Setup costs and Portable Power - My life as a Busker: Episode 24

Welcome to my series 'My life as a Busker'! I'm an Australian Busker just looking to share my experiences. In this episode I talk about the costs, makes and models of my equipment and the way I power my keyboard and amplifier when I'm out on the street.
Note: This video is not a paid endorsement
My Equipment:
Yamaha MM6 Keyboard
Keyboard Hard Case
Keyboard Stand
Keyboard Bench Seat
Shure SM58 Microphone
Konig & Meyer Telescopic Boom Arm
On Stage Mic stand attachment KSA7575
Keyboard Stereo Cable
Keyboard Sustain Pedal
XLR Microphone Cable
Diamec DM12-18 SLA Battery
Diamec DM12-7.2 SLA Battery
Giandel PCB-3003 300w Inverter
Cigarette socket to battery clips connectors x2
Cigarette lighter adapter
Asus 10.1” Transformer Pad TF300
SLA Battery Charger
CD Carrier case
Small suitcase
Paypal card reader
Trolley
Cambuckle
Website
www.samanthaedge.com
Social handles
Facebook / samanthaedgemusician
Twitter / samantha_edge
Instagram / samanthaedgemusician
Periscope www.pscp.tv/samantha_edge/1Ow...
Music purchase links
iTunes
12 track Original Album 'Moments'
itunes.apple.com/au/album/mom...
8 track Covers Album 'The Winter Sessions'
itunes.apple.com/au/album/the...
8 track Covers Album 'Covers Album'
itunes.apple.com/au/album/cov...
4 track Original EP 'What you wanted'
itunes.apple.com/au/album/wha...
CD Baby
12 track Original Album 'Moments'
store.cdbaby.com/cd/samanthae...
4 track Original EP 'What you wanted'
store.cdbaby.com/cd/samanthaedge
Donation links
paypal.me/SamanthaEdge
busk.co/10966
#mylifeasabusker #episode24

[@Heavieth]

This was very informative even though it was 6 years ago. You still have to solve for every one of the things you discussed. This setup would still work beautifully today.

[@rkcsp7]

It is surprising to me how scientific, analytical, precise and in-depth you are for an artiste. Usually, an artiste does not care about the all these details. You are incredibly special and I am amazed by you!

[@edgesamantha]

Thank you. Yeah I'm a bit of a weird mix, but I've always loved details and stats as well as music.

[@_jajajaja_]

This video is soooo helpful for someone like me who's just getting started. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@edgesamantha]

+jajajaja Glad you found it useful! Good luck with your future busking :)

[@echy5]

@@edgesamantha are you able to use a power generator instead of an amp that runs of llithum batteries.. or battery diamec with cigarette lighter clips/adaptor ? and just connect all your instruments to that? im asking because im new to busking

[@edgesamantha]

@afivered I'm not sure unfortunately. Best thing to do is go to an electronics store and ask them whether it would work or not. They may have a vaster knowledge base to answer your question. All I know is that generators can be loud and may not be suitable for a busking situation. Generators also may not be allowed for busking in your area. A lot of permits, that allow amplification, state that amplification is allowed, but only from battery powered amps. Good luck.

[@boywithadrum]

Great video! Very thourough and super helpful. Well thought out and timely! Keep up the great work! THANKS!

[@jahwhaka1]

Thank you Sam great info you passed on, gud luck with your future busking....

[@donmccracken5331]

Wonderful, Samantha! This video is absolutely incredible, even for someone who has been playing for decodes. Thank you so much!

[@alexainsworth9102]

Your video was so helpful! Thank you 👍😎

[@MistakenSound]

Great video! It really put it into perspective on how much it costs to busk!

[@missycleo1154]

This has been a terrific help! I've been trying to work out how to power a digital piano for my piano students to busk on. Thanks so much!

[@robbiechep838]

Useful info Samantha..keep on busking...cheers..

[@msenecal]

Great research and numbers. A woman after my own heart. Very helpful.

[@folkfingerstylefreddy2154]

Thanks for your help Samantha, very helpful, I’m a busker in Melbourne, I’ve subscribed.

[@victormasingi3724]

Thanks for the entire series, I’m so encouraged and inspired, you are a star !!!!!

[@edgesamantha]

Glad it has helped you Victor! Thanks for watching.

[@TheBlueskyson]

Thanks Sam! Bloody fabulous mate. All the best for xmas and the new year.

[@edgesamantha]

+TheBlueskyson Same to you!

[@tassiespirit]

This is awesome thank you. Can you please do another updated video on your current setup , as I have noticed that your gear has changed a little, thank you again.

