Sunday, October 27, 2013

What equipment do I need for a small live performance?

best acoustic guitar vocal combo amp
 on Schertler Jam 100 Acoustic Combo Amplifier (Natural Wood) View
best acoustic guitar vocal combo amp image



Sam


So I'm looking to perform at a small outdoor shopping area (100 foot radius). they have a space for people to perform and I just wanna play my Acoustic-Electric guitar and sing. What all will I need? (cords, amps, etc.) Include everything please, just starting out. thanks.


Answer
Probably simplest way to do that would be to use an amp that has inputs for both your acoustic-electric guitar and a vocal mic. Ibanez has a series of amps called Troubadour that are designed for solo acoustic performers. Basically, in a package the size of a small amp, you get both your vocal and guitar amplification. I have a Troubadour amp (a discontinued model from a few years ago) I've used at in-home parties and art openings and it's sooooo much more convenient than hauling around a small PA system. And since there are separate channels (and controls) for the mic and the guitar, it's fairly easy to get a good sound mix.

If you don't have a vocal mic, those are pretty inexpensive. The most popular one on the market (because you can use it to drive nails, it's so well built) is the Shure SM58, which sells for about $100. There are a lot of other perfectly fine mics that will cost about half that, though. I'll post a link so you can read the reviews of a bunch of different vocal mics.

In addition to the mic, you'll need a cable to attach the mic to the amp. For a tiny stage, you can get away with a 15' cable because you'll be positioning the amp just a little bit behind you (so both you and the audience can hear it). You'll need a basic instrument cable, as well, and I'd recommend you go with one that's at least as long as the mic cable. And you'll need a mic stand if the venue doesn't provide one. Mic stands are often available used (craigslist), but they're not horribly expensive new, either. It wouldn't hurt to have a boom extension for the mic stand, either, since that will reduce your chances of bumping your guitar on the stand. I'll post links for these things, too.


http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ibanez-troubadour-t30-30w-acoustic-combo-amp (This is the smallest Troubadour amp that also has a mic input. It's great for small venues.)

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search.jsp?sB=r&Ntt=vocal+mic#N=700008&Ntt=vocal+mic&sB=r&Nao=0&recsPerPage=20&v=g&Ns=pLH&profileCountryCode=US&profileCurrencyCode=USD (Vocal mics, priced low to high. Reviews will give you a good idea which ones are reliable.)

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/musicians-gear-lo-z-microphone-cable (Mic cable.)

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/musicians-gear-braided-instrument-cable-1-4 (Instrument cable. I wouldn't go with anything shorter than 20' because you'll want to have a bit of walkaround room.)

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/peak-music-stands-sm-52-tripod-mic-stand-with-boom-arm (Here's a solid mic stand with a boom. If you get a stand with a boom attachment, you'll be able to adjust it so you can sing while standing or sitting.)

I think that would be everything you'd need, apart from a tuner and picks. It's worth checking local ads or pawn shops for used gear, too. During bad economic times, musicians often sell their stuff so they can pay rent. I know the pawn shops in my city (Atlanta) are crammed with stuff, which means the prices are reduced to make room for more stuff.

Good luck!

I am looking for a good guitar+vocals combo amplifier..?




Phil Ellis


I'm quite new to this field so I don't have many specifications but I'd like the ability to put effects on the vocals, be reasonably priced, under 300euro/500usd and obviously sound great. Can anyone recommend me a good combo amp or alternative?

It would be for relatively intimate acoustic gigs.

Thanks!



Answer
Well hate to tell you this but there is no such thing as good quality combo amp for guitar and vocals. Guitar amps even acoustic guitar amps are terrible for vocals, obviously because they are made that way. The frequencies for guitar are fairly narrow to the point that putting vocals through an amp designed for guitar will have the vocals lacking any high end, and being extremely muddy. Conversely, you might want to consider a PA system with a powered mixer and a couple of speakers. You should be able to find several in your price range such as Mackie or Yamaha. Most of these powered PAs have effects built in so that will take care of vocal effects and since most PA speakers have a greater frequency response you can either mike your guitar or use an acoustic-electric directly into the mixer. This is a very common setup for "happy hour" or small intimate club setups here in the states.




Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: What equipment do I need for a small live performance?
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog

No comments:

Post a Comment