My secret busking kit - Things that make the show while busking

[@benjamincardenas4219]

Birdcord is a product that coverts 5v usb to 9v dc for pedals, it can power 3-4 pedals with any battery pack, check it out. I also use a Yamaha thr10 as an amp bc of batteries. I love buskers, and performers who take it to the streets,,in the trenches. Cool vid with different ideas thanks for sharing.

[@mewoosh]

Jack Black meets Rodney Dangerfield! Thanks for the tips! Been thinking about busking in Niagara Falls for the first time

[@eweegeewa]

I attached velcro to my fly 3 and the 103 so I can have both of them attached to my shoulder strap. Thx for the great tips. Loved the video !! I`ve been busking since Sept `16 here in Calgary, Alberta.

[@DAVEBLISS2007]

Go use a Boss Cube Street II, much better and louder than you Blackstar mini amp. Cube Street II has 2 x 5 watts, looper, micr and guitar input, harmony and optional midi / Bluetooth module. It is the best for busking use. 8 hrs from batteries.

[@generalpatzer6893]

When I busk I just bring my acoustic guitar, my voice a harmonica rack and a C harmonica. Totally portable no battery required and fully wireless.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

General Patzer Sometimes I do the exact same. What I find for me is that I use busking as rehearsal for paying gigs since I can stretch and play stuff I'm working on over and over again and not get bored. The looper really helps with soloing and sounding bigger than one guy and a guitar.. The homeless folks make better tips because they just beg and where I play, they will kick you off for begging. Thanks for the comment and thanks for getting out there on the streets and sharing your music.

[@malkyvich]

How it should be brother

[@alanwann9318]

I busked since the seventies using a amp .I took the plunge on retiring and went all acoustic desiring portability and fun. I make the same money and can play any where instantly. Banjo harp vocal the small kids love it too .I rely on musical ability performing familiar songs the public knows.

[@skaybaltimore]

@@alanwann9318 Now there's a novel concept -- relying on musical ability performing songs the public knows. (Did you happen to purchase that on Reverb?) :-D (J/K.)

[@rhythmpoet-donut6455]

I find that for some vocal notes, I can’t belt them out with volume so I need an amp and a mic. Having an amp with two inputs allows me to mix my sound. I find it’s really worth it!

[@jahmark9336]

Boss RC30 batteries last ages it's also got mic input as well as instrument Def worth getting the extra speaker it really makes a difference peace and love from Bristol, England

[@fgonzalez90]

How many hours do the (alkaline) batteries last on your RC30? I think it's sad that it doesn't take Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. Are there alternatives?

[@babbalouie3074]

Thanks for this info. I use the bigger Ditto looper for busking as well. Use an Anker portable battery charger I bought on Amazon ($130.00). Has two USB ports. Works perfect. Powers the Ditto (with line converter) and Line 6 guitar wireless for about three hours. Also use an AER compact mobile amp for vocal and guitar PA. As a full time RVer need my busking equipment to be compact, and rugged yet still sound as good as possible.

[@Kalanimauimusic]

DANIEL HELLER how do you like the Compact Mobile? Do you know if that is what many of the great sounding buskers in Europe are using?

[@KateMcDougallMusic]

I sing and play so I require more. I use the Roland cube street ex.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Kate McDougall I also sing and play. When I want to go bigger I use the Mackie Free play system. Sound great. App to control things from my phone and Bluetooth for tracks. I'm trying one of those trio pedals that's a band in a box with some mixed results. Good for you for getting out there any spreading your music. I find I sing most of my own stuff and work on arrangements for songs I'm recording. I'm spending this year recording and writing and still working on my guitar and vocal technique. It's a long road. Glad I have company. Hope you get big tips and a big break. Thanks for comments.

[@lgiorgos1]

what do you think about the fender passport mini?

[@skaybaltimore]

@Evil Rev I ordered a Mini and am waiting for it to arrive (slowed down a bit by the holidays). Do you notice a decrease in volume when it's running on batteries vs plugged in? Thanks.

[@skaybaltimore]

@Evil Rev Thanks. I'll know better after I have direct hands on experience. But from what I've read it seems to belie its 7 watt power rating (depending on the environment in which it's being used of course).

[@skaybaltimore]

@Evil Rev Cool. Thanks.

[@gonzalojimenezrivero9666]

i do micro busking gear too in my country bolivia and i developed it durring the passing years and i realized while good and small it is better..toy end your day less tired

[@JJGhostHunters]

Cool set-up! I have a Yamaha THR10X that is quite expensive (worth every penny!) but I could see that little amp being very useful for buskers as well.