[@syn707]

Nice video. All other videos I’ve seen never used rechargeable batteries. Thank you!

[@annieelizabeth9091]

Great video thank you !

[@edward2785]

Very detailed example of your setup. Thanks for sharing. I really only need a portable amp w/re-chargeable battery built in for background music, a headset mic, my close-up stand/table top, and my show bag with all of my props. Fortunately for me, magicians don't need quite as much equipment to busk as musicians. Cheers

[@roboticmantramusic5934]

Thanks for all your effort here. I'm sure it's been a useful resource and will be a useful resource for very many people. I did end up with a KC 110 eventually. Getting portable power was confusing me but you definitely helped to make things clearer.

[@edgesamantha]

Glad to hear my video helped! It did take a long time to make this one.

[@LuckyMrSam]

Thank you for this run down!

[@damarisltrevizo]

Thank you so much! SO helpful!! :D

[@waveriderz2687]

Have been running a comparable system for outdoor gigs for years. It works, however the preparation, setup/breakdown got to be a hassle when gigging a lot. Sealed lead acid batteries are another story. Glad their are newer portable busking PA's now. Bose, Jbl, & Mackie have let me concentrate on music! Thanks for sharing!

[@PeteJohnsMusic]

This one is absolute GOLD Samantha. No wonder is my has so many views and 100% likes! Great work.

[@MaschonWilliams]

Very helpful.

[@doktorjfeelgood]

"Hi Samantha'.. Many thanks for your reply dear.. Most appreciated.. I try to plan my busking with what's happening on the Gold Coast @ any one time.. Eg.. It's school holidays here in QLD..So I busk @ lunch times between 12.30pm & 3.30pm to 4pm..& I play music for the kiddies to.. The WIGGLES .. BOB THE BUILDER ..etc..They also live yo dance to LA BAMBA & THE MACARENA.. I finish about 4pm & return about 6pm..& I play requests.. Everything from "The EAGLES TO BOB DYLAN & DANCING QUEEN FROM ABBA..& I play from 6 to 9 pm..most days playing this double busking gig .. I try to average between $80 to $100 @ hour..@ as I've played the local scene here for at least 15 years.. I am fortunate to have many return clients ..But I must mention here Samantha.. That the busking fees here on the Gold Coast are the most expensive in the world.. Buskers here on the Goldy pay $100 for @ 3 MONTH..permit..or $400 for @ 12 MONTH..permit..and we pay a seperate permit for each suburb..So I have 3 permits each for 12 months.. SOUTHPORT..SURFERS..BROADBEACH.. So I have to outlay $1200-00 in cash before I can begin busking on the Gold Coast..I can just have the one permit.. But over the years I have developed clients in all 3 suburbs.. Plus I get a lot of restaurant & Cafe gigs in all 3 suburbs.. But it is a lot to outlay all at once.. But I find it doesn't take long to recieve my return back in my wallet..I also entertain & play concerts @ various aged centres, like today I'm entertains @ a AVEO AGED CARE FACILITY".. They pay excellent 💰💰💰💰.. The folks that live there really appreciate the entertainment .. You might like to look into that down I the area you live in..@ the fo pay top 💰💰💰.. Thank you again Samantha.. I will shortly put up some more of my busking videos..& you can then see the type of busking scene I have going here in Surfers Paradise.. Have a wonderful day.. Lots of Jah bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻.. And as always "Stay Safe..& Keep On Rockin".. 😎🎸🎙🎩😊... Doc J Feelgood.. Surfers Paradise..😎🎩😊

[@jliveris711]

wicked setup, but wow this seems so tedious and cumbersome.... what a mission for you to transport. Thanks for the info... i'm a fellow busker myself but stick to battery powered samplers, micro amps.... It seems like powerbanks are getting better and better / smaller and smaller and longer life.

[@_Only_Zuul]

great! a fellow aussie talk about busking setup. i live in melbourne city CBD. soon starting busking. i'm a bass player. i'll be using a 12v 60ah lithium ion battery which cost about 500$ very light only 7kg and can last 10hrs or more. i would highly recommend spending the extra money on a lithium ion battery. they weigh a lot less and for even a 30ah you have a great plenty of power.

[@edgesamantha]

Good luck with your busking! I guess it comes down to whether you spend the extra $410 on the battery or put that money into other parts of the setup. I don't find the weight of the batteries bad and I put them on a trolley anyway, I don't have to carry them, so in my situation I'd rather save my money or put it towards other things. I don't busk for longer than my batteries last, but I know of others who do full days, or power lots of pedals and other things so it may be more necessary for other performers to have a battery like yours. Regardless I'm sure your battery will do the trick. Have you been out busking yet? Got your permit?

