| Author | Message | ||
| jazzyvee
Advanced Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 312 Registered: 6-2002 |
I'm fortunate to be the owner of a few Alembics and as much as I work professionally, ( not full time), at the moment as a musician, I haven't earned enough from music to be able to afford to buy my Alembics. The only reason I have them is due to the fact I've had a day job since left school and saved my hard earned cash for them, subsidised in part by earnings from music. I wonder if most of the Alembic owners have a similar status. Love the instruments, own them but are not full time pro's. It would be interesting to find out the balance between the number of alembic owners who are full time musicians ( i.e. earn all or almost all their income as a musician) vs amateurs or semi-professional musicians ( earn most of their income from outside music performance), and whether their alembic purchase was from music earnings totally or otherwise. Just me being nosey I guess because everyone I have met who has an alembic ( only 4 people) has a day job not in music and is semi-pro or an amateur who only plays at home. Jazzyvee | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 597 Registered: 10-2003 |
When I bought my Series I in 1981, I was a full-time musician. 811952 (a custom order worked out with Beverly and Susan over the phone) was paid for with money earned playing music (which didn't amount to much that year) and some teaching. Since sometime in 1986 I've had normal day gigs, with music being a sideline. For some years I didn't play music at all, which ironically gave me fresh perspectives when I picked it up again. I make less money now than I did in '84-'85, although by most accounts I'm not doing too badly at all. It seems though that as I have gotten older and my priorities have shifted towards creating and maintaining a stable lifestyle for the wife and kids, being able to set aside that kind of money for another custom Alembic is probably just a far-off fantasy. My advice to the younger musicians reading these pages is to get your order in with Val or Mica before life starts demanding you direct those resources elsewhere! John | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1559 Registered: 9-2003 |
I'm an amateur hobbyist...if I play with others, it's usually for free. I'm divorced with decent civil service job and no real bills, so a substantial chunk of my income is disposable. I've been playing for 28yrs (on and off) and I still have all the decent insruments I've ever bought. The difference between me now, as opposed to then, is that I can afford some expensive instruments. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| jalevinemd
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 285 Registered: 12-2003 |
The only time I make money playing guitar is if my wife pays me to stop! I'm a complete Sunday morning quarterback. I just started playing with a couple of other guys on weekends and I chomp at the bit between get togethers. Though I love the tones they're capable of, I must admit that I appreciate my Alembics more for their pure aesthetics than anything else. | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 291 Registered: 2-2005 |
I've always had a day job but there was time in my younger years I was making more from music than the day job. After I got married and had kids I drifted between semi-pro and amateur depending upon what was going on with the kids. Now that the youngest is grown up I am back at semi-pro and looking to play out more. I am trying to upgrade my rig, PA and basses while I have the disposable income. I hope to order a custom Series bass in a year or two. I will second John's point about getting an Alembic as early in your life as possible. I had looked into it when I was still single but was reluctant to get a custom Series 1 at $1500. Of course had I bought it I might not have the three basses I have now. so I can't say I regret not getting the Series but I definitely would have saved some money. Keith | ||
| jazzyvee
Advanced Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 313 Registered: 6-2002 |
