The Best Busking Equipment (+ Costs) 

Such wise words 😃 It’s all so true! thank you so much! ✌🏻🙌🏻

what do you need to busk legally?

@@CassiLavender All depends on where you are but in the UK Busking is legal on all public land 😃🙌

@@CassiLavender It might be good to check with city hall and find out if ya need a permit and what regulations they might have. It's a pain in the ass but it's better than pissing someone off. Especially someone who thinks they are all-powerful (smile). I also like to check with any shop owners in the area and let them know that you will respond to their requests to move or turn down. Again, I find it's better to go with the flow rather than fight 'cause it just puts your head in the wrong space and I'm there to lift people up.

Add to that, before you venture out to busk for the first time, travel around looking at the busking spots, like like which town, then walk around the streets to see if there is anybody busking. If not, ask one of the shopkeepers if anyone does busk at all there. Some shopping precincts won't allow it. If they do, in each place you go to, during the week, as at that locality's local council about the rules, and whether you can use amplification. Cover all your bases re rules. Don't go out busking saying no one will mind, without a permit if it is needed, then you get in trouble for busking when you shouldn't or where you can't. Some people barge in, go busking and then lose it because some official came up to them politely saying to go somewhere else. Save your angst, use your energy to find where you can busk, instead of wasting your time arguing. Your other danger will be confronted by some 'Karen', male or female, complaining even when you are busking legally, you've done your bit, but they will still go to an authority telling porkies, and suddenly you have them, and the law breathing down your neck...until you show the official, you have the permit, and embarrass the 'Karen' (I love embarrassing 'Karens' anyway, after all they bring it on themselves and you can get on with your busking till the next Karen tries to stuff your day up. ..lol. I think I have covered all bases.) But to sum it up, I know there is a fave thing of ignoring authority nowadays..forget that negative, do it right, and enjoy your busking. Not that I have ever done it without the authority, or just asking if it's allowed. If you have a crap day, after finding the above info, the hard way, just go home, sus everything out, as when you are pissed off, your singing can be horrible, in that case do yourself, and the passers by a favour...stay home and calm down.

Thank you so much! Glad it was helpful :)

Thank you Caleb :)

Thank you for these kind words - I appreciate it 😃 glad the video was helpful! 🙌🏻

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful 🙌🏻 highly recommend busking - it’s great fun!

Thank you Simon, I appreciate it 😃 when I made this video, I completely forgot to even consider rechargeable batteries 🙈 and now I've changed my mind, I'd say that amps without a battery fitted is perfectly fine - I'm still saving for a Roland Cube, will be getting one very soon!!✌🏻

@August Radio Project you are most welcome. There is now the dilemma of the Street Cube Ex vs the Street Cube 2. I think the Ex is probably the way to go 🙂

Thank you man 🤙🏻🙌🏻😃

Thank you! I’m stoked it helped! 😃🙌🏻

Thank you 😃🙌🏻

A great piece of kit! So many buskers rate them! Light weight too 😃🙌🏻

That’s awesome 😃 I’m definitely going to get one once I’m done with my current amp. When making this video I completely forgot to consider getting rechargeable batteries 🙈 several people have prompted it as a solution! 4 years and still going strong is great value!

Hello its roland,to weak for me I use Boss s1, and im going to change it to coolmusic 100w doulbe spk,and I can buy 2,just a advice,buy ur self a portable solar prt charger ,I take a green wotks 300w and a batt with me,and its good if u have pwr black at home,so one is a good buy,so u can buy a small 8channel mixer easy,

I have no idea why I didn’t think of this when filming this video 🤣 it’s what I’m going to get next too I think 🙌🏻

😃 no problem! Hope the video helps!! 🙌🏻

Just looked it up, looks good 🙌🏻 i like that it’s literally called ‘tap to tip’ as that’s the phrase we all write on our signs! 🤣🤘🏻

So sadd for me😔 we dont have that yet in the caribbean,i think ?

Thank you!! 😃🙌

That’s so awesome!! 🙌🏻😃 I’m sure you’ll be fine with supervision! Good luck with it!! 😊

Definitely a good idea to minimise the set up eh! 😃 the easier the set up, the less barrier between you and playing the music 🙌🏻 boss street cube II seems a solid piece of gear and so light too 😎

Thank you Yaman!! 😃🙌🏻

Thank you! 😃🙌🏻

No problem!! Glad the video helped 😃🙌🏻 good luck with the practice and busking! Can’t recommend the busking enough!!