[@AzraelPercussionNEO]

JJGhostHunters That is a good little portable Amp. Need to purchase mine then I will be on the street.

[@thomaschilds8781]

Fly 3 is a nice sounding amp, but it's not up to busking. Do your reputation a favour and use a cube street or bigger. 2nd idea, as you use a lithium battery pack for the WiFi transmitter, why not get the adapter to power the looper also?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Thomas Childs Remember at my spot you can't be heard over 50 feet away, you can't ask for tips, and you must play clean or they will run you off. Also remember this is my micro busking bag. I use a Mackie free play system for larger spots and I do have an inverter and battery pack to power it all. For my regular gigs I use a turbosound ip1000. I use what's right for the venue. Thanks for the comments. Happy busking. :)

[@rashidiigraffiti]

Im using a black star amp...thnaks for the additional info and sharing...

[@bortchy]

If you not singer is enough.But fot vocal is absolutely not enough.

[@BlackHeartGuitar]

I'm thinking for a Looper, record Looper tracks but how to play Looper and Drums ( Amp) as Guitar backup? Phone through speaker? Anyone?

[@lizveta6643]

That was really informative, but I can't figure out what the wireless thing is? a speaker?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

That's my guitar cord. It plugs the guitar into the amp. I busk with a bigger amp these days but still use a wireless unit.

[@willybologna]

I play celtic harp, mandolin, guitar, and banjo, but not at the same time! Been busking for over a decade. I was looking at the blackstar amp. How's the battery life on it?Thanks for the review. I like your rig, I think it might work well for me. Might add a tuner to it. How much for the total set up? Thanks for the video. Heavy hats to you.

[@eweegeewa]

the amp alone runs for 15 hours. with extension cab, half that. the ext cab adds bass and BALLS. Great for electric guitar. In Canada, price is 80 /amp,40/ext cab/ and 17/adapter. $ 139 complete set. In U.S.A. it's 25% less. Amazon and Best Buy sells them. Katana Mini is also good and 7 watts with two 4 inch speakers. Also has other features.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

A 400W GoalZero Yeti power supply would also work.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Yes it would, but that beast is $1200 my solution is $100. I’d love to have one of those inverters. I just can’t justify the cost. The ROI is low for how often I use it. My current busking kit is a Mackie freeplay. I did a video on the freeplay. My kit in this video got stolen out of my truck, smashed the window and took my stuff. My looper is battery operated so I have no need for an inverter right now. Thank for the comment. Happy busking.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic Actually, I bought the 400W model for around $500 at REI around June 2019. It wasn't $1200. Sweet device.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Cool. I see they also have a 150 for $200. Get the best you can afford. My rig doesnt use much juice but a poor inverter will make noise. I'm glad they are offering more choices.

[@buskerbuddy2108]

Great video, when your moving around with the guitare do you not use a mic ?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

No, I really don't. I only use this tiny system for the guitar and playback tracks. I have two more systems that I use as well. See my review of the Mackie Freeplay system for my other busking system that I actually do use a mic with. I do have a wireless headset mic that I can use but I find that it's better for me if I just use a regular mic. That way I don't need power for anything. Thanks for the comment.

[@darinv_music]

Awesome setup. Had to go look up the Line 6 relay... so you plug that into your guitar so that you're wireless, then plug the transmitter into your blackstar amp right? Or do you use the Line 6 by itself and the blackstar for an amp?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Urban Suburban Girl Blog Right. The line 6 transmitter plugs into the guitar and the receiver goes into the amp. Right now I use a boss wireless because both the transmitter and receiver have batteries. The line 6 is on my pedalboard with my voice live 3x. That’s what I use on my main shows. I use a battery ditto when I busk. My black star got stolen so. Have another tiny amp to replace it but I also busk with a MackieFreeplay system.

[@MrAnthonyKennedy1]

Thanks for this David. Cheers!

[@billwilliams6338]

why do you use only 150watts and not 300 watts? using a car charger in the cars cigarettes port would be sucking the juice from your cars 12vdc battery to recharge your deep cycle battery?