I wanted an alembic since I realised that was the sound Clarkee had on the return to forever stuff. When I saw him in concert here when the 1st clarke duke project album was released it was then I was blown away by his tone. However I remember seeing an alembic in a music shop window around the early 80's and the price then was £3500. So no way did I have the money to get that. Probably almost half of my annual salary right there. Anyway I was more into playing guitar then but had a bass for sentimental reasons. It was about 3 years ago that I made the decison to look for an SC bass and managed to get one at a heavy discount as the bass centre here was selling off a number of alembics they couldn't sell. So it was really a case of, have the money get it then whilst I could afford the cost. It is easily the best instrument I have ever puchased in all aspects from sound, quality, playability to cosmetics. Its given me more inspiration to play and as a result my bass playing has improved no-end. In fact I ended up having to change my bass combo from trace Elliot ( which was fine with my Musicman Sterling) cos itt made my alembic sound horrible. In fact I exchanged it with my bass student for her small low wattage ashdown practice amp. I use a Mesa Boogie rig for live work now and an sf-2 Anyway my philosophy now is that, some point in the future I may not have the disposable income I have now so I'm trying to get the kit I want now so I don't have to buy it later on at higher cost. That said I've bought two Alembics this year an Europa 5 and an Orion Electric guitar. I would have probably ended my bass buying with the Europa had I not had a play on the Series II owned by the guy i bought the Europa from. Now I want one of those... But that will have to wait for a long while as I'm back to playing guitar on gigs for the forseeable future. Thanks for the postings they are very interesting. Jazzyvee | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 600 Registered: 12-2002 |
(Message edited by keavin on December 29, 2005) | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 855 Registered: 4-2004 |
if i could find a band and make a living i would give up my day job in a heartbeat i play for self enjoyment i work hard and i deserve nice toys... am VERY lucky to be in a position to do this... my higher power must be a musician too...lol (Message edited by flaxattack on December 29, 2005) | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 514 Registered: 11-2004 |
Wow, I have read many pieces of my story in the above posts. I heard about Alembic in 1974 when I started learning all I could about Stanley Clarke. There's no way I could've afforded one then. I didn't even consider trying. I'm really glad I didn't get one then. I played full time for all of 1977. By early 1978 I was so sick of music that I sold all my gear. I didn't even want to play as a hobby. I regret selling a rare Rick at that time. If I had sold an early Alembic I would really be kicking myself now. I love it the way it is now. I know a few really great musicians that I play with now. We work up sets and play around a bit. It is just perfect for me. I'm a warehouse manager with a family and that suits me just fine. I truly respect you people who love to gig regularly and get the chance to do it as often as you like. Not everyone wants to sit at a desk all day. To each his/her own as long as it brings an acceptable degree of happiness. Rich | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 534 Registered: 9-2002 |
ALEMBICs had been a totem in my mind ever since I saw a picture of one in the late 70s, had an ancient catalog from a music store and I was just taken, before I ever heard one. The technology and artistry involved in them leapt off the pages and I was never the same. I never held one in my hands until the early 90s, bought the BigRedBass without ever plugging it in. I KNEW what I was holding in my hands. That image of a Series Point is burned into my brain. I played for years in beer joints, Hotel lounges, Elks, Shrines, churches, tent revivals, a telethon or two, and made great side money doing it. I ALWAYS kept a day job, as I wouldn't depend on it solely with a family to feed. But I was fortunate in that I married a singer/musician, so she understood it all. And the axes and amps paid for themselves many times over. About six years ago, I really had enough of it all. I always tell people that if you're happily married, have no alcohol/drug problems, and are mostly well-adjusted, STAY THE HELL OUT OF MUSIC as you're just not gonna fit in or be accepted. My attitude went WAY south, so I just play for me now at home. But here recently, I'm mellowing in my old age and I'd like to gig some if I can find the right situation. So I'm a backslidden, on again off again, semi-pro bedroom player, retired from the Chicken Wire Grill and Lounge, soon to be back in the joints once more. Now, sing: There's no business like show business . . . J o e y | ||
| jazzyvee
Advanced Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 315 Registered: 6-2002 |