@@AugustRadioProject thankyou much appreciated. I'll let you know how it goes if I ever get around to it . Appreciate the reply too thankyou. Keep up the great work with the videos . Best of luck with your channel.

Thank you Paul 😃🙌🏻

I’ve just been looking it up! It looks good. Built in loop! 🙌🏻😃

No problem! Stoked it was useful! 🙌😃

This is so true! This is a great shout 🙌🏻 I honestly didn’t think of that. Street Cube 2 is only 10 watts, I get quite a bit of volume from my amp at 15 watts but it does distort at top volume… I’d imagine it’s similar for the street cube 2. Would really depend how loud you wanna go. I’ve seen some other smaller amps about so maybe shop around. I hear you with the heavy/taking up space though 😎

@@AugustRadioProject Hi August, thank you so much for replying! I' ll definetely consider other solutions, from what you described 10 watts doesn't seem to be a lot. Keep going!!

I haven’t ever used a wireless mic whilst busking but I’ve used them at a few gigs and there’s been times (especially in port towns) where I’ve experienced some interference… that said, this was several years back - I think the technology is better now 😃🙌🏻

The Sun Zero amp is actually discontinued but they make a PA version: www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/SubZero-MP8-Multi-Position-Battery-Powered-DSP-PA-System/5ZLL?origin=product-ads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwm_SzBhAsEiwAXE2Cv0qNijmnpeOVpukQpeNnCUHM3Af1YS622ZLWZMLsg7a2Z5EOBwN71RoCIMsQAvD_BwE Yes you can run Bluetooth tracks whilst singing 😃🙌🏻

Sounds like an epic set up! I’ve not heard of NUX but I’ll check them out! EQ for each channel is a game changer! 😃🙌🏻

So cool!! You’ll be fine busking, it’s like a gig but there’s no pressure! Get out there and enjoy my friend! 😃🙌🏻

Thank you for the comment - I’ve recently got a Samson Exlpor, it’s very similar to the Bose and I highly recommend it 😃🙌🏻 and yes, the card reader can have many different price options that you can change whenever you like! ✌🏻

I’ll have to check it out! Thank you for recommending! I’ve yet to update my amp and still out to do it so it’s good to have options 😃🙌🏻

The Samson Street Explor is what I was using before I got the Mackie Showbox and I think it could be worthing looking at for your needs. I played a fair few gigs/events with it, it's certainly loud enough (200w) and has the sound quality. 😃🙌 Take a look at it!

Good to know! Is it obvious when a re-chargble battery is no longer operating? 🙌

I use them with my Street Cube and they work perfect!! And when you buy good quality you can use them very long. And one can busk for hours with them.

@@thejazzman4260 I used on at the weekend and oh my - so good!! I’m definitely getting one!! 😃🙌🏻

The wireless system? I don’t have any experience of it but it seems pretty well reviewed 😃🙌🏻 anything like this that works in a venue scenario I would imagine will work on the street! ✌🏻

The Mackie Showbox has a in-built recording system that goes directly to an SD card slot that's on the PA itself. It's absolutely incredible! The sound quality is kinda astounding. The only drawback is that it records everything to one single file, so there's no option for post-production on individual instruments/vocals... but if you want to get a good live recording (which is great for songwriting purposes) it's everything you could ever need! 🙌 😀

Looks pretty rad - very substantial!! 😃🙌

@@AugustRadioProject very pure sounding for both guitar abd voice and fantastic effects (you can make your own with settings) and app. Extremely underscored, people ask me what is my gear when they hear my sound... and super affordable, more or less 400 euros, sounding like 800 e. Autonomy : 5 hours :-) Plus : drums and looper !

From a quick search I can't see that there is? Rechargeable batteries are definitely slightly better for environment than single use batteries but I guess neither are ideal! 🧐 I have an AKG mic but the Shure SM58 is kind of the OG. As for stand, just get a generic one - make sure it's sturdy 🙌😃

Just the one time purchase for the reader. They take 1.9% per transaction, so if someone gives you a £10 tip, you get £9.81! But just account for this when you're setting up your "Tap To Tip" price!

