Starting band practices..

[Forbes]

Ok i have all members needed for a band, we have messed about 'jammin' before but not really done what i would consider a 'real' band practice, the school holidays have just started and we have all decided we want to start practicing together often. As far as i can see we have a couple of options with practicing, we either go to the practice rooms(which could get expensive if we go alot) at the local recording studio, or purchase what we need for the vocals and practice at the house/garage.

So my questions are these....
What would you suggest for an inexperience band starting out?

If we practice using our own equipment an in our own houses then what do i need for the vocals/how much will it cost us- i hear lots of talk of 'PA's and mic's and speakers and am pretty confused to what exactly id need?

If we do decide to buy our own stuff where is the best place to get it from?

thanks for looking,
Forbes

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Starting band practices..

The benefit of having your own gear is that it pays for itself over time, and it not only gives you more access in terms of gigs (for bars or whatever that don't have a PA) but it also gives you bargaining power when you need to muscle your way onto a gig (!).

You can get complete sound reinforcement systems from Carvin. That's where I would start.

My band has a 24/7 rehearsal room, which is basically my mad scientist lab for my unholy sound experiments. I am sooo glad I've gotten off the pay-by-the-hour merry-go-round!

 

[Tom M]

Re: Starting band practices..

Practice in a garage. It's so much cheaper and easier than anything else. I'd make sure one person buys the whole vocal setup, or each person buys specific parts. If it's made as a group purchase, things will get real ugly when the band splits. Best place to get vocal stuff is probably from a local store with good used stuff.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Starting band practices..

I agree about the purchase. It keeps things business like and on the up-and-up if anyone wants to split ...

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Starting band practices..

Tend to agree with what has been said so far - get your own equipment and practice in a garage/yard or anywhere that will have you make noise for a few bucks. If you are getting used - and they are bound to be plenty of PA stuff because bands have split up or whatever make sure that you have what is adequate for your needs but don't go overboard.

Get everyone to chip in so that all are responsible that way if anything happens the remainder of the band can buy out the guy(s) so that they can go without there being any problems. When you purchase any used stuff don't be frightened to put in a ridiculous offer for the stuff, some bands just want to get rid of stuff quickly and take the first offer. Good luck.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Starting band practices..

Definately check out Aroundabout sound, they have some solid, cheap PA gear in front of the counter, as you walk in. Practice in a garage wherever possible. If not, Landsdown studios are pretty cheap, and they have a lift for your gear. how cool!

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Starting band practices..

Just want to give you some further advice.

If possible try and get yourself some active speakers (12" with power amps built in) of 200W-300W with a decent mixer say 16 channel. This way you can add in a modular way to your PA as it grows with you. If you need some more speakers then simply buy some more active speakers and daisy chain them. At some point you can then buy an active bass speaker and also link that in as well. This way you do not lose out when you need either more power and have all the expense of having to upgrade them

I think these speakers can be expensive, obviously because they have power amps built in, but if you can pick them up reasonably cheap then that is the way to go.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Starting band practices..

you can get some nice all in one systems for cheap. JBL and fender make some that seem to be really nice. but for what you want, all you need is a powered mixer, a monitor or 2, 2 full range speakers, and a mic or 2. you probably won't need the full range speakers right away but again, it'll be good bargaining power when ya try to get gigs.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Starting band practices..

also, what kind of band are ya starting?? Originals?? Covers?? Might I suggest that if you start with originals, don't play any covers. you'll get labeled as a cover band and won't make it anywhere.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Starting band practices..

also, what kind of band are ya starting?? Originals?? Covers?? Might I suggest that if you start with originals, don't play any covers. you'll get labeled as a cover band and won't make it anywhere.

Wasn't Metallica originally a cover band?

Cover's get you gigs which puts money in your pocket.

Money in your pocket means you can get better gear, travel further, a pay for sh*t like studio time and rehersal spaces.

If you want to do originals, throw some originals in your set.

If you get labeled as a cover band and can't go anywhere, change your band name once your ready to switch to all originals.

 

[TwistedSoul]

Re: Starting band practices..

I have to agree with screamingdaisey. Doing covers can be fun and it will help put money in your pocket. We do some covers and when you do the ones that people really like it helps to get the crowd going.

 

[FenderBoy]

Re: Starting band practices..

when you play in front of people make sure to get feedback from them, i.e. what do they want to hear.... you could even put paper on a clipbourd and have them list songs they want to hear

 

[Forbes]

Re: Starting band practices..

Thanks for the advice guys, and we were planning to mix a few originals with a few covers, but hopefully progress to all originals after a while, but its early days at the moment.

 

[Dooogz]

Re: Starting band practices..

KOol, personally id say get your own kit, as many ppl here have said its worth it in the long run. My band practice in the 'garage' (its more like a spare clapped out building on my land) and use our own stuff (except the sound system for our singer, we "borrow" that from our other guitarists dad)!