Bigredbass, I love your comment " I always tell people that if you're happily married, have no alcohol/drug problems, and are mostly well-adjusted, STAY THE HELL OUT OF MUSIC as you're just not gonna fit in or be accepted." There is a lot of truth in that statement. I'm a pretty well adjusted and responsible guy and over the years, I'm amazed at the amount of time that i've seen wasted at rehearsals and gigs waiting for people to finish their spliff and alcohol breaks. People being wasted on stage, timing all over the place due to alcohol and/drugs. The worst thing is, many times I've been the only straight and sober person in the band and after the gig I've been told MY timing was off..... Whilst the music industry seems to be held together by those kind of substances It is very hard to get accepted by those kind of musicians if you don't indulge. But I don't really worry too much about that. I just do my thing, the best I can. I couldn't stay out of music if I tried :-) Have a heartbeat, have music... :-) | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 280 Registered: 11-2003 |
I've never made my living from playing music, have always had a day job of some sort. Now, being in the Army full time puts a serious damper on playing in any kind of group, pro or otherwise (try playing in Baghdad, where I am now, for instance!). I have, however, supplemented my income with gig money when I was able to play with a band. I do love playing in front of people. Unfortunately, back home, in Fayetteville, NC, I am in musical hell. It is a military town, and most folks want to hear basically three types of music: country, blues (a lot of blues), and more modern stuff for the 20 to 30 year old crowd. I'm not knocking any of that stuff, mind you. It's just that none of it really does anything for me, so that when I am home, my vistas are very limited. I just can't see playing Travis Tritt tunes all night long, or a I-IV-V pattern, or worse, some modern rock song which requires that I play the whole tune on the E string. Again, not knocking it, just not for me. I suspect that when my personal situation is more stable and reliable that I will find some group of folks to play with. Until then I'm pretty much a bedroom player, unfortunately. The only reason I have Alembics now is that I have no children and hence, the disposable income that an Alembic requires. Same goes for my other instruments (I've got 19 in all, with another Alembic custom on the way). I'm not rich, just able to pick up the stuff I like. Anyway, I'll always play in one way or another, I guess. Alan | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1564 Registered: 9-2003 |
Man, if I had to rely on my playing to put food on the table, I'd have starved to death many, many moons ago, LOL! Some guys spend money on cars (me), some on (dating)women (me! me!), some on Harleys (me, me, me!), and some on guitars/basses (me again), etc. It's all a matter of what you're into and what your financial situation is. I like toys, so when I can, I splurge on the things that I love. I'm personally on ten guitars/basses and counting. | ||
| senmen
Senior Member Username: senmen Post Number: 525 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi All, I am also a part-time musician as I am working as local sales manager for a german-american forwarding company. You all know that I am a huge JE fan and with our WHO tribute band WHO ARE YOU I am doing my tribute to JE. Currrently I am working on our homepage.... Oliver (Spyderman) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 851 Registered: 7-2004 |
I used to play solo acoustic originals and covers at open mikes, little clubs, and even busking. Later I played in bands - none that made any real $ to speak of - while taking my time through college (9 years). I find that music works better for me as a hobby than a full time gig. When I met my wife she had two major reservations about me: 1. I was a lawyer 2. I was a musician I overcame these obstacles! The more established I've become in my wprk, the more $ I've had to spend on equipment and a studio. The trade off, of course, is time. With a full time practice, a wife and a 10 year old, finding the time to get to the studio can be a little daunting. But the thought of not having music as an outlet (hell, it's my therapy!) is frightening. I suspect there aren't too many pros that can afford an Alembic. Not the way the music business is set up (yechh, I hate the term. As I came to realize about myself, I love the "music" and hated the "business"). Essentially Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and a handful of others make millions. Everyone else starves. And the kicker is, it has little to do with talent! I say: PLAY FOR FUN (whether you get paid or not)! Bill, tgo | ||
| howierd
Member Username: howierd Post Number: 53 Registered: 8-2004 |