[@eweegeewa]

I watched a tube video in attaching a guitar strap to the amp. Quick locks. Then you dont need that Linex. Or did you say Line 6 ?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Neil Dorin it's a line 6 and it's about 200. All digital. I have my amp in my tip hat. I also use the looper so I need the pedal on the ground. You could put a strap on the amp and wear it. Hadn't really thought of that. Amp in the hat hides it and keeps the hat from blowing away. It also let's you focus the sound in a single direction. Where I busk on the square, the restrictions say no one can hear you 50 feet away. So I position mine to comply. I move around a bit when I'm playing so I like to me mobile and light on my feet. :) Thanks for the comments. I've also adapted a battery pack to power the looper.

[@jjones9536]

Hi love your video very helpful. I have done some busking but hoping to busk alone. I have the Blackstar fly and like your addition of the Gi Ex 10 . but I also need a mic how would you suggest i added that to my kit please. It all looks great and basically not to cumbersome. Great voice by the way you've got it all sorted. Looking forward to your response. take care JJ

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

When I need a mic I step up my system. I have two of the mackie freeplay original systems. These are the ones that look like mickey mouse or some kind of alien head. I have a review of mine on the channel. It has everything I need and I use a small rolling travel bag to carry everything. I got one as a demo and one used so I paid about 200. I love this unit because it has two multi jack input for mic or line and bluetooth control from my ipad. It goes on battery or plug in and lasts for hours. When I need a mic, I use this system instead of the blackstar.

[@NonApplicable1983]

I think the delay is supposed to be in stereo.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

If you have the companion speaker, it could be stereo along with the mp3 player. But with the single speaker it is in mono. Still sounds good and is a good addition to the little guy. I like the distortion and the simple eq when I play my electric. The acoustic sounds awful with the distortion. Thanks for the comments. Keep playing.

[@nexusnostalgia]

You rock dude! Thank you!

[@barryprofessionalmusicianc832]

Nice video. I have my tracks on a tablet. A little more info on that bluetooth remote control. Name of the brand and how it controls tracks? Thanks Barry from NYC

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Hi Barry. I'm not sure the model number on the remote. It's a bluetooth key fob kind of thing. I map the function in Best Boy music remote software so it does start, stop, pause, skip track, skip back track and volume up and down.

[@saxonsteve]

Hey! Great Info!! Got one question for you? Do you use that looper outside? It needs a power source, right?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

saxonsteve The stereo version takes a 9 volt but it eats it up pretty quick. I've got a newer version of rig I use now. My truck got broken into and they stole my busking bag. I had put some things onto my pedal board but they got my amp, busking goodies, and a power inverter with battery pack. I made a li\let battery pack from AA batteries just for the looper before I got the inverter. I never even had a chance to use it. They broke my window, stole my laptop and bag the day I was going out. My window is still broken I've got glass coming in Tuesday.

[@chrismengos8379]

Have you tried the Joyo MA 10b or a? How would you compare it with the Blackstar? Do you think the Joyo is loud enough for busking? Thank you

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I haven’t tried it. My black star got stolen and I replaced it with a laney. The laney had this feature where you can connect your phone and get all kinds of tones. I found it more of a gimmick than useful. But the amp is fine. Loud enough to not be noticed in places where you actually can’t use a pa, but not really loud enough for places that will let you have a pa. For places where I need more, I use the Mackie free play. It’s awesome and I use it for shows too. For bigger club gigs I use the turbo sound ip1000. Hope this helps. Happy busking. 💰😃👍👊

[@billwilliams6338]

Hi what kind of rechargeable battery can you use to plug my fender or marshall amplifier to play outside on the street? I would need a DC to AC power converter unit also

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I use a Dewalt 150 watt inverter from Home Depot and a deep cycle battery from walmart. I charge it with my walmart car charger. It’s all I need for my whole big rig and pedal board. That’s another video. Lol

[@Subilon]

Is the black star amp loud enough because some people say it's not loud.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I think it was pretty loud. My amp was stolen after I made this video. I replaced it with a Laney. About the same size. In my area you can’t be loud for busking.

[@Subilon]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic I have one I might try it.I’ll run a zoom 505ii through it.

[@bassdale17]

while your walking around some one may take your amp !

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I’d be more concerned about my tip jar or sign ….. or the cops. The amp is right at my feet so I never worry about that … it’s out of reach … but my tip jar is target. Fortunately I’ve never had an issue with anything but cops. Free speech does not matter to Atlanta and Cobb county cops. If they can hear you 50 feet away they will make you turn off any amp. I’ve played with street drummers and horn players and I have no chance of being heard over those guys acoustically. I’ve even been asked to move on saying I’m loitering when I’m playing. Homeless people make more money than me just begging. People don’t appreciate buskers and street performers in the states. If you ever try I hope you have better luck. I have other goals for busking other than tips. Cheers …..

