First post in a while...and plenty of questions

[Ryu]

Hello again,

Haven't posted in a while, but have been lurking around, checking out a thread here and there. This place is a goldmine of ideas and suggestions.

To update you a bit...

The website has been tidied up, still needs a bit of work, if you have a spare 5, check it out http://www.harlequinroadshow.co.uk

Things have gone well since starting out with my well experienced old man at the start of the year. I'm taking the reigns more and more as he's ready to put his feet up at the end of this year. We're working regularly, and feedback has been good.

I'm starting to get things together so I can push on in the new year, legitimise ourselves a little more (We have P.A.T, No PLI, No Digi-licence etc)
by investing in some propper advertising, a business account and a few extras for the lightshow.

Anyways, the questions...

Agents. What are your views? We currently use two for referrals, one has gone pretty quiet, the other is getting us work, but I fear we are getting the butt end of his contracted venues. My Dad has set up those relationships over the years, and I now want to go to them directly, and set up a few new ground rules, without losing there interest.

Equipment...We have 4 LED Pars on a T-bar with a DMX controller that sits to the left of our set up, They are pretty versatile. Alongside that we have basically banks of flashing bulbs. I'd like to get another T bar for the other side and would like to get two more pars, and sit maybe a Laser and an Acme LED type light on it also. Any suggestions or tips. Is a Hazer any good?...I've heard mixed things...

Apologies for the big long post, hats off to you if you find the time to read it, and :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: if you manage to answer one or more of the questions I've asked...

R

[Charlie Brown]

Sure, I’m not one of the "experienced ones" on here, but I can tell you that smoke machines are great, and if I were you I would invest in a goalpost stand that goes in front or behind you, and spread out your LED lights on that....the flashy box lights, maybe look a bit old fashioned? Also put your speakers on stands, to give that professional look.
Instead of getting more par cans how about, some Dynamos, to create some movement?
Charlie

[Vectis]

Instead of getting more par cans how about, some Dynamos, to create some movement?

Good idea! And I know exactly where to get some (http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=240374) ;)

But you really must get some PLI [/nag]

And there's no need to invest in business banking, check out Abbey Business.

[Ryu]

Cheers Charlie, thanks for the advice.

I agree about the box lights, I'm gonna try fading them out slowly, they were a bit of a labour of love for the old chap, but for what they do, there is a bit of lugging. Our soundsystem is a Citronic 1000w amp feeding four (brand name escapes me) speakers, bass at the bottom, mid and treble at the top....I have to say, I am proud of the sound we produce, so at the mo I'll keep that as it is.

I was tempted to just match up the par cans, 4 on each side, but, I agree a bit of versatility could help. I've looked at the Prolight Nebula for a laser, and possible a Boogie LED, or a ImpossibLED...give me an example of a good dynamo you'd recommend (if you get the chance)

[Shaun]

give me an example of a good dynamo you'd recommend (if you get the chance)

Acme Dynamo.

Martin (Vectisvibe) is selling a set of four PLUS flightcases for a couple of hundred quid. Bargain! See link below


Set of 4 Dynamos (Flightcased) (http://www.djbids.co.uk/auctiondetails.php?itemname=Set-of-4-Acme-Dynamos-Flightcased-VGC&id=485)


*Edit: OOps, I didn't see your post above, Martin. Ah well...extra advertising. :D

[Ryu]

I'm tempted, but am resisting adding to my expenses at the moment, I'm kinda gearing up for investment in the new year...urgent purchases include an ext hard drive, and a Microphone mixer (got first Karaoke gig coming up)

[Charlie Brown]

Cheers Charlie, thanks for the advice.

I agree about the box lights, I'm gonna try fading them out slowly, they were a bit of a labour of love for the old chap, but for what they do, there is a bit of lugging. Our soundsystem is a Citronic 1000w amp feeding four (brand name escapes me) speakers, bass at the bottom, mid and treble at the top....I have to say, I am proud of the sound we produce, so at the mo I'll keep that as it is.

