I'm a full time busker for a few years, it's my primary and only job. In the beginning, it was only my voice & guitar. Very, VERY exhausting,even for a trained singer with excellent technique (and believe me , i am not that guy :) ) . Quickly, that kind of performance took it's toll. My voice got very hoarse. I was tired. Yes, acoustic performance has it's benefits, like mobility and light packing BUT remember - you only have one pair of your vocal chords. When you damage them , that is one expensive surgery , if you don't damage them beyond repair , of course. It was not my opinion at the time, it was a tip from my friend who is a pro singer. I quickly realized that i'm going to need some amplification. Yes, equipment started to build up, there was a mic, a stand, amp , case, trolley,looper pedal, power supply, now i even have a tablet , a holder for tablet , custom case for donation etc. but believe me - it is worth it !!! My busking income skyrocketed (in comparison with pure acoustic income), i can work every day , sometimes 2 or three gigs on different locations, i can use looper and perform solo parts and rhythm on guitar body, so my voice is utilised much less and my sound is much more serious , louder and can reach more people. With looper pedal and little excersise you don't have to be a guitar master to sound interesting. My acoustic performance was primary voice , some cowboy chords and little fingerstyle but now, it is full rhythm, bass , solo etc. and pople feel the difference ! Just remember , a professional is not only a talent, performance etc, the equipment is very important too, sometimes even more important ! And one more time - YOUR HEALTH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THIS WORLD, amplifier and equipment is a must for a full time busker. Just be aware of your volume level and it will be okay. Cheers!
Hey man. It's been a year. How has your busking been going? Could you provide me with a little more details as to where you busk and how much you typically rake in a month? I'm seriously looking into this.
I sometimes go with amplification and sometimes without. Depends on weather and on the spots i choose. There are benefits to both approaches but in my experience you have to be very picky about the location when you go without. You need to think about the sonic properties of the location. You need as many walls as possible around you, best even a roof. Then the projection is great and you don’t need to strain your voice too much. There are three awesome locations in my city, one is a tunnel (it sounds so great and an amp overpowers, everything gets very muddy very quckly). Also i do shorter sets of 20-25 minutes, then take a break while i move to the next spot. I also choose completely different songs. I need a higher register to properly project my voice, so no low songs, no quiet songs, only ones where i can stay in the most comfortable register for my voice. With amp there are many restrictions on where i can play, so i tend to look for opportunities like local flee markets or things like that where i contact the organization and ask if they would like me to play there. It’s more stationary and i only change locations maybe once during the 4 hours i‘m on the streets. ♥️♥️♥️
I have busked off an on between indoor gigs for 30+ years. I never go out without a busking amp, typically orianted so I get some benefit from it as a monitor. Not needing to push my voice on a busy street means I don't need to over-sing and my voice does not get tired.
The other day, I busked outside a Trader Joes on Saturday. There were lots of people, good weather. And after 2 hrs, I had made a dollar. The girl who gave me the dollar said I sounded really nice, and she was hot, so that is something. So I went back to my car and paid the 3$ parking and went home in debt 2 dollars with strained vocal cords.
I totally can relate to this. But unfortunately in Germany (where I come from) it's not allowed to use any kind of amplification as a busker. But sometimes the authorities tolerate an amp as long as it's not cranked up to 11... Thanks for your video! 🖤
Sorry to hear that, yeah amplification is a huge help! Here in Galway you can use amplification only after 5 pm, which is good during summer time, but on winter is not the best! Thanks for watching! cheers from Ireland!
@@happyhappy685 Heya, I know it's been a minute, but thought I'd still reply: Every city in Germany has its own rules (sometimes even districts within the same city), so you can't rely on others' opinions, you gotta look the specific rules for your specific city up! Second: Just ignore the rules! The rules are almost always dumb, restrictive, and would massively hinder art and culture if people actually adhered to them. Luckily, they're almost never enforced as long as you adhere to common decency (don't crank your amp too loud, don't block any entrances, generally don't be in the way, don't play the same three songs on loop for two hours straight ...)