I started playing bass guitar when I heard the beatles play on the Ed Sullivan show. I used a six string Kent guitar as a bass. I was 12 yrs old. At 14 I bought a used hollow body Harmony bass. It was the real thing. I had a sears silvertone bass amp with 1 15" speaker. My band played at all the kids parties and at the intermediate school dances and battle of the bands in the northern Va area. At 15 I was playing keyboards in a soul band every Fri. and sat. nights. Sunday night we played at a club in D.C. called groovies near the Cellar Door. Most of the guys in the band were 18 or 19. The bass player was 14 and I was 15, but we looked older so we got away with playing in clubs.We also cut a 45 in a studio in Maryland in 1968. We always made $400 to $600 a night as a band divided 5 ways plus management. I quit the band in 1970 to went to college to play Football. I kept playing bass and after college I play in a rock band and then joined a 3 piece jazz rock fussion group. Bass, drums and keyboard. I was using a Gibson EB3 and a Fender Jazz and a Ampeg SVT. We didn't make much money but we had fun playing tunes by ELP Tony Williams Billy Cobham RTF etc. We played at small clubs in Northern Va for about 10 yrs. I aways had a day job and made good money. In 1978 I found my Series I at Giant Music in Falls Church Va. for $900.00. It was a yr old, and that's all I have played since. I stopped playing for a few yrs in late 90's due to Hep C and in 2002 I had a Liver transplant. Now I'm back to 100% and have been playing every day since. Now I'm looking for a band to join full time. I just want too play. Howierd | ||
| jalevinemd
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 287 Registered: 12-2003 |
Bill, What is "busking?" | ||
| bassdr
Junior Username: bassdr Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2004 |
My story is very similar to the rest of you. I started playing semi-pro in about 1967 while in high school. I could never make enough moeny playing music so I always had a day job. By 1975 the music scene got real thin here in Ann Arbor due to the disco craze that I stopped trying to play and went back to college. I continued to amuse myself playng the bass and played in an ensemble during the end of Med school and residency. Again playing bass sporatically until 5 years when I started playing at church in the praise band. Three an 1/2 years some friends and I started a secular band and again I am in the semi-pro ranks again. At this point I imagine I will continue to play until i am physically unable to do so! I agree: play for fun- esp. when you play - an Alembic- Michael (Flame Koa Essence) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 2923 Registered: 5-2002 |
From the Cambridge International Dictionary of English: busk verb [I] UK to play music or sing in a public place so that the people who are there will give money | ||
| gbarchus
Intermediate Member Username: gbarchus Post Number: 156 Registered: 6-2002 |
I did nothing but play music from 1970 until 1982 when a record contract fell through (we didn't want to sign!). I lived on a few couches during that time. Since then I've been an English teacher, playing on the weekends. I fell in love with the Alembic sound in 1971 when my mostly original band also played some Grateful Dead tunes (Merle Haggard's Mama Tried, Playing in the Band and Bertha). At the time I couldn't afford an Alembic and "messed up" my '66 PBass by putting a Jazz bridge pickup and active electronics, trying to get an Alembic sound. I settled for a Rickenbacker with Rotosound flats. Teaching English in Japan, I could finally afford to get my first Alembic, which was a dream come true. I'm trying desperately to get back to my first love, playing music full-time. My kids are just starting college so I have four years to prepare. (Message edited by gbarchus on December 30, 2005) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 852 Registered: 7-2004 |
Dave's got it right, just open your case (maybe throw a few bills and some change in to "chum" the waters, so to speak), and start playing. Sproul plaza at U.C. Berkeley was always fun. Sometimes we'd get a little band going. If I was lucky I'd make enough for coffee, new batteries for the pignose and even meet a few girls! I still have my original sign that fit in the top of my opened guitar case: "Though it's true that music can cure all ills, even a musician must pay his bills" Bill, tgo | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 541 Registered: 9-2002 |
AJD THANK YOU for your service to us all ! ! Your post made me remember my days in Pensacola in a band that played lots of clubs 'on post' at the many Navy bases around NW Florida: We'd play the 'O' Club (Officers' Club for you civilians!) and it was always like Muzak: All white ice-cream suits and wives and bigger brass around: No one had ANY fun! Then we'd play the NCO (Chiefs') Club and it was just great: These guys would let their hair down, didn't care WHO saw them and had a blast. But we NEVER played the Enlisted Club. I asked the BandLeader about this one night, and he said "We don't EVER play in there, they're animals!!" J o e y | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 281 Registered: 11-2003 |
