Owsinski, it will answer all you questions. Have every one in the band read it

For the PA system also consider this route.

For rehearsal purchase a very basic system for vocals. This is where you can go used, inexpensive, limited features and power.

For performance, which when you are starting out may be very few gigs, rent. Our local pro rental will put together a great system with board/mains/sub for $200. This same set up may cost you upwards of $1500 used. So if your new band plays four gigs where you have to provide the PA (which usually new bands are not the PA supplier) you are still cash out of pocket ahead.

I invested in a performance ready system and even with good shopping and used items I bet I have upwards of $3K into it and we use it 3-4 times a year. So even if rental cost me $300 I could go three years. Also if I were renting I would be able to split the cost with other bands sometimes.

Other musicians?

Other musicians?

yes We are a three piece but we are looking for someone who knows the keys to complete our sound. If we rent a PA it sure does take into our profit margin but the good thing is a few of the bars around here have a house PA. I'm hoping we can get away with 200W. I'm looking to purchase a Kustom PA package for about 300 and buying a better mic to go with it. I'm hoping we can use it to practice and perform. Last time we performed as a three piece we sound great it was just a lot of work so we are going to hold out for someone who can play some keys.

absolute commitment to a shared vision and the willingness to show up EVERY week for practice. :cool: all the equipment in the world will not do you any good without this.

As far as personal gear, that really doesn't enter into it. That's like saying we have 3 pair of shoes. For PA, from past experience, it's much better for one person to own the PA or say you own the mixer, the bass player owns the cabinets and the drummer owns the power amps than for all of this to be owned by "the band". It's also ok to, if you want a sound guy, make him the 4th member provided he "plays and owns" the PA.

As far as stuff, it's good to start with say a powered head and monitors/mains that can later be used as monitors. Then keep adding cabinets, power and finally going to a standalone mixer. The thing is if you play really loud, guess what kind of PA you need? Right, BIG. And moving air costs money so BIG sound is BIG money.

You can also just get a tiny PA to rehease if that's the kind of thing you like to do and only play places that provide PA. Again this comes down to money. If they provide a PA and sound guy then that's less money out of your pocket. Don't foget, big PA, lights, gear. That means trailer. You're in TX so I won't tell you you need a truck to pull it and fit everyone in.

I own a pretty good PA but rarely, if ever, use it for performances. My bands mostly play places that already have an house system and a sound guy.

For a private party or some other situation, I would insist on the gig paying enough to not only justify hauling the PA out, but also hiring a sound guy to run it. You really need somebody who is not up on the stage in charge of front-of-house sound.

the good thing is a few of the bars around here have a house PA. I'm hoping we can get away with 200W. I'm looking to purchase a Kustom PA package for about 300 and buying a better mic to go with it. I'm hoping we can use it to practice and perform.

Multiply that power rating by at LEAST 5 to get something practical for gigging. PAs need headroom. My recommendation for a starter system would be something like this:

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=XP1000L-PM15&cid=102