Gobo Projector

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I thought I'd post a new thread, as i didnt want to hi-jack someone elses thread (for a change ;) )

Anyway, im seriously interested in getting a gobo projector and a few custom gobos, but what kind (make/model/brand/etc) would you recommend/use?

Steve

[Shaun]

I recently started offering Brides 'custom gobo projection' as an upsell, so the happy couples names can be beamed onto the walls, floor or ceiling at their reception. Four of next years brides have opted for it....I plan on just using my moving heads with the custom gobos added.

*edit: Sorry, my post wasn't much help..lol.

[Adam_F]

I've had a Martin PR 1 for a few years as I bought in for 1 job, and only started to get around to using it again, so can only advise on that one. Does what it says on the tin really!

Heres an image from a wedding I did last Saturday with it (poor quality pics :( )

[Dynamic Entertainment]

So Is it worth the £259.99......be honest then Adam ;) and do you get any gobos as standard or to you have to go out and buy them all.

[Jiggles]

How much do the custom Gobos cost?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

How much do the custom Gobos cost?

I know your busy...but keep up Callum ;) :D :D

According to Adam, in this post - http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=369669#post369669


I had basic lettering (see other thread for an image) and including next day delivery & VAT it was £65

[djsteve10]

I use a martin PR1 projector quite often, Either for custom gobos from the clients or I use a "Just married" gobo with a illustrated bride & groom underneath.

These are solid units and the optics are very sharp and you can always focus up the gobo with the focus adjuster.

You can also set the gobo to a slow rotate but I usually just have it on a static position.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I use a martin PR1 projector quite often, Either for custom gobos from the clients or I use a "Just married" gobo with a illustrated bride & groom underneath.

These are solid units and the optics are very sharp and you can always focus up the gobo with the focus adjuster.

You can also set the gobo to a slow rotate but I usually just have it on a static position.

Cheers :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Adam_F]

So Is it worth the £259.99......be honest then Adam ;) and do you get any gobos as standard or to you have to go out and buy them all.

You get a pack of custom gobos with it (happy birthday, happy xmas, 2 patterned ones etc...).

Value wise, if your using it all the time, then I'd rather spend the little extra and get Martin, as for ease of gobo changes, maintance, build quality etc...

Me personally, I wouldn't have bought a Martin as I don't get enough use out of it, but as I get a great staff discount it made sense really.

Prolight do a cheaper version http://www.prolight.co.uk/item.php?hdnID=506607




How much do the custom Gobos cost?

The one above in the photo cost £65


The amount of comments that gobo got was great. Loads of photos of it taken too by guests. Obtained two other bookings who liked it on the day, and I've hopefully secured some more dates through the venue, either just for this, or with a disco too, so glad I dug it out of the unit!

[Jiggles]

I know your busy...but keep up Callum ;) :D :D

According to Adam, in this post - http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=369669#post369669

Cheers :P

[Dynamic Entertainment]

You get a pack of custom gobos with it (happy birthday, happy xmas, 2 patterned ones etc...).

Value wise, if your using it all the time, then I'd rather spend the little extra and get Martin, as for ease of gobo changes, maintance, build quality etc...

Me personally, I wouldn't have bought a Martin as I don't get enough use out of it, but as I get a great staff discount it made sense really.

Prolight do a cheaper version http://www.prolight.co.uk/item.php?hdnID=506607





The one above in the photo cost £65


The amount of comments that gobo got was great. Loads of photos of it taken too by guests. Obtained two other bookings who liked it on the day, and I've hopefully secured some more dates through the venue, either just for this, or with a disco too, so glad I dug it out of the unit!

Awesome. Cheers :beer1:

[WWDJ]

65 quid is a lot of cost for custom names. Hopefully you will encourage weddings with people with the same names to get some of the cost back!

I paid about 35 quid for a couple of custom gobos "Happy Birthday" for my scanners. They are quite small, and with metal gobos the lines that break up the letters are a but thick but they do the job although i am awaiting positive feedback. I may decide to go for glass gobos in future to get a better effect.

[Adam_F]

65 quid is a lot of cost for custom names. Hopefully you will encourage weddings with people with the same names to get some of the cost back!


I won't pay that fee. It's a service my clients will pay (with a little added, as it's up to me to source). It's an additional service, like uplighting, starcloth drapes etc.... I wouldn't put 10 LED pars in for free, the same as I wouldn't add a custom gobo for free.

Stock gobos (generic ones such as happy birthday, just married, happy 21st etc...) are only around £7 each, so not bad to build up a collection of those.

Generic ones, are like these below, that come with the PR 1, and similar to the Wildtech one I listed too

[Adam_F]

Here's a pic from last night, where I used one of the free gobos that come with the PR 1, and one showing where I had it projecting from.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Cheers Adam.