I was tempted to just match up the par cans, 4 on each side, but, I agree a bit of versatility could help. I've looked at the Prolight Nebula for a laser, and possible a Boogie LED, or a ImpossibLED...give me an example of a good dynamo you'd recommend (if you get the chance)

Sure no problem,
By the sound of it I think you can be content with your sound system:D
Lighting isn’t all that bad, I think to add some movement would be a good move, as I believe the 4 par cans you have, do a great job of filling the dance floor with colour, but if you had anymore, would it a) by overpowering or b) would you be able to notice them as you already have four!! That’s just a thought….
http://www.djkit.co.uk/category.php?id=279&offset=10
Have a browse though there, and I'm sure you will find something to your liking. You need to decide whether to opt for the 100wat or 250wat, bit of a difference, but also a change in price.....
The Dynarock is a barrel effect, and the Dynmo is a standard scanner..
Have a look and before you buy, drop us a comment with what you’re thinking, and I’m sure we can advise you from there:D
In regards to a laser, if you look at my website http://www.charliebrowndisco.co.uk watch some of the videos, and if you like the look of the laser, I can point you in the right direction for the same one, for about £80!!
Finally, you could use a Acme ImpossiLED as a center piece or a Carbon, to your goalpost(if you’re getting one, highly recommend one, they can be really cheap!!!)

I don't use LED lights but have heard very good things about them..
P.S: you can get the dynamos in LED as well, then if all your lights are LED that can sometimes be a good selling factor to your clients, helping the environment and all that:)
Hope this is of help, as I said there are some people on here who will/could give you better advice than me, but I think I have picked up a few tips and tricks whilst being on this forum!!
Good Luck, Charlie

[Ryu]

Confession time Charlie....it was watching the video on your site that I decided I need to get me a Laser!! :D your's was 80 notes? Wow...how does that get on in larger venues?

How are the goal post to pack away and carry? At the moment we spread the load between my old mans megane and my Zafira...I reckon I could get the lot in mine, but if not, I'll consider a van.

See this is another beef of mine, The old man has two moon flowers in the shed that we rarely use, Surely they'd do a job, or are they a bit dated nowadays?

[Charlie Brown]

Confession time Charlie....it was watching the video on your site that I decided I need to get me a Laser!! :D your's was 80 notes? Wow...how does that get on in larger venues?

How are the goal post to pack away and carry? At the moment we spread the load between my old mans megane and my Zafira...I reckon I could get the lot in mine, but if not, I'll consider a van.

See this is another beef of mine, The old man has two moon flowers in the shed that we rarely use, Surely they'd do a job, or are they a bit dated nowadays?
Haha, no lol, the moonflowers are fine, but your movement isn’t there...
If you are on a budget like me, I would a) save up for the dynmos or get the Acme ImpossiLED as a centre piece, and leave it at that. Tbh the average punter couldn’t care less about what lights you have..as long as they flash, then that’s fine lol:) The par cans are great, they can act as backlighting or fill the dance floor with colour....

The laser is a powerful green 60mw….Fills the largest of venues (250 people for me) a good value cracking piece of kit, and for another 25 you can opt for the duo laser, two 60mw lasers in one unit!!
The goalpost stands are very easy....all the kit you see on my website is transported in a Ford Galaxy (my dad's as I'm only 14 and can't drive!!)
From £60 you have a decent goalpost, and it looks very professional. It enables you to spread out your lights and hideaway those nasty cables!!
http://www.djstore.com/item/stands/protrus01.htm that’s a standard goalpost or
http://www.djstore.com/item/stands/protrus03.htm
This is a winch stand. I wish I had saved up and brought a winch goalpost, make life a tad easier, ultimax are also very good but for the time being, and a tight budget I think the £70 will do you fine.
Hope this has helped, thanks Charlie

[Ryu]

Diamond, Cheers Charlie for your advice! Virtual Bevvy on its way to you!

[Charlie Brown]

Diamond, Cheers Charlie for your advice! Virtual Bevvy on its way to you!

Ahhh. no problem,

If you want details on the laser, I will fish them out for you and give you the website and phone number....

Charlie

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Have you thought getting an ultimax stand so you can have somewhere to put all your equipment and somewhere to hang your light all on one stand.

Can't recommend them highly enough they are great. With your setup it would work well:

LED Par - LED Par - Acme LED Effect - LED Par - LED Par and then you could add a laser to the top of your bar the the scanners to the bottom, when you get enough £££.