[@fabianelola5686]

Is it good that blackstar to plug guitar and microphone to sing? Good enough? Thanks! Im planning to go out next week...how many songs or time of playing you recommend to start?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

The blackstar doesn't have a mic input but it does have a 1/8" Jack for an mp3 player. My pedal board has a headphone out so I could plug in my mic through my acoustic live pedal if I wanted but in most of my venues, you just can't be that loud. I have a Mackie freeplay system I use when I do want to plug in a mic. The freeplay and the roland cube are both good choices if you can be louder. You don't need that many songs to start. In fact, that is one of the main reasons to busk so that you can get better and increase your catalog of songs. Just go do it and share your music. Good luck my friend. Have fun and make music. Remember that most people aren't gonna stay for more than maybe 5 or 10 minutes. So start with 15 minutes of material and repeat it a few times. You get better at those songs and next time out add a new song.

[@darkmysterytemple]

It's great but how about if you sing and need a mic ?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I have a mackie freeplay system that I use as well. It’s battery operated and I use a looper pedal.

[@darkmysterytemple]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic thanks I'll Google it unless you've already done a video.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

@@darkmysterytemple Google it. I use an older model. The new model is really cool. I have two. I can use them as floor monitors on my bigger system, but I find that I don’t need them with my bigger “gigging” rig. I have a pair of turbo sound IP1000 personal line array speakers. I love those things. Lol 😆

[@scottallen6058]

A backing track would be in stereo.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

The backing track on a single speaker like mine is in mono. If you use the companion speaker, it is in stereo. I don't have the companion speaker. Stereo isn't that good for most pa applications. It really depends on how your audience is set up. In some applications, it sounds great. When I mix a big pa, I like to run the fx like reverb and stuff in stereo and it makes a big difference. But if you hard pan things like drums and stereo instruments like keys and pianos most of the audience won't hear it unless they are in the sweet spot of the stereo field. Thanks for the comment and keep busking.

[@argi0774]

That's 6 years ago now and today this is completely outdated with it's AA batteries power supply. And to be honest, it already was back then

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

The products may have been upgraded but this rig is just as useful now as it was then. It makes you money and gets you busking. Of course the products are outdated. This rig has changed for me, but this is where I started and it worked great for years.

[@argi0774]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic Of course it is useful, but using AA batteries in 2022 is very annoying. There are solutions with USB charging nowadays which is a lot better.

[@adamv4344]

Thanks

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Where do you busk? I noticed your T Shirt is that an Annual Festival in Alabama? I have Most of the Equipment you have. and the Phone power banks vooster etc.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I busk in a few public places. Some are on various lacation on or around the Marietta square, a few places around Woodstock ga, and in New York on the subway when I can. I don't press for money. You can't in Marietta or Woodstock. In New York, it's okay. I busk to spread my music, gain fans with social media, and to work out tunes I've written. Thanks for the comments. Good luck busking.

[@mr.mikeaz1]

I have been using a vox mini G3 modeling amp for about 4 years now and still love it. Has 2 inputs, use Mic and guitar or 2 mics if you have acoustic with no pickup. Anything big I just Mic the vox amp, powered pa speaker, venue pa anything will work , simplify

[@thebeastoffeasterpark]

does anyone else think he looks a bit like Michael Shannon?

[@BuzzyWhitlowIndy]

I need a bag for my street cube. Any suggestions?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I now have a Mackie freeplay system and I got a case for it at a thrift store. It's one of those flexible drink coolers with wheels. Kinda of looks like a luggage carry on bag but has all the padding. The wheels are tiny but it works well for me. That is for the comment. Happy busking.

[@goodtimefolkrock]

How do you use the looper wirelessly?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

My reciever plugs into the looper and then goes to my amp. Judt like a cable.

[@_Only_Zuul]

how would i have such a setup for a bass player? i'm using a vox VX50BA small 50w bass amp.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

You are going to have to get some kind of battery/ inverter for your amp. lots of them to choose. Don't worry, I have to do the same thing to power my new pedal board.Then I would use the track/aux to play to tracks. Bass really isn't a singer songwriter instrument. lol Hope this helps.

[@_Only_Zuul]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic yeah i'd be playing bass to backing tracks and using a sony srs-xb501 portable speaker for that. it would be cool if there was some product that was battery and inverter combined..like a battery you can just plug straight into.