I got myself a Wildtech unit today. I couldnt justify the PR1 just yet as i dont know what take-up on the "name in lights" service would be round here.

Im not complaining mind...fleabay was my friend. Brand new unit for £56.02 :D

[Adam_F]

Im not complaining mind...fleabay was my friend. Brand new unit for £56.02 :D

Well worth it for that!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Well worth it for that!

That was my thought. I could flog it on for more than i paid if im not going to use it to its full potential :D

[Starlight]

Metal custom gobos arn't as good as glass gobos The thing with custom metal gobos, over time, the heat gets to them and damages the metal gobo over a period of time. Of course custom glass gobos can cost considerably more - 1) Because they last a lot longer than metal gobos 2) The effects look better and 3) They are harder to manufacture.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I suppose though Neil that there isnt going to be too may calls for "Congratulations Pubert & Gertrude" so metal would be the obvious choice on those custom ones which may get used for one night only. ;)

[Starlight]

I suppose though Neil that there isnt going to be too may calls for "Congratulations Pubert & Gertrude" so metal would be the obvious choice on those custom ones which may get used for one night only. ;)
I see, fair enough :p :D

Neil M.

[Mark Wild]

Anyone used a ADJ LED Gobo Projector perchance? Any good?

[Get Me A DJ]

Anyone used a ADJ LED Gobo Projector perchance? Any good?

looking at those myself, so I would be interested as well.

I might even have a word in one of the reps ears and get hold of a demo unit to look at.
The only reservation I have, is the output from the lamp (not being bright enough)

I use halogen projectors at the moment and it's a pain in the arse when the lamps die halfway through an evening.

[Mark Wild]

The only reservation I have, is the output from the lamp (not being bright enough)



Yeah me too hence the question really, the 10watt LED doesn't look too bad in some of the videos tbh. If you grab a look at one, be sure to share the knowledge man. :)

[Jiggles]

I would be more inclined to use something like a ETC Source four Jr. Takes an M sized gobo and can be used for other lighting work also I.E. like a spot light for at the cake or something along those lines? Also ideal for those venues where a smaller unit would be lost.

[Danno13]

I would be more inclined to use something like a ETC Source four Jr. Takes an M sized gobo and can be used for other lighting work also I.E. like a spot light for at the cake or something along those lines? Also ideal for those venues where a smaller unit would be lost.

Although to be fair these are alot more visually intrusive than simple gobo projectors. I use 25-50 zoom models of the above, but then they're used for stage use as well as just projecting gobos and of course it's handy to be able to connect to a dimmer, which you can't do with the Martin/acme things.

[Mark Wild]

Although to be fair these are alot more visually intrusive than simple gobo projectors.

These? http://www.proproduction.co.uk/cartindex.php?act=viewProd&productId=560

There's no size/weight scale there, what is it roughly? The Martin PR1 is more expensive.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Anyone used a ADJ LED Gobo Projector perchance? Any good?
Have seen one in use 'in the flesh', but only in a small shop.

As I said, it was only in a small shop, but it was also in pretty much daylight, and it looked pretty decent for the money.

It grabbed our attention and is on our 'possible future purchases' list too.

[Mark Wild]

Have seen one in use 'in the flesh', but only in a small shop.

As I said, it was only in a small shop, but it was also in pretty much daylight, and it looked pretty decent for the money.

It grabbed our attention and is on our 'possible future purchases' list too.

Nice one Angela, I think one or two of these would be more realistic for me maybe as a humble wedding dj :p

[Danno13]

These? http://www.proproduction.co.uk/cartindex.php?act=viewProd&productId=560

There's no size/weight scale there, what is it roughly? The Martin PR1 is more expensive.

I'd say about 40-45cm long, and 20cm x 20cm at the end of the lens. I can beat that price by the way on the zoom model (25-50 degree) :)

EDIT: Found the specs and I wasn't far off - http://www.etcconnect.com/docs/docs_downloads/datashts/7062L1010_Source_Four_jr_Zoom_Spec_Sht_vD.pdf

[Corabar Entertainment]

Nice one Angela, I think one or two of these would be more realistic for me maybe as a humble wedding dj :pExactly!

I have no doubt that there are much better gobo projectors out there, but just as a little 'extra', then I think they would do the job nicely.

If you were planning on making it a big feature of your show, then maybe they'd fall somewhat short....


...as always: horses for courses ;) :D

[Chris1984]

Interesting read - it all depends on what the gobo needs to do/needs to be.
WE use both Source4's in all varieties be it jnr or full size as they are brighter in all flavours of zoom right up to a 5deg but all depends on the gig.

The projectors mentioned would be useless to send a gobo a long distance or to have it moving about which s where as mentioned popping it into a mac or something works best.