As much as i love the spot banks in this day and age sadly i think they have to go (mines still sat in the back of the cupboard:()

In regards to what you said about smoke machines they are really good and enhances the look of a light show to no ends but you but bear in mind most venues these days don't allow them and many people suffering from breathing problems are easily affected by this effect. BE WARNED!

And a final note lasers are great and they do look cool but traditional lasers need smoke unless the effect will be much greatly decreased (and become a dot on the wall at the other end of the hall). the cluster style lasers are good and dosen't require smoke but gives off a totally different laser effect to the original lasers but these are quite £££ units (usually £200+)

If i were you i would get a laser only when you have the rest sorted so put it on low priority and remember the older generation don't seem to appreciate them:rolleyes:

Hope this has given you some idea's:)

[Candybeatdiscos]

Diamond, Cheers Charlie for your advice! Virtual Bevvy on its way to you!

Virtual report to police for feeding a minor virtual bevvy - do you not think we have enough problems with teenage drinking? lol

[Vectis]

Virtual report to police for feeding a minor virtual bevvy - do you not think we have enough problems with teenage drinking? lol

Sir, in Ryu's favour, extract from the Urban Dictionary (didn't post a link 'cos it gets rude further down...)

Bevvy: Slang term for a drink (beverage), usually alcoholic, most often beer or lager.

So not necessarily booze then... :o

[Ryu]

Aww come on now, it was a lager shandy!

Cheers for the tips Spud, I shall be using the advice offered and will be putting earnings aside so I can launch a new set up after the Xmas season (which by the way, found out yesterday we got 7 gigs so far in the run up to 24th and expecting a few more!)

[Charlie Brown]

Aww come on now, it was a lager shandy!

Cheers for the tips Spud, I shall be using the advice offered and will be putting earnings aside so I can launch a new set up after the Xmas season (which by the way, found out yesterday we got 7 gigs so far in the run up to 24th and expecting a few more!)

I think Spud is right, take his advice on board....

Good luck, Charlie

[nigelwright7557]

Hello again,

Haven't posted in a while, but have been lurking around, checking out a thread here and there. This place is a goldmine of ideas and suggestions.

To update you a bit...

The website has been tidied up, still needs a bit of work, if you have a spare 5, check it out http://www.harlequinroadshow.co.uk

Things have gone well since starting out with my well experienced old man at the start of the year. I'm taking the reigns more and more as he's ready to put his feet up at the end of this year. We're working regularly, and feedback has been good.

I'm starting to get things together so I can push on in the new year, legitimise ourselves a little more (We have P.A.T, No PLI, No Digi-licence etc)
by investing in some propper advertising, a business account and a few extras for the lightshow.

Anyways, the questions...

Agents. What are your views? We currently use two for referrals, one has gone pretty quiet, the other is getting us work, but I fear we are getting the butt end of his contracted venues. My Dad has set up those relationships over the years, and I now want to go to them directly, and set up a few new ground rules, without losing there interest.

Equipment...We have 4 LED Pars on a T-bar with a DMX controller that sits to the left of our set up, They are pretty versatile. Alongside that we have basically banks of flashing bulbs. I'd like to get another T bar for the other side and would like to get two more pars, and sit maybe a Laser and an Acme LED type light on it also. Any suggestions or tips. Is a Hazer any good?...I've heard mixed things...

Apologies for the big long post, hats off to you if you find the time to read it, and :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: if you manage to answer one or more of the questions I've asked...

R

The Impossibled is a great light for the price.

As for agents, well a gig is a gig is dosh.
Its only fusspots like me who wont do weddings or kids parties !

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

The Impossibled is a great light for the price.

As for agents, well a gig is a gig is dosh.
Its only fusspots like me who wont do weddings or kids parties !

Have you ever worked for an agent?

Alot of these are more trouble that there worth and only out to make money off our backs!!! but like i said not all are like this but that's the impression i get from working for agents.

Sorry if there's any on her:o


I shall be using the advice offered and will be putting earnings aside so I can launch a new set up after the Xmas season

Good luck. Hope all goes well for you:)

[Corabar Steve]

Sorry if there's any on her:o


http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1759.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

No Steve thats just your dirty mind setting in again:D

It's and invisiable "e" like the silent u in quick:o

Can't you see it?:)

[Spirits High]

Its only fusspots like me who wont do weddings or kids parties !


You don't do weddings :eek:

All the more for me then ;)