In the mid 1980s I was a street performer for a summer in New Orleans. I made a box with several compartments. It was attached to a hand truck (trolley). It had a compartment with a door on the bottom for carrying cables. Above that compartment was the space for the battery powered amplifier. On top of that was a seat. Loosely attached on the seat was a removable platform that had three effects pedals. They were repositioned to be on the ground when playing. The little pedal platform had notches in it to interlock with the hand truck beams. That was done so that they would be stable and not fall off while rolling. On the back side of the cart was a platform that protruded. It was where the instrument case was supported while rolling. The instrument was secured to the cart using pre-tied ropes. They were positioned in a way that the instrument couldn't fall away from the platform. Street performing wasn't a great job. It earned $30-$50 per four hour night. According to one inflation calculator, the equivalent in US dollars from then to today means I was earning $97.86 to $163.11. If I were to do it again, would I earn that much? Probably not. Nobody can afford a car, an apartment or house, vehicle insurance, health insurance, and food earning so little. There was no internet then. Perhaps video income could add a few dollars per month to that total if I did it again.
Thank you so much for sharing! Something very cool about the idea of busking in the 80's, especially in New Orleans! 😀 🙌 I love how you made your rig portable too - very cool! All I would say is that, Busking may not pay the way in these times completely (although it definitely does for some - for the past 3 years, myself included!) it does inevitably lead to more such as paid gigs at events, weddings, parties... Perhaps session work or even work as an independent artist. Getting out there regularly is a good way to build up to making a reasonable living as a musician! 🙌
Great advice as usual. Totally agree about the value of a trolley as I carry even more stuff than you! (+music stand, stool, music bag). I had a cheap foldable version that lasted about a year (there are loads of versions out there, but they are all essentially the same and cost ~£28). It had 2 problems - the handle was not quite long enough, and after a while the wheels started to fold inwards while in use, which ultimately caused it to fail). I have invested in a more upmarket model that has a supporting bar between the wheels which prevents this happening and also has a longer handle. The model is called Wolfcraft 850 TS and has a 100Kg capacity and 10 year guarantee. They sell for about £86 at the moment. There is also an ‘off-road’ version that had thicker wheels for use on soft ground. Although similar it costs a lot more (cheapest I’ve seen is £125) but over 10 years if you are using it a lot, both models would turn out to be better value than the cheaper ones. ARP’s trolley looks very substantial and I’m sure would last longer than the ‘cheapies’ but it seems like it can only be pushed and doesn’t fold down (useful if you need to fit it in a car). Because of the design of the handle on the Wolfcraft it can be pushed or pulled (I find pulling easier - personal preference). Although the Wolfcraft comes with bungee straps, I had previously invested in some great ones that I would also recommend called ‘Yorkmills Bungee Cords with Hooks, 4 Pack 120cm‘ (£15 from online retailer beginning with A). They have two advantages - they have a flat profile, which means they don’t cut into things you are transporting, and they are adjustable in length. This means you can change the length to exactly what you need for your particular trolley/equipment (they are also available in longer/shorter basic lengths). Another item that’s useful for busking outside is a windscreen for your microphone. They help stop wind noise and also provide protection for your mic when transporting. The amp I use is a Boss Street Cube II. I find it loud enough and it has been reliable so far. It runs off 8 AA batteries. For these I highly recommend the Panasonic Eneloop 2000mAh rechargeable batteries. Expensive, but they last for years if charged sensibly (>2000 recharges). Shop around for the best deal on them. For a good charger for them I recommend the Technoline BL700N (£35 from Battery Logic). This has adjustable charging current (using a lower current prolongs the battery life, but you can use a higher current if you are in a hurry - I normally charge mine overnight). Cheaper similar looking chargers are available but they are not equivalent internally. The BL700N even deals with batteries that are completely discharged (a problem with some chargers). Well those are my recommendations. Not the cheapest (2023 prices) but sometimes you get what you pay for. I totally agree with ARP, it’s more important to get out there than wait for the perfect set up though. And one more essential item - a checklist of items to take! Nothing more frustrating than finding out you’ve forgotten something when you arrive at your busk location (eg batteries, guitar strap, plectrum, capo, sunscreen etc). Hope this helps someone.
dang dude, this is a whole video in itself - some absolutely incredible advice here!! I recommend people read this comment! 😃🙌 My trolly can bear a load up to 150kg and I think it was £60 from B&Q... I obviously changed the wheels myself to some non-inflatable tyres as the original ones burst 🤣 probably too much off-roading...!