Joey, No need to thank me, though I do appreciate it. I'm just doing my job, like other service members here. It's what you and every other American citizen expects us to do. Navy officers being uptight? Say it isn't so! :-) Funny, in all the years I've been in the Army, the only "function" I've ever played was a gig in Korea where a lot of folks who attended a going away party for someone showed up afterwards. A three-star general got out on the dance floor with his wife, and he looked like someone one who'd drank too much whilst having a horrible muscular dysfunction. And I would have to agree with the NCOs knowing how to have fun - NCO clubs are usually much more "loose" than the Officer's Clubs. Thanks, Alan P.S. Anyone want to send me an Alembic to play? :-) | ||
| suikishell
New Username: suikishell Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2005 |
I find this posting most appropriate and very interesting..its great to hear from all the owners. when i first got an alembic i thought "kind of snobby" but i'm warming up. i started my music career on violin at the ripe young age of 12 and at 16 and having to defend myself(physically) for being in the orchestra (in '74) and realizing the bass was cool, i quit and got a bass. now after playing mainly for fun and church ive added a 57 precision and a 64 t-bird IV to my collection i just look at my alembic and its not the same. it calls to me. play me...as for playing to pay my bills..ah well life in so cal and home prices i dont think are really feasable. cut my teeth on stanleys first album zep, who, trower, allman bros. and now its all the rest..chilis,etc marcus???sometimes too much to handle..but the main thing is i felt like wow an alembic for just at home? with the price?? just knowing that theres a lot of guys (or gals) plugging in alembics for the sheer joy of it and more makes it well..sweeet.. so many styles and techniques..still love my flea vcr starlicks sessions with flea instructional video with river phoenix (respctfully RIP)will hopfully be back with a worship team at some point ..until then,,whats so funny bout peace love and understanding... | ||
| jlpicard
Advanced Member Username: jlpicard Post Number: 291 Registered: 7-2002 |
I played full time for many years starting back in the mid Seventies only picking up the odd day job here and there when things were slow gig wise. Joined an original progressive rock band ( read Yes/Rush/Genesis) that morphed into a Las Vegas lounge band in order to make a living?! Played the casinos in the early Eighties untill another original project called me away. Even played for Elvin Bishop for a while in the mid Eighties. Then I fell in love with someone that I eventually had to become a care giver for, and at that point I had to make a choice between my career and that person, so I took on a full time day job and I have been a weekender ever since. The upside of the the whole thing is that I had coveted an Alembic ever since Stanley hit the scene but as my meager musician income rose, so did the price of Alembics so my dream never became a reality untill 98' when I was able to use a 401k loan to purchase my first Alembic. I am now working on #5 and a custom to boot!! Never could have done it without the day gig! | ||
| jazzyvee
Advanced Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 317 Registered: 6-2002 |
$401,000 for an Alembic....!!!!!!!!!!! Which options did you select in the quote generator.........lol I must have missed the options for solid gold top and back laminates, ebony neck with platinum laminates and diamond encrusted nut, bridge and knobs. LOL Jazzyvee | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 542 Registered: 9-2002 |
S'Shell Growing up in East Texas in the 60/70s, I took LOTS of grief from my testoserone-laden friends for having to go home and practice my piano while they were in football practice. But you know what? NONE of them ever made a dime playing football, and I can still make money playing music! J o e y | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 939 Registered: 11-2003 |
Joey/Alan, I got thrown out of a Marine Corps banquet that I crashed on Jeckyll Island. Does that count? To answer the question, other than occasional jams with friends or my son in law, I'm strickly a solo at home player. The gear shares a room with some exercise equipment that my wife refers to as the Toy Room. One day I'll work up the gumption to get on a stage. There has been discussions with a local musician/bar owner about doing something at his place. Sam | ||
| george_wright
Junior Username: george_wright Post Number: 46 Registered: 3-2005 |
J o e y said