[@BaktaBak3]

Excellent video ! Not suprised at the cost, but suprised at the amount of equipment ! You have help carting all of it to your gig? The batteries & accessories in the small suitcase alone can be quite heavy . I'm thinking of curbs & stairs wheeling /getting the gear to the gig spot. My gear (for busking) : An acoustic/electric guitar with hardshell case, Roland cubestreet, backpack with accessories of 2 mic cables, 2 guitar cables, Audio Tech ST10MK11 Mic, just added TC Helicon Harmony Singer 2, heavy duty mic stand , & music stand (wire music stands don't work for me on outside gigs) Will look into the trolly cart like you have. Should fit all my gear. Was nice weather for my weekend busking gig. Have a video posted on our FB page of one of the songs I sang. You'll may find it quite humerous. Thank goodness no one got hurt ! Thanks again for posting. :-)

[@edgesamantha]

+BaktaBak - Country, Rock & Oldies band No it's just me carting it around. It's not as bad as it seems as soon as it's all packed on the trolley. It's 50-60kgs, but not too hard to push. Still I don't much like having to push it around too far! I don't navigate stairs, it's lifts (elevators) all the way! Glad you ended up with nice weather. That was lucky that the umbrella fell away from you both! Might need a sand bag to keep it in place next time. Definitely goes to show the trials of outside performances and how we're trained to just keep performing no matter what goes wrong!

[@BaktaBak3]

It wasn't a windy day.......just one gust of wind came up & down it went. Didn't expect it as the base of the umbrella stand is quite heavy. Think I'll still get a sand bag as well. Yes, we were lucky it blew away from us. Ha>>Ha>>Ha>> yes , the show must go on !!!! Andy comes along if he can. If not , I try to team up with another musician who wants to go busking & share a spot , and/or work together. If not, I go it alone & try to lighten my load a bit. Thanks for viewing the video & hope it made you laugh. :-)

[@Andrew279144]

Hi Samantha. Great video. After spending many years gigging in bands, I have recently taken up busking here in Southampton, UK. I also have the Roland KC110, but I don't like it - it sounds cheap and boxy. I use mainly piano sounds on the keyboard, and I know these are demanding for amps to reproduce well. I also have a Shure SM58 (best mic ever!) and am using a new Casio CT-X700 keyboard, which sounds great on its own speakers, but utter crap through the KC110 (vocals sound OK). The CT-X700 has had great reviews and should sound fine, but I also have other keyboards (Yamaha Tyros 5, Yamaha CP4 stage piano, Roland Go-Piano and Yamaha NP31 and none of them sound any good through KC110. But, strangely, music played via ipad/CD player etc sounds OK through the keyboard amp. Just wondered if I am doing something wrong. Incidentally, I power the KC110 via a DBPower 18amp portable power bank, which works fine. Any suggestions for getting better sound out of the KC110?

[@edgesamantha]

Hi Andrew. That's disappointing that the KC110 isn't doing it for you. I have a Casio CTK-5200 and don't really like the sound of it, but I love my MM6 and the only way I can hear it is through an amplifier as it doesn't have built in speakers. I've basically been using that through my KC110 for the majority of the time I've owned this amplifier and have always liked the sound. I also think it sounds lovely for my Yamaha P105. So either it could be that I've magic-ed onto keys that sound good through the Roland, or what sounds good to my ears, may not to yours. I don't have any EQ settings changed or anything, so I doubt you're doing anything wrong. That's amazing that you power it through a portable power bank. Technology really has come a long way! Sorry I have no suggestions for improving the KC110's sound. If it's not sounding good to you try to sell yours and find something you like. Nothing worse than playing through something when you think it sounds crap. Need to be happy!

[@benjaminsung4750]

A great video, very informative! :) Do u happen to know any super light weight, super portable keyboard stand for keyboard busker?

[@edgesamantha]

Not that I know of. Sorry. I really only know about the x frames and collapsible z frame ones. The z frame ones are fancy and look cool for travelling with something smaller, but they are definitely not lighter! Heavy as in the world of keyboard stands, thus I haven't purchased one for myself. Just not worth it.

[@matthias100]

Thank you for this helpful video , how long does the portable battery last you as I will use only cube amp and two pedal 9v , 12 v

[@edgesamantha]

I think I've only ever run down the battery a couple of times over the years and I think I used it consistently for almost 4 hours in those situations. Talking about the large 18ah one here. I haven't had the small one run down unless I haven't charged it between long sessions.