Hi Ben,great advice and always good to see you out there on the street,even though we pip each other at the post for a spot,it's all part of the wonderful world of buskin. I always carry a bin liner split down the sides to make it bigger,just incase of freak or flash showers,plus if it's slightly raining but not bad enough to stop,it'll protect your amp and pedals,it's light and just fist in my pocket ready for such a time. You might not think that a bit of light rain will damage your amp but after time it dose,i know this first hand,hope to see you soon Ben,and keep up the good work mate x
Great advice Stew!! Always a delight to see you out there - even if you have got the spot before me 😉 but seriously, the best thing about the busking community is the support we give each other. The bin liner trick sounds awesome, I'll stick one in my bag! 😃🙌
Great video again man. I've been working on my setlist and i got about 1 hour now so that's fine. Now all i need is enough practice and build up the confidence to go and do it. The last part is definetly the hardest. But i do believe that when i get to the point where i can play the songs without thinking i'll probably be fine so that's the main goal for now here.
So cool to hear!! The next hurdle is definitely the hardest part but you can do it! Just head out that door and know that the songs will get better/easier the more you do get out there!! 😃🙌 busking is a self-fulling prophecy. Just another one of the magic things about it! Good luck out there!!
Thank you for the work you put into these videos and all the encouragement. I usually watch every one to the end because you provide great info. I ❤️ to busk!
Cheers ARP I'm 64 and you were one of 3 people who inspired me to go busking. 1st one was in Brighton and I went with the thought that if I made a quid I'd be happy. I made £36 in just over an hour and was late getting there so didn't start till about 3pm. The first person to put anything in put a fiver in, I was so shocked I stopped mid-song. Thanks for the inspiration, I'm taking tips from all your videos and hoping to try Guildford soon if the damm rain stops. Out of interest, I love busking at Brighton why do you spend probably 1.5 hours going to places like Redhill? Oh and the most important thing for me is the tablet cos I can't remember damm words or cords to anything 😂😂
This is so cool! Stoked for you and stoked that I've been part of inspiring your busking journey - it's exactly what I make the videos for so it's very affirming to hear! 😃 🙌 I explain my busking "methods" in this video about why I go to different places: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-c1qjgu_Mpbk.html
It's clear by now I'm spending my day off watching all your videos ha! lazy day! Got to say, I absolutely prefer when you use this real, wooden guitar, although let's be honest, it's a Gibson...
Dang I’m honoured! What a rad day to spend your day off 😃🙌🏻 the Gibson is so magnificent. It’s been through it though. If that guitar could speak I’d have some interesting stories!!
Have enjoyed your videos, so informative and inspirational. I am new to busking. I had a trolley but it fellto pieces and the one you have is now no longer available on Amazon. I want to make sure I get a similar one to you.
I actually got mine from B&Q (diy/hardware store) 🙌🏻 it’s a kind of middle range one and can hold up to 150kg 😃 I never thought I’d know so much about trolleys 🤣 I hope you find one and thank you for the kind words!
Very useful some observarions. The more obvious the donation receptical is the better. Guutar case is best fiddle case second hat on a camping stool then hat on the floor. A trolley like yours MUST be pushed, if you pull it you will get wobble. Finally what is the weirdeat donation. Last week i was given a blue tiny plastic springy thing by a little boy!
