Does this prove a point?

[franczola]

Hi,

Wasn't working NYE, instead went on a family dinner dance at a local well known hotel.
When we got there, I noticed the DJ set-up...

2 Twister lights, Numark Mix 1, soundlab speakers. All sitting on.... a pasting table! That was it.

I assumed that he was still setting up, and had just put his stuff on the un-covered pasting table (with paint splashes and pieces of wallpaper stuck to it) while unloading.

But no. This was his set up!? Oh dear I thought, this will be an interesting NYE party.

BUT....he was great! From start to finish he had a full dance floor, and interacted well with the crowd. His music was a good mixture, and appealed to everyone.

So here's my point..
I felt quite ashamed that I had judged the guy purely by the quality, and amount of equipment he had. Yes it would have been easy to cover the table with a cloth at least, or put the lights on a T-Bar. But he wasn't being paid to have lots and lots of great equipment and a great looking set up. He was there to provide entertainment and get people dancing and enjoying themselves. And this is what he did. Well.
Ive seen a couple of threads here that have been quite critical about other DJ's set ups and equipment, because they have basic, lower budget equipment, and dont take care over the quality and look of thier set-ups but

I guess that this proves the point..
Its not what you've got, its how you use it!

(although i dont know what he would have done if the Numark Mix had bust?)

Franc'

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That doesn't really prove anything.

NYE is one night where people are generally up for a party and a great time. You don't generally have to be a genius DJ to get people dancing on that date.

I agree that equipment doesn't maketh the DJ, but there is a certain standard and every little bit helps.

Two DJs are exactly the same standard in terms of music, personality and professionalism. One of the DJs has better presented, neater and better sounding equipment, which one would you choose?

[djsteve10]

Presentation is key,
Imagine if you had booked a presitge venue and that guy set the equipment up... you wouldnt want that on your wedding photos, You want a smart, presentable disco which looks the part.

I know alot of good djs and they dont have the best gear but put their heart into Dj'in which is great to see.

[Dragonfly]

That doesn't really prove anything.

NYE is one night where people are generally up for a party and a great time. You don't generally have to be a genius DJ to get people dancing on that date.

I agree that equipment doesn't maketh the DJ, but there is a certain standard and every little bit helps.

Two DJs are exactly the same standard in terms of music, personality and professionalism. One of the DJs has better presented, neater and better sounding equipment, which one would you choose?

the one that charges £80 ????????? :D :D :D

[franczola]

That doesn't really prove anything.

NYE is one night where people are generally up for a party and a great time. You don't generally have to be a genius DJ to get people dancing on that date.

I agree that equipment doesn't maketh the DJ, but there is a certain standard and every little bit helps.

Two DJs are exactly the same standard in terms of music, personality and professionalism. One of the DJs has better presented, neater and better sounding equipment, which one would you choose?

Agreed.
NYE is a special case and its easier to get a party going, but some members have posted here today saying that it was hard work for them last night.

We maybe would choose a DJ that was better presented, neater and had better sounding equipment, but the point I was trying to make was that people want a night of good music and to have a good time and wont always be bothered about how or what generates it. I/we would rather have a good looking set-up with good amounts of quality equipment and professionalism, but last night opened my eyes that its not always neccarsary in order to give clients a good night.

Franc'

[wensleydale]

Agreed.
NYE is a special case and its easier to get a party going, but some members have posted here today saying that it was hard work for them last night.

We maybe would choose a DJ that was better presented, neater and had better sounding equipment, but the point I was trying to make was that people want a night of good music and to have a good time and wont always be bothered about how or what generates it. I/we would rather have a good looking set-up with good amounts of quality equipment and professionalism, but last night opened my eyes that its not always neccarsary in order to give clients a good night.

Franc'

i agree with a bit of both- nye does not always equal a great night as proved last night by some, and the phrase all the gear no idea is sometimes true- the ideal is the sweet spot of the dj who knows what he is doing with a decent show- thats a rare commodity in my experience and hence the reputation that mobile djs have which is if we are honest often deserved.

[Excalibur]

I am presently undertaking a radical up grade of the presentation of the kit, for various reasons, the most valid of which was the view of perhaps my biggest customer, who had booked us because he knew we how good our performances were, but he said the presentation was sadly lacking. This was fair enough, as it's a very nice Golf Club. We are now on our way, and shall hopefully continue to progress.

Darren, I think to say that NYE is a different container of aquatic inhabitants is quite frankly mischievous. It's not a guarantee of success in any way, as quite a few folk on here today will testify. ;)

There are a few adages about this game, including " All Discos look good when the lights are off ". Not an absolute I know, but I have traded on the fact that as long as you play the right music at the right time, on a sound system of acceptable quality, customers will recommend you. As with so many aspects of this game, it's a question of balance. Lose it, and you're in trouble. ;)

[DJWilson]

its not about the look its about the DJ. when i say that mean if you have a top quailty Dj the presentation isnt as important because people are focusing on the DJ and not the set-up's looks.

you may not agree but id rather have a decent Dj without a good looking set-up instead of a brill set-up with a rubbish DJ

[wensleydale]

its not about the look its about the DJ. when i say that mean if you have a top quailty Dj the presentation isnt as important because people are focusing on the DJ and not the set-up's looks.

you may not agree but id rather have a decent Dj without a good looking set-up instead of a brill set-up with a rubbish DJ

i think this is the point that is being missed- its about the right balance of dj and kit.
the whole package.
the bit before the event.
the professionalism during set up and de-rig.
checking that everything was ok afterwards.

the full service.....

[leighinstoke]

I've often never understood the 'look of the show' myself - my system isn't as 'pro' as some guys on here use but, for me, it does what I want it to - and the same for my clients. I've never had someone question what I use or bring to a gig nor do they say 'why aren't you using the latest piece of equipment?'

I play what they want me to play or what I think they want (not all are specific over music) and thank me at the end. The 'punter's have a good night and my dancefloor is always full.

So, despite my gear, the thing that works 'right' is me and, whatever it is I do, I'll carry on doing it while I enjoy doing it and I get the thanks for it too.

(Regarding gear and 'value/quality/brands/amount', you could compare it to Ferrari owners - many took their tests in Nissan Micras but often forget this!)

Leigh....

[Excalibur]

I've often never understood the 'look of the show' myself - my system isn't as 'pro' as some guys on here use but, for me, it does what I want it to - and the same for my clients. I've never had someone question what I use or bring to a gig nor do they say 'why aren't you using the latest piece of equipment?'

I play what they want me to play or what I think they want (not all are specific over music) and thank me at the end. The 'punter's have a good night and my dancefloor is always full.

So, despite my gear, the thing that works 'right' is me and, whatever it is I do, I'll carry on doing it while I enjoy doing it and I get the thanks for it too.

(Regarding gear and 'value/quality/brands/amount', you could compare it to Ferrari owners - many took their tests in Nissan Micras but often forget this!)

Leigh....

Hallelujah, Brother. Amen to all that. ;) :D