Yea ... doing purely acoustic is very difficult to do. It is very exhausting and a person can tire easily. Being amplified is so much better but it too has its own unique problems too. However, it is so much easier to be heard that way and be noticed. Fortunately i live in a house that has nothing below or above me. No stairs to deal with...at least at home. My gear rig is about 20 pounds or so altogether. I use a 50w Samson P.A. speaker for my vocals and either my Orange Crush Mini with Extention Cab (20w) or my Boss Katana Mini (7w) for my guitar or ukulele. I also use a pedalboard and a small mixer If I use my Boss Katana i will need to run it thru the P.A for it to be loud enough and be able to make the sounds i want to make. But it is lighter than my Orange Crush. I know there are other equiptment that is bigger and better but for now i am happy with what I am using.
Thanks this video is very helpful. So far I played only acoustic and find it hard to reach the people. I’m planning next season to bring a amplifier to the street. I’m looking forward to it.
I like your guitar strap, I remember back in the 80s I used to busk in town centers with acoustic and voice and some people would say they can't hear me lol. I started playing instrumentals with amp and that was much better and it saved my voice. Later I added Mic once I got my licence. Where did you get your poster printed? I dont busk much these days as my health has gone down the drain a bit and can only manage about an hour as my legs ache with arthritis and I get back ache a lot.
Wow.......with a little inconvenience in carrying the amplifier for busking, the returns justified the efforts......!! Furthermore you are not torturing yourself to the extent of losing your voice by singing loud ..... 🤣🤣 Well done my friend.....
More people will give you money if you’re amplified as it looks more professional. However, if you’re very interactive with people and find a decent spot and always talking and smiling people will prefer the more acoustic approach as it’s more human. Do whatever is best for your personality
Howdy friend. I feel compelled to share with you… I watched your “5 things” busking video before I got too busy with busking. I busked for two seasons without an amp/pa. Then got a Roland cube. Night and day. I believe I learned to project loudly in those two seasons. I can do that for a few sets. People would tell me from time to time that I should get a PA, to be heard farther away. I was not expecting that to be hard, but it was! I actually had to learn how to sing/perform with a mic! I have also been hitting open mic nights to practice with microphones which has not come easy. I feel ok now tho. This busking season will be different for sure. Please keep up the great work, keep singing, and thank you! BTW I got the Roland cube off your review. I like it this far.
I’m getting ready to busk in Sydney again after a year or two off … I was acoustic before and found it tough … now I am gearing up to be amplified … I am interested to see if I can replicate your experience now.
That was interesting, especially when you stressed out the difference between the singing techniques. So far I just busked in small towns, where amps are not allowed. Although it's quite quiet there I believe playing with an amp would turn out as you said at the end: it would have an impact on the money received. Furthermore the cities where you are allowed to play amplified here in Germany you hve have to pay a fee in advance. Is it for free in Ireland?
Ciao Tito, è da un belpò che sono iscritto al tuo canale,che trovo molto interessante!Anche se (ahimè)non sempre riesco a capire tutto ciò che dici.Volevo chiederti,se potresti caricare qualche video(in particolare questo,con i sottotitoli in italiano)che trovo molto utile,anche per tutti colore che vorrebbero approcciarsi al busking,e allo stesso tempo,sarebbe un modo come un altro per ampliare il tuo canale anche in Italia. Ciao un saluto e buon busking!🙂
I usually put the amp in line with my left ear, not pointing to the microphone, but with a bit of angle to me. I found that is the best position for me
Try puting fold down wooden ski's that youcan lock in place when needed on your trolly so you can glide up the stairs. Make them with good ply wood and put some type of plastic underneath to help them side better without scratching anything. Someone needs to design a quality buskers mobile unit.
Try using an original smaller roland cube, a harp rack for the mike ,go leadless and 3/4 size guitar. .. eliminates the trolley,mike stand,leads and unnecessary big amp ..easier for getting on airplanes too!..enjoyed the video ..Good luck..
Singing is good asset but not mandatory. Get a looper pedal, be interesting and it will be ok. Of course, if you really like to sing , you can. I've sounded like sh*t , but with persistance, some voice lessons and constant LISTENING of other singers and practice, practice, PRACTICE , i managed to sing with great results after only few years. Best luck !