[@ESLinsider]

The battery and maybe the inverter is what I need. I have a DJ set up 2 turntables, mixer and then an amp that I will need to power. A lead acid battery is the one I need? Is there another kind of battery that will work?

[@edgesamantha]

Not that I know of, but you can always ask you local electronic components store if there's other options. If you take in the setup you want to power (or at least their power consumption specs, including what voltage they are) they should be able to do the math on what you'll need. One battery and inverter may not be enough to power all that, but I don't know the equation to know for sure. I know a 7.2ah battery powered my keyboard and amplifier for about 90 minutes before it would die and to extend their life the idea is not to let the battery get lower than 30%, I think they said. So I did wrong by my battery for a while there! Anyway, now that I have the 18ah one powering my amp and the 7.2ah powering my keyboard I never run into them dying before I'm ready to pack up. Good luck :)

[@Rob1964b]

Also SM58s are virtually indestructable.

[@edgesamantha]

Mine's 8 years old and still going strong!

[@tukoramirez8478]

Sm58 could even be used a a weapon

[@roteleks7918]

Great video. Thanks. It would be interesting to know a bit about how long it took to make that investment back to break even. I understand that would vary greatly for others but I imagine you make a decent amount given your talent.

[@edgesamantha]

That's an interesting idea. Don't know how exactly I'd work it out, as I gathered my kit together over time and there have been replacements of smaller items along the way. I don't know that I make a decent amount, but I have been earning money from music for the better part of a decade, so I've definitely made back my investment. You've definitely peaked my interest as to when that happened for me, so perhaps in the future I'll work it out and get back to you!

[@xx_PCCR_xx]

Thanks for this video, darling. Did you get all the elements for your rig at once or you built it up. All the best!

[@edgesamantha]

A very late reply, I'm so sorry I missed your comment somehow. Thanks for watching! My rig was definitely built up over time. I think us musicians are always upgrading and expanding our gear collection!

[@Bettys_Eldest]

If I were happy with the sound of an SM58 I would just buy a Behringer XM8500 for a fraction of the price, but as I appreciate that my microphone impacts significantly on the quality of the sound the audience hear, I would spend a similar amount of money as the SM58 and buy a Sennheiser e835. I can't understand the reverance with which a robust but very ordinary microphone is held. Buy a Sennheiser.

[@foxpianocovers]

This is an awesome video, thankyou. Just wondering where you put the batteries when you perform?

[@edgesamantha]

Glad you enjoyed it! I put one on the floor next to the amp the other on the floor underneath the keyboard.

[@foxpianocovers]

Samantha Edge Thankyou. I’m about to start busking my own songs at our local market. I’m a piano player and there’s no electricity outlets, so I guess I’ll be going the battery/inverter option like you’ve done here. Thanks for laying it all out, it’s given me some ideas on what I need to purchase to get started. 🙂

[@ESLinsider]

Hello^^ O.k. so I am a dumb neub, so why do you have two different batteries? I want to get a battery to power my dj set up: 2 turntables, mixer, and a speaker amp combo. Any thoughts? You're the first I've seen with 2 batteries. IDK. Couldn't you put them on a power strip and plug into one battery? Or is the battery not strong enough? How long does it take to charge the battery at home? Do you plug it into a wall at home?

[@edgesamantha]

I have two to extend the performance time, but you can definitely plug a power board into the larger one with the inverter. I honestly don't know how long it would last powering both things. I used to have two smaller batteries and the amp one would die frequently, so I upgraded one of them to the large type as it was always the amp zapping more power. It's been so many years powering both of them separately that I can't remember if the one larger battery is capable of powering both for an extended period of time or not. The large battery usually charges overnight, but can't give you an exact time frame. Also don't know how much percentage of it I use in a busking session to know how much it's depleted and needs charging. Yes, I have bought the ac battery charger to charge them at home. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Best to chat with somone in a battery or electronics store, like Jaycar, so they can do the math and work out how much power you need and how big a battery you need to power your gear for as long as you want to be able to.

[@RA-el6zj]

Hi, good video, thanks! I have a question. If I use a battery like that to run a car amplifier, do I need to ground it to something metal, or just to the ground connection on the amplifier? And why do people use AC amplifiers with a power inverter? Wouldn't it be easier to just use a car amplifier connected directly to a battery, so you don't have to carry a power inverter?

[@edgesamantha]

Apologies. Your question has gone over my head! Best to ask someone at your local electronics store.