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

@@_Only_Zuul They have them. They are lithium powered and are way cool. Do an Amazon search. There are plenty out there. They call them solar generators or something like that.

[@carlosdiaz93]

Thanks, old american american, congratulations

[@JNITLOST]

What about vocals?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

At my venue, they don't allow you to be that loud. In places where I can be that loud, I use a little bigger system. I use the Mackie Freeplay system. It's battry operated and plug in, has a digital mixer I can use with my phone and two mic/line combo jacks plus bluetooth audio playback. The thing rocks. It will cover 50 people easy. For even bigger shows I use a Turbosound IP1000.

[@TheMichaelseymour]

great stuff bud, good tips ....sounds good. Hey as a astrology student i would like to know which sign you are born under....as i am studying and making stats about musicians and artists - cheers!

[@marabeaujazz]

❤❤❤

[@SuperJ333]

A 3w Blackstar Fly would be totally swamped in a busy street situation or a large space, especially with an acoustic guitar...and the whole guitar is SO far out of tune - good grief!

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

I use a bigger set up for larger areas. This is my micro busking kit. You’d be surprised how it adds to the whole set up. Acoustic alone hardly ever works. I can put this in a hat and it’s out of site. In a lot of places where I play, amps are forbidden so this gives me a boost and still doesn’t get me arrested. Sorry about the tuning. It was hot in the sun ☀️ …. just didn’t care for the demo. Lol 😂

[@danieledanny9625]

somebody busking with bass guitar?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Sure.. I've lots of people with all kinds of instruments. Bass players usually just play to tracks.

[@danieledanny9625]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic can you tell me the various options to amplify a bass outside? there is only the roland micr cube rx 5 watt with battery and isn't the top for outside

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

daniele borbotti I currently use the Mackie Freeplay system. The system in this video got stolen from my truck with my laptop and battery and inverter set up. They didn’t get the looper or the wireless. The wireless is on my main pedalboard and I use it at most shows. I have a second pedal board the has all the stuff I started with that I use for some shows and I use a boss wireless for it. It really depends on where you can play. In most of the places I busk, you can’t use amps or at least you can’t be heard 50 feet away so my amp was in a little hat and hidden. You didn’t even know it was there thanks to the wireless. Most bass players I see are paying acoustic basses. Some run through a pick up and have some kind of rig. The bigger the speaker the better. The Roland is a good choice, my freeplay has an 8in woofer and gets some serious bass. My bigger rig is a pair of turbo sound IP1000s and I have a battery system so that I coud take this system outside if I wanted. I have done this at a few festivals but for the most part, if I’m gonna be without power, I use the Mackie. I have a pair of those too and they run off batteries. My looper and wirelesss all run off batteries so I don’t need any inverters for this system. I do get stopped by the cops when I have a system so I try to be as stealthy as possible. I’m working for tips, but I’m working to gain fans and expose them to the rest of my product line of songs, courses, books and merchandise. Hope that helps out. Go with an acoustic bass first and get some sound. If you try to busk with an electric in places where sound systems are not allowed you are gonna be spotted right away and asked to stop. The short answer for you is ..... get a car or boat battery and an inverter and take the amp you currently use if it’s small and can run tracks if you are playing a place that allows a sound system. If the place doesn’t allow systems, like most places, ... you’re gonna have to get an acoustic. Hope this helps out. Happy Busking.

[@danieledanny9625]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic thanx man! I must find a light solution too much weight a car battery and big amplifier so I thought about PA system, I know maybe the sound isn't so perfect but never mind, I'll try something in a shop. With the guitar is all more easy, 3 watt are good anyway, maybe I can play it for busking maybe is better that bass guitar...!

[@jamesmoore4320]

y he in a playground?

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

The playground is right behind my house and it was easy to get to and still go somewhere to film that had no electricity. Thanks for the comment.

[@jamesmoore4320]

Ok thank you for clearing that up good vid

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

@@jamesmoore4320 Thanks. lol I had to check but I actually tell you where I am and why at about 1:15 into the video. Have a great new year.

[@toi8610]

that amps only good in the bathroom

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

Never played mine in the bathroom. Thanks for the tip.

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

Like 286

[@DavidBryanSmithmusic]

??????? I dont know what you mean here?

[@PURPLE_SHADE_SMOOTHIE]

@@DavidBryanSmithmusic I was / am the 286th click of the Like (thumbs up) button. Just my silly little data point. Yes, I liked your video very much.