Sids gears getting better...and hes charging more.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Well guys, im sat here waiting for my christening to arrive, and the disco from last night is neatly packed up in the corner.

Now i know that last nights disco only charged them 100 quid (the organiser was someone i know, and they couldnt get me so went through yellow pages).

So, Sids charging a bit extra...

Maybr something to do with the half decent kit;

2x W Audio 10 inch powered speakers
1x Carlsbro gamma powered speaker (maybe instead if a sub for some bottom end)
1x Kam Par Bar
1x Acme TriClops
2x Acme MiracLED
1x Acme HP3 Fogger

Cant see the cd players, but all in all not bad kit.

Maybe as the price of kit changes, and if Sids prices increase continually, we may be in a better position on the whole as an industry....?

[Excalibur]

Well guys, im sat here waiting for my christening to arrive, and the disco from last night is neatly packed up in the corner.

Now i know that last nights disco only charged them 100 quid (the organiser was someone i know, and they couldnt get me so went through yellow pages).

So, Sids charging a bit extra...


Maybe as the price of kit changes, and if Sids prices increase continually, we may be in a better position on the whole as an industry....?
:fp:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

We can live in hope though Peter eh.

I can remember that Charlie (Brown) said in a previous thread that he was happier charging accordingly when he got his EFX (or words to that effect).

[andyw]

he is not using top end gear and not charging top end prices but what makes him a sid, is his equipment pat tested? has he got insurance? is his music legal?
or is he someone trying todo things right and working his way up.

was he any good, will the organiser pay your prices next time or use him again, now that is the 64,000 dollar question

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Well i can see a current pat sticker on the carlsbro and fogger but they are the only things not cases/covered up.

On the basis of that ill assume its all Tested, and if hes bothered with testing then i would safely assume hes insured...even if it is just basic £1million.

Havmt seen the organiser yet, but the bar staff said it was a good night........


I think its definately true what was previously said. Sid isnt any major concern to us. its the guys charging a pittance for pocket money, but doing everything by the book.

[andyw]

Well i can see a current pat sticker on the carlsbro and fogger but they are the only things not cases/covered up.

On the basis of that ill assume its all Tested, and if hes bothered with testing then i would safely assume hes insured...even if it is just basic £1million.

Havmt seen the organiser yet, but the bar staff said it was a good night........

the price of 10m insurance is not a lot more then 1 m or even cheaper if you shop around, if he has pat tested equipment and pli(althought i know your not sure) then i bet he is using legal music as well. it would be interestimg to find out what the organiser really thinks

[Dynamic Entertainment]

As would i ;)

[yourdj]

Is this person any good.

I know DJ's who have loads of top of the range gear and cant DJ to save their lives.

They are not people persons and don't seem to know what makes people dance.

[Excalibur]

he is not using top end gear and not charging top end prices but what makes him a sid, is his equipment pat tested? has he got insurance? is his music legal?
or is he someone trying todo things right and working his way up.

was he any good, will the organiser pay your prices next time or use him again, now that is the 64,000 dollar question

OK, well let's try to be serious. Should we have a " Sixty Quid Sid's Anonymous" ? :D :D My name is Peter, and I'm a Sid. :o :o :o :o :o

Well yes, I was a Sid, but: that was a very long time ago, before I left the dark side and came over to the light. Even then, the one point which was of paramount importance was- Customer Satisfaction.

Anything else was a bonus. My gear was crap, but it sounded good, and I had the music they wanted and played it. Job done. Simples.


Nowadays, HMRC are well aware of my existence, I give them money, and I have PLI. Quite frankly, in this present climate, nobody should operate a disco for money without having PLI. It's getting cheaper all the time. And there's a halo above my head. :D :D :D :D :D ( Sorry about that, slipped into flippant mode there. :o :o )


The one thing that really enrages me isn't Sixty Quid Sid, but Laptop Larry. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: The one who hasn't paid a penny for his entire music collection. Mine took me thirty five years and a lot of drinking vouchers to build up, and I don't take kindly to somebody wandering about with a laptop containing fifty thousand tracks that he got for the price of a pint. :bang: :bang:

In all walks of life, we're up against the part time/cash in hand/enthusiastic amateur/ DIY Dave, and that will never alter. All we can do is to conduct ourselves and our businesses in a respectable and honest way, and not sink to the level of these types.