What's a good amplifier for vocals? I don't play guitar. I am NOT INTERESTED in an amp that's "good for guitar". Why doesn't anyone talk about VOCAL performance amplification?
nooo ,,, best wait is only guitar and voice !! no amps , mic etc..once they preached with , the voice ,, only .. and the whole square listened to them ,,, a question of ...soul. !it is not a question of level volume
I must disagree.. If you want to be a part time/hobby busker than okay, you can take you guitar/instrument and enjoy. If you are full time busker , with ability to perform for bigger crowds , bars, private events , you need equipment. Especially if your performance requires use of guitar pedals etc. Best regards.
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I'm a full time busker for a few years, it's my primary and only job. In the beginning, it was only my voice & guitar. Very, VERY exhausting,even for a trained singer with excellent technique (and believe me , i am not that guy :) ) . Quickly, that kind of performance took it's toll. My voice got very hoarse. I was tired. Yes, acoustic performance has it's benefits, like mobility and light packing BUT remember - you only have one pair of your vocal chords. When you damage them , that is one expensive surgery , if you don't damage them beyond repair , of course. It was not my opinion at the time, it was a tip from my friend who is a pro singer. I quickly realized that i'm going to need some amplification. Yes, equipment started to build up, there was a mic, a stand, amp , case, trolley,looper pedal, power supply, now i even have a tablet , a holder for tablet , custom case for donation etc. but believe me - it is worth it !!! My busking income skyrocketed (in comparison with pure acoustic income), i can work every day , sometimes 2 or three gigs on different locations, i can use looper and perform solo parts and rhythm on guitar body, so my voice is utilised much less and my sound is much more serious , louder and can reach more people. With looper pedal and little excersise you don't have to be a guitar master to sound interesting. My acoustic performance was primary voice , some cowboy chords and little fingerstyle but now, it is full rhythm, bass , solo etc. and pople feel the difference ! Just remember , a professional is not only a talent, performance etc, the equipment is very important too, sometimes even more important ! And one more time - YOUR HEALTH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THIS WORLD, amplifier and equipment is a must for a full time busker. Just be aware of your volume level and it will be okay. Cheers!
I am starting to busk as soon as I get my first portable amp. There is no way I can sing THAT loud
Hey man. It's been a year. How has your busking been going?
Could you provide me with a little more details as to where you busk and how much you typically rake in a month? I'm seriously looking into this.
I sometimes go with amplification and sometimes without. Depends on weather and on the spots i choose. There are benefits to both approaches but in my experience you have to be very picky about the location when you go without. You need to think about the sonic properties of the location. You need as many walls as possible around you, best even a roof. Then the projection is great and you don’t need to strain your voice too much. There are three awesome locations in my city, one is a tunnel (it sounds so great and an amp overpowers, everything gets very muddy very quckly). Also i do shorter sets of 20-25 minutes, then take a break while i move to the next spot. I also choose completely different songs. I need a higher register to properly project my voice, so no low songs, no quiet songs, only ones where i can stay in the most comfortable register for my voice. With amp there are many restrictions on where i can play, so i tend to look for opportunities like local flee markets or things like that where i contact the organization and ask if they would like me to play there. It’s more stationary and i only change locations maybe once during the 4 hours i‘m on the streets. ♥️♥️♥️
I have busked off an on between indoor gigs for 30+ years. I never go out without a busking amp, typically orianted so I get some benefit from it as a monitor. Not needing to push my voice on a busy street means I don't need to over-sing and my voice does not get tired.
The other day, I busked outside a Trader Joes on Saturday. There were lots of people, good weather. And after 2 hrs, I had made a dollar. The girl who gave me the dollar said I sounded really nice, and she was hot, so that is something. So I went back to my car and paid the 3$ parking and went home in debt 2 dollars with strained vocal cords.
Did you not get her phone number 😂
Thank you for your video! I just start to try busking and you have shared some much helpful tips and encouragement!