I know!! For whatever reason I forgot to consider rechargeable batteries when I made this video and have been reminded so in many comments 🤣 It's a great idea!! 😃🙌

More wattage is never a bad thing. It means you can be a little louder and it gets less distorted as you turn up 😃🙌🏻 I’ve not got any experience with the hartwood but I’ve seen a few out in the wild where other buskers are using them 😊

So this was my initial thoughts too… so to begin with I had it set to £1 BUT I then busked in London and all the other buskers said it needed to be higher. The rule of thumb amongst most buskers is to set it to the rate that other the buskers in your area do then it’s kind of fair. It means the public get a general feel. Also if somebody has taken the time to get their card out then they clearly want to give you a donation. Most buskers I know set between £2-5, so I personally set it to £2.22 😃🙌🏻

For CD’s I don’t yet sell them but I hear it’s definitely worth it. Some of the buskers I know say they make 50% of their donations from CD sales. Just make sure if you’re in the UK to make it clear that they’re not actually for sale but for a “suggested donation” - you need a street traders license to actually sell them 😎 I hope that helps!! ✌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject got it makes sense! And thats funny because 222 is like my lucky/angel number I follow! Maybe you too? And oh wow that’s great to hear I will definitely have to look into getting some CDs made! Thanks for your reply and all the videos man really enjoying them! Keep it up ✌️

@@AugustRadioProject also great voice and playing 👍

@@jordie8349 haha Yes! That’s partly why I set it to that. Even to begin with it was actually £1.11 instead of £1. I also read a psychology book once that said people are more likely to pay specific numbers when compared to round numbers 🙈🤣

Good to know! Hope the fellow Boss ST Crew see this! Thank you for sharing 😃🙌

It’s very probable 😃🙌🏻

It looks cool - extremely portable, maybe even fits in a bag? 😃🙌🏻 thank you for the recommendation!

@@AugustRadioProject so it usually fits in my backpack😃

Yup. I’ve used that and the mini3 for smaller venues for the last 3 years.

I’ve seen a few people lately with the leisure battery - it’s a really cool idea! Effectively makes any set up possible for busking 😃🙌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject What is a leisure battery? It sounds interesting.

@@CornishCockney it’s like a car battery type deal, you can charge them at a mains and then use them accordingly, plug anything into them 😃

Have you got any details please.@@AugustRadioProject

Hey! All you need is a speaker that has either Bluetooth (connect your phone to play the backing track) or an ‘aux input’ - this will require an aux lead too and most probably an adapter to your phone too. I’d look for an amp or PA that has Bluetooth as this will be an easier set up 😃🙌🏻

Over the 3ish years I’ve been at this full time, it’s happened to me twice (that I’m aware of). Both were negligible amounts - maybe £3/4. The thing with busking is: 1. You’re mega exposed so you’re a pain to steal from. You also are usually the loudest person in the high street so could easily shout out. 2. You’re probably not worth robbing. I’m not sure on this but I imagine most thief’s steal things that they know are worth a lot but are also subtle. Busking gear is bulky and there’s no knowing how much it’s really worth. It does happen but from my understanding it’s very rare. I think buskers actually get quite a lot of respect from those who you might suspect are ‘dodgey’. I’ve witnessed a fair few shoplifters and some pretty epic police/security chases though! 🙌🏻

There's a fair few people that have highlighted this! I just still can't believe that I forgot about chargeable batteries when I made this video... 🙈🤣🙌

I got it from the official website. The initial price was closer to £50-60 but as soon as you add it to the basket it added a discount (maybe a sales tactic or something?). Maybe give it a go and see if the same happens 🙌🏻 I’d read on a blog that said the same before I bought it 😃

@@AugustRadioProject thank you for the advice, just ordered mine. Have a great evening.

Yes you could. Either use the Bluetooth or the Aux input to run the beats and you’ll be fine 🙌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject thanks for your speedy response

You don’t have to buy a charger with it… I’ve recently ordered another one (yesterday) and it was 100% £29 from the official zettle website 🙌🏻😊

I think any amp should do. Usually the wireless mic has a jack input with a receiver on it 😃🙌🏻 of the mic was operated via Bluetooth then it would just need to be an amp that is Bluetooth compatible! Hope that helps! ✌🏻

Update, I forgot that I had a distortion peddle. Out of curiosity I hooked it up between my mic and the Monster. It seemed to have reduced the reverb. It is still there but my hope is that being outside would reduce the effect even more. Am I off base here?