Weirdest tip for me was two pairs of socks. I busk barefoot most of the year round. The weather has to be VERY cold for me to wear socks. I gave the donation to a homeless man who got really cold in his tent the previous night. He was so pleased he said he was going to wear both pairs.
That's such a great point - nice big obvious donations vessel is a must!! 😃🙌 I've yet to have anything too strange but somebody bought me a hat a few weeks ago! 🤣 it's a pretty epic hat!
Lewis is the man!!! Hendrix and animal muppets on the kickdrum! ya, London Brick Lane is his area! thats cool these shout outs to others :) the scratch cards tips and winners! lol never seen that before! ,VERY IMPORTANT TIP at 25:45 mins in!!! ☀cheers mate 🎸
YES!! I love that description 🤣it's great!! The scratch cards changed that busk and also gave me some added entertainment for the day! 😃 thank you for the comment!! 🙌
As usual great video! I started to busk for the first time near the seashore in Poland, i had only my guitar, my voice and an empty guitar case, played only 3 songs and made no money 😢 but I will definately do it again with more songs. And I'll make sure that I have a sign and some money in the case 😊 also I have a small 60W Amp and a Mic with a stand so I'll make sure I use them next time. The hardest thing about busking is to start doing it :) I had a metal band a decade ago but stil got a bit stage fright.
The important thing is you got out there! 😃🙌 That's the hardest bit. Now that you've experienced it, you can head out again with your amp and sign with a bit more understanding of how you're gonna feel! Just go out there and play - it gets easier every time!
Ola eu so un busking!so escrito no teu CANAL pos os seus videos são muito interessante..obrigado continua a traser bons conteudos🇧🇷🇧🇷👍👏👏🎤🎸❤️ e belo ver você nas ruas montando e desmontando seus estrumentos di musica 🎶 👏👏👏👏👏🤟🤟
As you were talking about your busking sign, I thought I’d chip in and say I think having the Instagram and RU-vid logos printed on the sign could be good for getting more searches/follows online like you meantioned Im sure people would be a lot quicker to get their phone out if they see the instagram logo maybe even with a little notification symbol on it You could print the app logos and stick them on your existing sign
This can be an open question for everyone busking: how do you deal with stairs when you're carrying around heavy equipment whether on a trolley or in a suitcase? Sometimes it's very challenging to use stairs when there's no lift available
I just lift/drag it all up - I guess I can. Sometimes if the staircase is narrow and I'm in a busy place, then I create traffic jams... busker problems!! 🤣
Thanks for the video. Question is now - can I start busking (I'm a a singer)? Hm. Let's check my list: Coffee travel mug (Filled ;-) )? CHECK! Trolley? (not nessecary, have a backpack). CHECK! Smile? CHECK ;-). Faith in humanity? (nearly) Always - so CHECK. Cardreader? Well, Germans love cash, so not needed - CHECK. Sign? Still Missing - okay, having no contact page yet, so not Check yet. Camera? Having an older smartphone for the start, so - CHECK! Microphone with Stand? CHECK. Backtrack music player? Check. Amp? CHECK. Hat or case for the donations? CHECK. Setlist for an hour? CHECK! Well, it looks like, I have no excuse for not starting ;-))) Okay, I will try in the next weeks. And I will inform you, how the first time was! PS: Ben, I will contact you on facebook. Because I have something for you...😀
Many do when they don’t have far to travel and can travel lightly. My closest town is ten miles away and my range of travel for busking has to be within sixty miles. I’ve been looking for a suitable bike trailer for my particular rig, but have yet to find one.
I do! "game changer" I used to use a trolley and get the bus, but I've arthritis in both feet so being able to ride right up to a pitch is great. I got a dog carrier bike trailer from Facebook marketplace and bolted a box onto it for the amp etc.
It could be an epic way to get around!! There was a busker who commented a few videos ago who carries her Piano on a bike! 😃🙌 "Busking Britain on a Bike" sounds like an epic RU-vid series...! 🤔