I would say buying yourself a 2nd hand Source 4 jnr 25-50 zoom from flea bay or used lighting would be the best piece of kit to get - put it on a half coupler so it clamps to a bar nice and tight as the last thing you wont is it to move and loose the focus like things can do on hooks.
You would also get a reasonable throw out of it and can also go reasonably close too.
Again it all depends on what you want to achieve and where you need to achieve it.

[djmattieb]

Chavet have a new led gobo projector coming out. 10watt led like the american dj one but it has dmx control and also comes with 8 gobos.

http://www.chauvetlighting.com/gobo-zoom-led.html

[Corabar Entertainment]

Chavet have a new led gobo projector coming out. 10watt led like the american dj one but it has dmx control and also comes with 8 gobos.

http://www.chauvetlighting.com/gobo-zoom-led.htmlThat looks intriguing.

Any idea when it's actually hitting the shelves, so to speak?

[djmattieb]

Was launched at namm so should be hitting the shelves in the next month or so i'd imagine.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I've just had a look and a retailer in the US is saying that, although he's got one on test, they're not expected out until March.

[djmattieb]

Was hoping that they would be out before march but will proably wait for them anyway. I like the dmx contol option also they give a nice selection of gobos with the product and you can also print your own gobos on accetate to use with it. I think it would be a very handy and versatile light to have.

[Mark Wild]

Was hoping that they would be out before march but will proably wait for them anyway. I like the dmx contol option also they give a nice selection of gobos with the product and you can also print your own gobos on accetate to use with it. I think it would be a very handy and versatile light to have.

The question remains though "Is it bright enough"? I've just been poking around and asked a chinese company if the did LED gobo projectors, they came back with, they do (with these pics of it) I'm waiting for specs and price. Looks familiar to me but so many things are just rebadged Chinese products nowadays it's ridiculous.

[Corabar Steve]

Er, isn't that the ADJ one?

EDIT: Yep! http://www.americandj.com/ProductDetails.aspx?Category=&ItemNumber=1985

It's a 10wLED, I'd imagine it's bright enough for most (mobile) disco applications.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well, it's certainly the same photographs they use to advertise the ADJ one!

[Corabar Steve]

If you look closely it also says ADJ on the side :sj: :sj: :sj:

[Mark Wild]

If you look closely it also says ADJ on the side :sj: :sj: :sj:

Indeed, I just looked at that, but this is the email...

Hi Mark,

Pls see the photo of our JO-GLP-2388 projector enclosed.
and let me know if this is what you need?
And how many do you need?

If they're the same and £50 each I'm not grumbling :D

[Corabar Steve]

Indeed, I just looked at that, but this is the email...

Hi Mark,

Pls see the photo of our JO-GLP-2388 projector enclosed.
and let me know if this is what you need?
And how many do you need?

If they're the same and £50 each I'm not grumbling :D
So, now we know how much of a mark up ADJ charge & who actually makes them.

It could be a bit of a pig returning any that went wrong though.








(& could you ask them not to use txt spk in future emails?) :sj:

[Mark Wild]

So, now we know how much of a mark up ADJ charge & who actually makes them.

It could be a bit of a pig returning any that went wrong though.

IF they are that price firstly (I'm waiting to hear back) Secondly, probably worth a punt regardless of if it goes wrong, for me anyway.

[Corabar Entertainment]

If they're the same and £50 each I'm not grumbling :DPlus postage, plus import tax, plus the risk if it doesn't work / goes wrong.

Not worth the potential saving (not a lot once everything's taken in to account), IMO.

[Mark Wild]

Plus postage, plus import tax, plus the risk if it doesn't work / goes wrong.

Not worth the potential saving (not a lot once everything's taken in to account), IMO.

That stung me last time for the laser, a letter from DHL a month later asking for £23 ! :mad:

Still worth an ask :) You never know......

[Get Me A DJ]

erm, hello people.
Parts equals ADJ in the UK

Mark, you'll be waiting a while for a reply as the Chinese New Year celebrations start today.

I'm fed up cos I'm waiting for a shipment and it's going to go on the boat in THREE WEEKS :(

[Corabar Entertainment]

erm, hello people.
Parts equals ADJ in the UKErm, hello person.
Not under warranty it doesn't.

[Paul The Party Dj]

Anybody found a source for cheaper logo's.
I'd love to offer the service but my not many of my clients will want to blow over £50 for one logo. Surely they can't cost that much to make, this would be a decent opportunity for someone to do a lot of business making custom logos.
Sorry if I've missed the answer to this on previous pages - I did speed-read the thread.
Cheers, Paul ;o)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well..... this new one that's coming from Chauvet (links earlier in the thread) states that you can print your own designs on acetate!