I can’t seem to find anything online about the reverb? Seems strange that it would just be preset with it 🤷‍♂️ I hope you find a solution though! All I can recommend is maybe commenting on one of the review videos and seeing if anyone can troubleshoot for you 🙌🏻 if you decide to swap it for something I can recommend the SubZero for a tight budget 😃 it served me well!

@@AugustRadioProjectI'll keep that in mind. TYVM :)

No, so it's 1.75% per transaction... so if it's £2 donation, the company take £0.035 😃🙌 it's not so noticeable!

On the Subzero it’s a jack input. On my Samson Expedition Explor it has both XLR and jack inputs 😃🙌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject Thanks for the reply! I thought of using my Boss Katana MKII guitar amp to start busking but i realized its probably not the best if i want plug in a mic too. Need to look up P.A. alternatives that has a Mic input

That’s a really good point - I hadn’t thought of that! The more I get advised around this the more I actually think I’m for the Roland cube 🙌🏻

@@AugustRadioProject here im the caribbean we must hear that bass that thump,if not no one is passing ur way,caribbean ppl wake up by that thump,so Boss ,jbl are good in that,we NEED that,lol and batteries can be repaired,cost u a little more but itblast 2-5yrs more,lol

@@veronicacornet7099 I love that!! 😃 and good to know should I ever end up busking in the Caribbean!

All the amps are compatible with electric and some of them even have built in FX… I’m not sure about specific amps tho. I’ve seen a few people out with Orange amps that sound good, Blackstar as well, so maybe worth looking into 🙌🏻😃

@@AugustRadioProject Thanks. My worry is the tiny speakers in the busking amps. The Orange sounds interesting. I saw a guy with the Bose S1, but it was not loud enough.

That’s awesome! The advice about it getting beat up is well worth reiterating🙌🏻 are the JBL’s speakers or can you plug in mics/instruments? 😃

@@AugustRadioProject yes they have an insterment jack for guitar and vocals with built in reverb and eq

but you can plug any device in the guitar port and it works

🤣🤣 when I made this video I hadn’t even considered it but lots of people have highlighted it in the comments 🙌🏻 it’s actually a great shout! Over a week is spectacular! I now use the Samson Expedition Explor which has 12 hours of battery life, it’s rad!! 🤙🏻

@@AugustRadioProject I also gotta say; it sounds better with batteries than with the mains,it's sounds more warm & lush......I think it's to do with less electrical interference due to cables....I found out about it watching a RU-vidr who checks out guitar rigs of famous people in this case Tedeschi/ trucks......their tech said their amps sounded better with batteries....so I put it to the test & it's very true!!!!!

@@neerajbenjamin1919 ooh! That makes sense… like a valve amp! A few people pointed out that external rechargeable batteries creates less risk for things going wrong/fixing the amp 😃

Haha! After making this video I’ve been messaged a whole bunch about rechargeables! I didn’t even think at the time of making this 🙈 but since then I’m 100% sold on the Roland cube!! It’s rad!

The good old 30 day return! Let me know how you get on 🙌and don't be afraid to be honest! 😃

@@AugustRadioProject I will

Thanks

@@AugustRadioProject man, for that price it is a really great device! very portable, rechargeable battery through the net, a lot of sounds and effects to toy around with. Im so happy I stumbled upon your video, thanks! If you happen to know a similar amp for bass.... I would be delighted

In all honesty I’ve never tried an solely acoustic busk. I might do a video experiment and have a go 🙌🏻😃 all the credit to the acoustic buskers - no hiding whatsoever!

I'm Sagittarius 😃🙌

Lesson learned! 🙌🏻 I’m getting a cube and will make an update of this video when I do 😃

Oh no! I hope not 🙈 definitely not what I’m trying to do!

I love the idea of a built in drum machine but neither of the busking amps I’ve had have that feature 🤣 maybe they’re out there though 😃🙌🏻

Thanks, we need a good one out there with bass and drum, and vocal capabilities that has battery power also. The all in one amp . one man band.@@AugustRadioProject