[yourdj]

In all walks of life, we're up against the part time/cash in hand/enthusiastic amateur/ DIY Dave, and that will never alter. All we can do is to conduct ourselves and our businesses in a respectable and honest way, and not sink to the level of these types.

I don't care. The more of them that are out there the better I look.

Many (well most of them) of my clients book me after going to rubbish weddings with the laptop larry types.
Suites me fine. You get this is every industry. :)

[rob1963]

Maybe as the price of kit changes, and if Sids prices increase continually, we may be in a better position on the whole as an industry....?

On the downside, the rest of us won't look as good in comparison.

Just a thought.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Hence why im looking to completely change my rig Rob. ;)

[andyw]

On the downside, the rest of us won't look as good in comparison.

Just a thought.
so in reality, you will then have to imporove so sids could push the standards up, :eek: we all need to be constantly improving ourself and not resting on our laurels:beer1:

[rob1963]

so in reality, you will then have to imporove so sids could push the standards up, :eek: we all need to be constantly improving ourself and not resting on our laurels:beer1:

Fair comment, but in reality, by the time most Sids are charging more & using better gear, I'll probably be long-retired!

[DJ James Lake]

so in reality, you will then have to imporove so sids could push the standards up, :eek: we all need to be constantly improving ourself and not resting on our laurels:beer1:

Which we all do anyway :)

[Excalibur]

so in reality, you will then have to imporove so sids could push the standards up, :eek: we all need to be constantly improving ourself and not resting on our laurels:beer1:
Correct.

Fair comment, but in reality, by the time most Sids are charging more & using better gear, I'll probably be long-retired!
:fp: And anyway, if you do retire, how will you know the difference? You don't work now anyway. :p :D :D :D :D :D


Which we all do anyway :)

Which we all should do anyway, if we want to be taken seriously.

Strewth, if I keep improving at this rate, I'm soon going to be officially awesome! :eek: :D :D :D :D :D

[CRAZY K]

so in reality, you will then have to imporove so sids could push the standards up, :eek: we all need to be constantly improving ourself and not resting on our laurels:beer1:

Depends what you mean by improving yourself.

If its just buying a load more expensive kit it may not necessarily be relevant as someone mentioned in an earlier post somewhere--- if your not up to the job in terms of people skills, mike technique and music knowledge for your particular market and generally knowing how to run a successful evening --then buying a load of new kit wont help---anyone with a credit card can do that;)

Professionalism on the mike, in your dealings and on your website would gain you more --in my opinion.

[rob1963]

Depends what you mean by improving yourself.

If its just buying a load more expensive kit it may not necessarily be relevant as someone mentioned in an earlier post somewhere--- if your not up to the job in terms of people skills, mike technique and music knowledge for your particular market and generally knowing how to run a successful evening --then buying a load of new kit wont help---anyone with a credit card can do that;)

Professionalism on the mike, in your dealings and on your website would gain you more --in my opinion.

Spot on, Crazy.

The magic word is SERVICE rather than EQUIPMENT, which so many people fail to understand.

I remember a thread a while back asking how people had improved their business over the past year, and was surprised at the number who said I bought this new light, that new media player, those new speakers etc...without any mention of improving their service levels.

:shrug:

[Excalibur]

Depends what you mean by improving yourself.

If its just buying a load more expensive kit it may not necessarily be relevant as someone mentioned in an earlier post somewhere--- if your not up to the job in terms of people skills, mike technique and music knowledge for your particular market and generally knowing how to run a successful evening --then buying a load of new kit wont help---anyone with a credit card can do that;)

Professionalism on the mike, in your dealings and on your website would gain you more --in my opinion.