Now, how well that will work remains to be seen!

[Chris1984]

Anybody found a source for cheaper logo's.
I'd love to offer the service but my not many of my clients will want to blow over £50 for one logo. Surely they can't cost that much to make, this would be a decent opportunity for someone to do a lot of business making custom logos.
Sorry if I've missed the answer to this on previous pages - I did speed-read the thread.
Cheers, Paul ;o)

gobo land - if you want glas gobos you will find they are expensive - steel onces are cheap.

[ppentertainments]

We had a very good presentation from Paul (Supersound) at our last meeting. He knows a fair bit about gobo projectors and would definitely recommend contacting him.

As far as the ADJ projector goes, personally I think it is great for the price and more than adequate. Yes it not quite as bright as say a Martin unit but perfectly adequate. My only concern was it needed quite a long throw. My idea was to mount one on the truss to give a bit decoration to the dancefloor at the beginning of an evening, however the throw would be far too short for this.

As I say Paul is the person to talk to, very knowledgable and did an excellent presentation.

[Mark Wild]

Well the Chinese company got back to with this..... (not my grammar or text talk, not sure if you want me to correct it or not, if so delete the post and let me know :))

Hi Mark,

i am kind of sorry,
but it is my pleasure to tell you that the product showed in my last email is what we made before.
now our main marker and product are these kind as attached.
Pls find the photos and manual enclosed.
They are improved and with higher quality, more popular in Europe and America market.

Pls kindly let me know if they are meet your need also.
Your prompt feedback will be highly appreciated.

Looks a bit like the PR1 no?

[TONYTIGER]

I know this is slightly off topic as its not a projector,but i use a laser to put up messages and such like ,use ILDA software certainly has enough throw and bright enough,just a thought.

[Get Me A DJ]

Well the Chinese company got back to with this..... (not my grammar or text talk, not sure if you want me to correct it or not, if so delete the post and let me know :))

Hi Mark,

i am kind of sorry,
but it is my pleasure to tell you that the product showed in my last email is what we made before.
now our main marker and product are these kind as attached.
Pls find the photos and manual enclosed.
They are improved and with higher quality, more popular in Europe and America market.

Pls kindly let me know if they are meet your need also.
Your prompt feedback will be highly appreciated.

Looks a bit like the PR1 no?

Strange they got back to you considering it's Chinese new year.
Just out of interest who's the manufacturer because I asked my sources over there and they don't know.


I know this is slightly off topic as its not a projector,but i use a laser to put up messages and such like ,use ILDA software certainly has enough throw and bright enough,just a thought.

What software and ILDA unit are you using Tony?

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Just for info...this proved very popular for a while...so much so that people started dry hiring and i had to buy more units....but it was one of the first add ons to be hit by the credit crunch ;)

[Mark Wild]

Strange they got back to you considering it's Chinese new year.
Just out of interest who's the manufacturer because I asked my sources over there and they don't know.


PM sent as these Chinese manufacturers are nosey buggers :D

[Get Me A DJ]

PM sent as these Chinese manufacturers are nosey buggers :D

Got it and I know what you mean about walls have ears :D

[TONYTIGER]

The software i use is Phoenix Live from Laser World which is the same make as my lasers,just type in the message and a design and its done,i used to order gobos from Goboland but got to pricy.

[Ajaysdisco]

I thought I would give you an idea on the costs involved with custom gobos

Standard Metal Gobo
Standard metal gobo £ 8.00
Standard meshed metal gobo £ 10.50

Custom Metal Gobo
1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 49.00

Custom Glass
Black & White 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 70.00
One Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 85.00
Two Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 125.00
Three Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 185.00
Multi-Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 235.00

These prices are 2010 prices and don’t include VAT or delivery but it gives you an idea how expensive glass gobos can be.

[Get Me A DJ]

I thought I would give you an idea on the costs involved with custom gobos

Standard Metal Gobo
Standard metal gobo £ 8.00
Standard meshed metal gobo £ 10.50

Custom Metal Gobo
1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 49.00

Custom Glass
Black & White 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 70.00
One Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 85.00
Two Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 125.00
Three Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 185.00
Multi-Colour 1st Gobo including tooling and artwork £ 235.00

These prices are 2010 prices and don’t include VAT or delivery but it gives you an idea how expensive glass gobos can be.

Who is charging them prices as they're steep :eek:

[Ajaysdisco]

Who is charging them prices as they're steep :eek:

Rosco

Don’t forget the biggest cost is the set up cost, for example with business cards you could spend £20 on 100 but only £60 on 1000.

[Shaun]

Who is charging them prices as they're steep :eek:

Do you have a cheaper source?

Both companies I use are around the same price ajay stated. If you have a cheaper contact I'd love to hear from you.