I totally can relate to this. But unfortunately in Germany (where I come from) it's not allowed to use any kind of amplification as a busker. But sometimes the authorities tolerate an amp as long as it's not cranked up to 11...
Thanks for your video! 🖤
Sorry to hear that, yeah amplification is a huge help! Here in Galway you can use amplification only after 5 pm, which is good during summer time, but on winter is not the best! Thanks for watching! cheers from Ireland!
Im also from Germany and i didn't understand if u could or couldn't use an amp, guess i cant. I only have one option now at least its not as expensive
@@happyhappy685 Heya, I know it's been a minute, but thought I'd still reply: Every city in Germany has its own rules (sometimes even districts within the same city), so you can't rely on others' opinions, you gotta look the specific rules for your specific city up! Second: Just ignore the rules! The rules are almost always dumb, restrictive, and would massively hinder art and culture if people actually adhered to them. Luckily, they're almost never enforced as long as you adhere to common decency (don't crank your amp too loud, don't block any entrances, generally don't be in the way, don't play the same three songs on loop for two hours straight ...)
Yea ... doing purely acoustic is very difficult to do. It is very exhausting and a person can tire easily. Being amplified is so much better but it too has its own unique problems too. However, it is so much easier to be heard that way and be noticed. Fortunately i live in a house that has nothing below or above me. No stairs to deal with...at least at home. My gear rig is about 20 pounds or so altogether. I use a 50w Samson P.A. speaker for my vocals and either my Orange Crush Mini with Extention Cab (20w) or my Boss Katana Mini (7w) for my guitar or ukulele. I also use a pedalboard and a small mixer If I use my Boss Katana i will need to run it thru the P.A for it to be loud enough and be able to make the sounds i want to make. But it is lighter than my Orange Crush. I know there are other equiptment that is bigger and better but for now i am happy with what I am using.
Thanks this video is very helpful. So far I played only acoustic and find it hard to reach the people. I’m planning next season to bring a amplifier to the street. I’m looking forward to it.
this was a cool test! really enjoyed this vid! one busker to another this was great!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your time watching the video! :)
i like this guy. He is very passionate and want to share his experience. That's all and I respect that!
I like your guitar strap, I remember back in the 80s I used to busk in town centers with acoustic and voice and some people would say they can't hear me lol. I started playing instrumentals with amp and that was much better and it saved my voice. Later I added Mic once I got my licence. Where did you get your poster printed? I dont busk much these days as my health has gone down the drain a bit and can only manage about an hour as my legs ache with arthritis and I get back ache a lot.
Wow.......with a little inconvenience in carrying the amplifier for busking, the returns justified the efforts......!! Furthermore you are not torturing yourself to the extent of losing your voice by singing loud ..... 🤣🤣 Well done my friend.....
nice dude! like how you made the video from a practical stand point. Also I have the same shoes :D
Thank you! Ahah nice shoes!
More people will give you money if you’re amplified as it looks more professional. However, if you’re very interactive with people and find a decent spot and always talking and smiling people will prefer the more acoustic approach as it’s more human. Do whatever is best for your personality
Excellent video Tito! I can SO relate, I've tried both too and agree with everything you said
🙂 Thanks Mia!
Excellent information! I am proud for you. You have passion in what you do. Have you ever tried a wireless mic or guitar hook-up?
Great video, thanks for making it!
Thank you 🙏
Howdy friend. I feel compelled to share with you… I watched your “5 things” busking video before I got too busy with busking. I busked for two seasons without an amp/pa. Then got a Roland cube. Night and day. I believe I learned to project loudly in those two seasons. I can do that for a few sets. People would tell me from time to time that I should get a PA, to be heard farther away. I was not expecting that to be hard, but it was! I actually had to learn how to sing/perform with a mic! I have also been hitting open mic nights to practice with microphones which has not come easy. I feel ok now tho. This busking season will be different for sure. Please keep up the great work, keep singing, and thank you! BTW I got the Roland cube off your review. I like it this far.
Thanks man! hope you like your new amp! Keep singing! cheers, take care 💃
I’m getting ready to busk in Sydney again after a year or two off … I was acoustic before and found it tough … now I am gearing up to be amplified … I am interested to see if I can replicate your experience now.