Ah, gotcha. ;) " It's not what you've got, it's the way you use it? " :D :D

[Corabar Entertainment]

I'm always totally flummoxed when people seem to suggest that it's an 'all or nothing' approach: having good mic skills and good customer relations, doesn't mean that you can't have a good looking show too, or even top end equipment!

Conversely, improving your rig doesn't mean you're crap at the other things, or that you're neglecting that side, or not always looking to be better than you already are.

Doesn't any one else look at improving ALL aspects of service, or are we peculiar in that respect? You'd certainly get that impression reading some of the posts on here! :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Excalibur]

I'm always totally flummoxed when people seem to suggest that it's an 'all or nothing' approach: having good mic skills and good customer relations, doesn't mean that you can't have a good looking show too, or even top end equipment!

Conversely, improving your rig doesn't mean you're crap at the other things, or that you're neglecting that side, or not always looking to be better than you already are.

Doesn't any one else look at improving ALL aspects of service, or are we peculiar in that respect? You'd certainly get that impression reading some of the posts on here! :confused: :confused: :confused:

Well I can obviously get gear with better badges on, but as to my performance as a DJ, how in the name of all that's holy, am I going to improve on perfection? :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well, obviously, Peter.... you're the exception that proves the rule! :p

[rob1963]

:fp: And anyway, if you do retire, how will you know the difference? You don't work now anyway. :p :D :D :D :D :D


Cheeky monkey!

Don't work?

I'll have you know I work close to 12 hours a week...although I accept that falls to less than 7 hours in weeks when I don't have a disco.

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Angela, i completely agree.

10 years ago i had everything to improve on, and at some point you hit the top of your game in each field and cant improve further.

Taking myself, my customer service is up there. I dont know how i can improve on it to be honest. My mic skills are developed enough to hold my own infront of 2000 people either as MC or party/personality DJ, and my mixing skills are on par with alot of top end jocks (so ive been told ;) ), so all tha leaves for me to improve on is my rig.

Ive saved my replyuntil now because i text the organiser asking how her night went...

The reply back was that it was fabulous. The DJ was great and had everyone up all night, so im my eyes, a sucessful Sid ;) who has gear to do the job. Maybe all it would take would be a fellow Dj point out that hes not charging enough...

[soundmaster mobile disco]

I would never leave my gear in a function room ,knowing that there is a booking on the next day.my gear always comes home with me,but saying that i have been to a few venues where there is still dj gear left from the previous night.

[CRAZY K]

Ah, gotcha. ;) " It's not what you've got, it's the way you use it? " :D :D

Within reasonable tolerance levels for the times.

As regards sound quality, power, Lighting styles etc.

Obviously my clients are less demanding regarding Lighting as a lot of my work is conducted in low light rather than darkness.

Otherwise they break their leg:eek:

However I believe what is offered is continually improving as regards the range of music, styles, entertainment value and stage props.

Oh and of course the priceless ability to get ANY Party/Wedding moving that we play at.

Birmingham Tappers and Shunters Clubs I have found slightly more demanding this year---eh Scott--but hey I like a challenge like you Peter;)

[Excalibur]

Cheeky monkey!

Don't work?

I'll have you know I work close to 12 hours a week...although I accept that falls to less than 7 hours in weeks when I don't have a disco.
Oh don't try to pull that one pal, you can't call that work. You go into a pub, chat to folks, and go home. Where's the work? :confused: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D ( Only kidding mate, successful quizzes don't host themselves. )


Ive saved my reply until now because i text the organiser asking how her night went...

The reply back was that it was fabulous. The DJ was great and had everyone up all night, so im my eyes, a sucessful Sid ;) who has gear to do the job. Maybe all it would take would be a fellow Dj point out that hes not charging enough...

Enough for who? :confused: If he's only a hobby DJ, in it for fun more than profit, he's charging the right price. As long as he's declaring his income, we can't knock him.
Maybe he feels he can't charge £150 till he gets some Mackies, an Ultimax, and some Martin Wizards. :confused:

Discuss, with examples and annotated diagrams.

[CRAZY K]

I'm always totally flummoxed when people seem to suggest that it's an 'all or nothing' approach: having good mic skills and good customer relations, doesn't mean that you can't have a good looking show too, or even top end equipment!