Dang, Joey, that takes me back to the Sherman Field O Club in 1967. All of us new ensigns were required to join the O club, so.... Might as well use it, right? Don't remember any music, but I do remember the picnic tables set up in the ballroom on Friday afternoons, seeded with salty snacks. I remember ordering mixed drinks by the pitcher! (Sure can't do that any more, I'm happy to say.) But to get back on topic, I've never been a pro musician. If asked, I call myself a hobbyist. I've played with the same band for ten years now, filing a Schedule C to cover the ~5kUSD that this brings in annually. (For you non-US folks, a Sched C is the US tax form that covers non-day-job income.) Tonight we're playing a NYE gig at a Baltimore hotel. Could have had a free room, but my wife's working the 3--11 shift (nurse), so... :-(, | ||
| 2400wattman
Junior Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 38 Registered: 11-2005 |
I became a full timer before my Alembic aquisition and that bass WAS NOT NEW by any means. I'm not in the doctor/lawyer high roller crowd so my dream Alembic will probably remain that. It only hurts a little... ha ha ha! Playing music and not punching somebody else's damn clock is more important, so I shall build my retirement with my frugal attitude, Roth, and without my dream bass! Damn that stinks! | ||
| lowave
New Username: lowave Post Number: 4 Registered: 12-2005 |
Geez what memories all this brings back. Back in the 70's I played in all the Navy clubs within 100 miles of Jacksonville fla. They were a steady source of gigs...especially since our lead singer was blond, athletic, female and could do a serious Robert Plant. Then in the 80's I played all the Military Clubs in the Fla pan handle. From Panama city to Pensacola. Once again the key was knockout female singer. She was more the Ann Wilson type. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 941 Registered: 11-2003 |
Tom, drop me a line, if you like. We may know some people in common. Sam | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 524 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sam and Tom, do you guys know a Jacksonville, FL singer/songwriter named Tom Shed (aka Tom Sheddan)? I believe he did a lot of gigging in that area in the same time period as you guys. He's about the only non-Alembician I have met who knows a lot about Alembics. Rich | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 942 Registered: 11-2003 |
It doesn't ring a bell, Rich. Was he with a particular band? Sam | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 526 Registered: 11-2004 |
Sam, he was with quite a few bands over the years but I don't know any names. These days he tours the U.S. (mainly the southern states) as a solo artist. Last summer I backed him up on a couple of gigs. He has another tour booked for next spring/summer. I will probably play bass on some of the Colo. gigs. Rich | ||
| precarius
Junior Username: precarius Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2005 |
"P.S. Anyone want to send me an Alembic to play? :-)" Alan- I think I'll keep my Alembics here- in Charlotte,NC- But if you ever need it, I've got a Warwick or a Peavey G bass I would gladly send you. I get to do what I do because you do what you do. Thanks. Mike | ||
| ajdover
Advanced Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 282 Registered: 11-2003 |
Mike, Thanks for the kind offer. I'm looking at acquiring something to play over here. I'll have to get an amp or some type of device that will allow me to hear myself as well. My wife was supposed to send me one of my "lesser" basses, but she's having some difficulty in figuring out how to do it. The way I see it, by the time she figures it out I can probably have something in my hands on my own. We'll see, I guess. Thanks again, Alan | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2203 Registered: 9-2002 |
I am a musician in the first place. NOT professionally in the meaning of that word that I would play music for a living. I always had other jobs (or was looking for jobs) There was a time I had money for Bonnie and even THAN somebody helped me to obtain the instrument. I hope there will be a time that I will be able to play more in the future soon. I only play BLUE STUFF now and the gigs are rare ...VERY rare. Unfortunately I cannot join another band -altough I got some interesting propositions- due to the simple fact that I have no car anymore (lost when my business went bankrupt). I go to rehearsal by train -basses on a gigbag over the shoulder (no not Bonnie)- and play on the PAsystem. The rare gigs I have causes a fight for a car to lend everytime. So ...a daytime job is VERY important to me. Not only to give me the opportunity to buy a decent poweramp (which I need very badly), but simply to give me back the financial means to get to playing. But ...there is always sun behind the clouds!!! And I get strength and hope for better days to come out of my playing: in the back of our garden, in the living room on a chair, so ...I still am a musician (bassplayer) first ... Paul the bad one (Message edited by palembic on January 03, 2006) | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 248 Registered: 2-2003 |