[@RA-el6zj]

@@edgesamantha Allright, no problems, thanks for the tip. :) Ill explain what i mean: - You have the battery, which is 12V. - You use the power inverter which converts this 12V to 110/120/240V, so you can power your gear that needs 110/120/240V So you have Battery -> power inverter - Amplifier. My question is, why not use a car amplifier instead? Because these are build for use in cars, they are 12V. So you have just: Battery -> car amplifier This way you won't have to buy and carry a power inverter?

[@TheTechieflutist]

Hey, Great video! Thank you so much for sharing. Do you have any problems with feedback from the microphone with the keyboard amp? Just wondering cause I'm looking to amplify my flute and I'm always conscious of feedback.

[@edgesamantha]

Hi. Thanks. As far as I'm aware you'll always have the risk of an amp feeding back if you place your microphone in front of it. There are some amps with feedback suppression, but even then I'd be careful where you position your amp. I put mine just to the side of me slightly in front of my microphone and have no issues.

[@TheTechieflutist]

@@edgesamantha Thanks for sharing. I shall have to play around with my amp position and see if I can find that happy sweet spot. Do you ever find its hard to hear yourself?

[@edgesamantha]

Depends on the level of noise in the vacinity of my performance, but occasionally yes, I do find it hard to hear myself. Not too often though.

[@TheTechieflutist]

@@edgesamantha Yeah... that's something I've always been worried about... thank you for sharing.

[@endi3386]

I feel like you could just have a guitar, amp, mic and mic stand and earn more money for significantly less. I have a Vox Mini5 Rhythm ($200), Ibanez AF75 ($750, though you could do with any electric guitar), Sony FV220 ($40) and Samson microphone stand ($40) so I guess I spent $1030. That is actually way more than I thought I had spent, though if you went with a $100-$150 guitar you could get by with a $380 - $430 setup. I know you’re probably thinking that the 5 watts in the Vox isn’t nearly enough; and I thought the same thing, but funnily enough it gets very loud. I was practising at full volume in my house and everyone was complaining about how loud it was. In the street it is very loud but can’t be heard in a very busy street with traffic. It would be better suited to a street with average amounts of pedestrians and a bit of traffic.

[@edgesamantha]

Yeah, you can definitely get away with an easier kit as a guitarist than a pianist!

[@microstandard3094]

Can you tell me what I need to power a 60 watt amp Especially how big the battery

[@edgesamantha]

Best to ask an electronics store person for sure, but I can tell you that both my Roland amp, which is 30 watts, and my Yamaha 200w PA run on the 18ah battery for a minimum of 2 hours.

[@microstandard3094]

@@edgesamantha awesome...do you use a invertor?

[@edgesamantha]

@@microstandard3094 Yes, the same one I show in this video.

[@foxpianocovers]

Quick question: Do you leave the batteries in the suitcase whilst you perform, or do you move them out to that trolley? I'd guess you'd put them somewhere secure so the alligator clips don't fall off unintentionally?

[@edgesamantha]

I take them out and put them on the ground near my amp and keyboard so they are easy to connect.

[@foxpianocovers]

Samantha Edge Thankyou! Your video has helped me out a lot. One last question if you don't mind: I've just connected my Giandel Pure Sine Wave Inventer- however it's making a buzzing sound through the amp when the microphone is connected... I'm thinking now I might have gotten a slightly different model to you. Mine seems to have two outlets and says model: PS-300DA. Am I missing something? Thanks for your help!

[@edgesamantha]

If you have no mics or instruments connected into the amp, but the battery and inverter connected with the amp powered on, does the buzzing still happen?

[@foxpianocovers]

Samantha Edge All is quiet when the microphone is unplugged...

[@edgesamantha]

Do you have an instrument or different microphone and a different cable you can plug in and test to see if it happens? Sounds like it could be your mic or mic cable. It's hard when it comes to equipment issues like this, but you have to work out which factor is causing it to happen by eliminating the options. Since it's not happening when it's plugged in it probably won't be the inverter or anything power related, but if you can't figure it out, best to take your set up into a music store and see if they can help you figure it out.

[@jarrahparry]

wow, lucky I just play an acoustic and electric guitar :)

[@edgesamantha]

You sure are Jarrah! I would much prefer your set up!

[@paullewis1637]

Doesn’t seem like a lot, it is a lot. You must be a millionaire busker.

[@edgesamantha]

😂 Far from it!

[@kevinsrocks71]

Just a suggestion, always buy used gear, new gear loses half its value when it walks out of the store

[@BaktaBak3]

our FB link facebook.com/baktabak.3

[@j.j.1064]

It's too fiddly and bulky there has to be a simpler way.