That was interesting, especially when you stressed out the difference between the singing techniques. So far I just busked in small towns, where amps are not allowed. Although it's quite quiet there I believe playing with an amp would turn out as you said at the end: it would have an impact on the money received.
Furthermore the cities where you are allowed to play amplified here in Germany you hve have to pay a fee in advance. Is it for free in Ireland?
This was helpful ~ thank you so much ~ and all the best in busking!!
Glad it was helpful! have a great day! :)
Ciao Tito, è da un belpò che sono iscritto al tuo canale,che trovo molto interessante!Anche se (ahimè)non sempre riesco a capire tutto ciò che dici.Volevo chiederti,se potresti caricare qualche video(in particolare questo,con i sottotitoli in italiano)che trovo molto utile,anche per tutti colore che vorrebbero approcciarsi al busking,e allo stesso tempo,sarebbe un modo come un altro per ampliare il tuo canale anche in Italia.
Ciao un saluto e buon busking!🙂
Ciao Marco! Posso provare a mettere I sottotitoli tramite UA-cam, ma ci vuole un sacco di tempo 😌
@@titolarios
Se ce la fai,mi faresti una grande cortesia, altrimenti pazienza!
Grazie ugualmente.
Stay Rock!🤟🙂
Where do you think the best place to put the amp is so that you can hear yourself, they can hear you, but you don't cause feedback?
I usually put the amp in line with my left ear, not pointing to the microphone, but with a bit of angle to me. I found that is the best position for me
Try puting fold down wooden ski's that youcan lock in place when needed on your trolly so you can glide up the stairs. Make them with good ply wood and put some type of plastic underneath to help them side better without scratching anything. Someone needs to design a quality buskers mobile unit.
Thanks for the info, the diferències in revenue is more than doble 👍🏻
Try using an original smaller roland cube, a harp rack for the mike ,go leadless and 3/4 size guitar. .. eliminates the trolley,mike stand,leads and unnecessary big amp ..easier for getting on airplanes too!..enjoyed the video ..Good luck..
muy buena comparación.
Thanks dude!❤
Awesome bro! What amplifier and microphone and stand can I buy?
i use a roland cube. can be powered by batteries. as for a microphone, you cant go wrong with a shure sm58
are you based in ireland? I though i saw some irish names in the background?
Hi friend, what Cort guitar model are you using? Thanks
Nice voice
Nice video. I am planning to praise God in the street like Harmonie London.
Go for it 🙌
Boss street cube 2 is good or not for singing and playing on street?
I will make a review on this soon!
@@titolarios Thanks man. You are really good one ❤️
How did you learn to sing?
Bro needs a dolly that is meant to go up and down stairs
Did you find that you made more money on the days when you were amplified?
i love you man
I love playing the guitar but I can't sing for shit, do people only really appreciate it when you sing too?
I don't sing either and it doesn't bother the audience at all in my experience as long as your playing is good enough and not just chords (:
There are many buskers who play only guitar and do pretty well 👍🏼
Singing is good asset but not mandatory. Get a looper pedal, be interesting and it will be ok. Of course, if you really like to sing , you can. I've sounded like sh*t , but with persistance, some voice lessons and constant LISTENING of other singers and practice, practice, PRACTICE , i managed to sing with great results after only few years. Best luck !
What's a good amplifier for vocals? I don't play guitar. I am NOT INTERESTED in an amp that's "good for guitar". Why doesn't anyone talk about VOCAL performance amplification?
good! sos latino amigo?
Is it a big difference in money you make with or without amp?
watch till the end 😉
Mini amp.
thank uuuu
👍👍👍👍
nooo ,,, best wait is only guitar and voice !! no amps , mic etc..once they preached with , the voice ,, only .. and the whole square listened to them ,,, a question of ...soul. !it is not a question of level volume
I must disagree.. If you want to be a part time/hobby busker than okay, you can take you guitar/instrument and enjoy. If you are full time busker , with ability to perform for bigger crowds , bars, private events , you need equipment. Especially if your performance requires use of guitar pedals etc.
Best regards.