Many elements of my story have already been covered in the preceeding posts. I too, learned fisticuffs whilst standing at a bus stop during grammar school because I had a violin case with me. At the tender age of 18 I realized that in New England it is quite important to have a warm place to sleep and I needed a day job to keep myself in an apartment. Six years later I found myself unemployed for the first time in my life and played in three bands and still couldn't pay the rent. I've had to work day jobs ever since and have supplemented my income with gigs... I never have forgotten that what I do to make a living is not who I am, merely what I do so I can be, even if only part time, who I am, a Musician. JP ps- Brother PTBO, sorry to hear about the rough patch you are going through. The bad times don't last forever and the cream always rises to the top! | ||
| mpisanek
Intermediate Member Username: mpisanek Post Number: 127 Registered: 1-2005 |
I'm a part timer as well. I played bass and guitar through high scool and college up and down the east coast of the US, but quit playing due to family commitments and the like. In 1992 I moved to Dublin and played guitar, bass, and mandolin 3 nights a week for 9 years. The money was real good for a part timer. Maybe the reason I never tried the pro route was fear, fear of loosing the love of music. I love to play, and would really hate to loose that love because it became the way that I had to put food on the table. It occurs to me that for some reason I am a chronic complainer! I complain when there are too many gigs, I complain when there aren't enough gigs. I complain when I have to lug my gear to a bad venue. I complain when I have to travel too far for a gig. But I really love music! How could I possibly make a living like that??? LOL! | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 511 Registered: 6-2002 |
Every gig nite (too far and few between) at about 1:30 or 2 AM (during loadout) I threaten to learn piccolo or fife.  Mike P.S. I'm a part-timer. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 603 Registered: 10-2003 |
Mike, Amen to that. John | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 866 Registered: 7-2004 |
That's when I'm jealous of singers and harmonica players! Bill, tgo | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 298 Registered: 2-2005 |
Bill why are you jealous? I sing all of the time and still have to move my rig myself. :-) Keith | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 868 Registered: 7-2004 |
I meant singers as opposed to singer/guitarists, singer/keyboardists, singer/drummers, singer/bassists, singer/anvil smashers, singer/bulldozer operators, singer/etc. In my band I share lead singing with a woman who just sings. I hump my guitar stuff and the P.A. when we need it. She carries her microphone. Bill, tgo | ||
| mpisanek
Intermediate Member Username: mpisanek Post Number: 128 Registered: 1-2005 |
When do you think they will invent inflatable amplifiers? I'd buy one! No size issues, no weight issues! Could you imagine breaking down after a gig. . . just pull the plug to let the air out, roll it up, and away you go! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 606 Registered: 10-2003 |
Speaking of professionals, I saw an inflatable singer in a book store once... :0 (Message edited by 811952 on January 05, 2006) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 870 Registered: 7-2004 |
While it's not inflatable, Crate has come out with the next best thing ... the "Powerblock". A VERY small amp, think about 3 VHS tapes, delivering 75 watts per channel stereo or 150 mono. And it actually sounds fairly decent! I bought one to use as a back up (around $200). My biggest complaint is no reverb, but it does have an effects loop, so I wire in my old Alesis mini nanoverb, (about the size of 1/2 a VHS tape). The Powerblock also has RCA ins to attach a CD player, mp3 player, or other device for jamming along. Now all I need is a high quality miniature speaker cab! LOL Bill, tgo | ||
| jazzyvee
Advanced Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 320 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well here are some inflatable speakers... although I doub't if they'd be able to power some of your rigs. http://www.uktradeinvestusa.com/dbuk/sector/products_show.asp?SarticleType=6&Article_ID=846 http://www.t3.co.uk/news/entertainment/speakers/?a=144321 thanks for all your comments on my original posting, although its diversified in places , I'm very pleased with the response from you all. Cheers Jazzyvee |