Conversely, improving your rig doesn't mean you're crap at the other things, or that you're neglecting that side, or not always looking to be better than you already are.

Doesn't any one else look at improving ALL aspects of service, or are we peculiar in that respect? You'd certainly get that impression reading some of the posts on here! :confused: :confused: :confused:

Quite agree, I bought my larger .......... Speakers and Amp at Xmas so I have more sound power available when its needed without using subs.

Last night Angela I must admit being able to really up the volume helped with a private event in a Catholic Irish Social Club in Kilburn when we moved on to the Country Disco--im sure you could relate to that;)

Im just saying for the less experienced in the business I dont think there is a constant need to keep wanting to upgrade kit for the sake of it--unless business opportunities present themselves with better kit, but obviously there will be certain current minimum requirements.

I have omiitted the brand name of my equipment as I always attract the ...... knockers.

:D :D :D

[Twinspin]

My perception is sixty quid sids. Is a lot of them seem to have public liability to work in local venues and P.A.T testing as well as without

but they always have the minimum of £1 million. They go out and undercut every other djs quote in the area.

Where im from its the same here there are people that are willing to do wedding gigs for £80.00 / £120.00. when i was a resident dj ive been there at the £120.00 mark what the hotel paid me.

Now i wont do weddings for less than £250.00 and thats minimum. My average quote lately has been above that. Ok a lot of people here dont like that price. But if they dont they can book someone cheaper. My most expensive paid gig was last night as it happens at the guildhall at £400.00 and ill be pushing for that even more in large venues.

[jon s]

I think it's about the quality of the DJ and not the equipment. A good dj could work with a couple candles and get people going!

That's why I use dmx lighting :-)

Seriously there are alot of Sids out there and the majority of people want the best price. Whats the first thing people ask when they phone you for a quote, Can you tell me how much you charge for a disco at... and when you finish telling them what they get for the money and go through all the usual questions and give them the price they say, OK thanks I'll get back to you. Deep down yoyknow that they have gone for someone whos at least 1/2 the price you have quoted even after they have beaten you down a few quid.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think it's about the quality of the DJ and not the equipment.

I think it's about both.

[Excalibur]

I think it's about both.

Yes and no. As long as the gear's fit for purpose, and not an eyesore, it doesn't matter about the badges, or what it is.

[soundscapes]

Yes and no. As long as the gear's fit for purpose, and not an eyesore, it doesn't matter about the badges, or what it is.

agreed, i doubt the majority of the general public will have heard of many dj "brands" or understand what dmx lighting really means

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes and no. As long as the gear's fit for purpose, and not an eyesore, it doesn't matter about the badges, or what it is.

Will you stop dissecting my posts Peter.

I didn't mention badges.

The DJs skills and the right gear is important.

[Excalibur]

Will you stop dissecting my posts Peter.
I didn't mention badges.

The DJs skills and the right gear is important.

Wasn't aware I was doing that, my intention was to qualify " the right gear ".If it does the job adequately, it is by definition "the right gear ". I was simply pointing out that:
The badges on the gear don't matter.
The gear doesn't even have to be all dedicated DJ gear, it just has to do its job.
As long as it's tidily presented, it's fine.

The point I was trying ( unsuccessfully) to make, was that of course the gear is important, but only in that it has to sound good, be loud enough, play when you press play, and not skip. Anything else is a bonus. As for lighting, well let's just say it's not as important as sound. I still don't think I've made the point as clearly as I'd like, but hey ho.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Wasn't aware I was doing that, my intention was to qualify " the right gear ".If it does the job adequately, it is by definition "the right gear ". I was simply pointing out that:
The badges on the gear don't matter.
The gear doesn't even have to be all dedicated DJ gear, it just has to do its job.
As long as it's tidily presented, it's fine.

The point I was trying ( unsuccessfully) to make, was that of course the gear is important, but only in that it has to sound good, be loud enough, play when you press play, and not skip. Anything else is a bonus. As for lighting, well let's just say it's not as important as sound. I still don't think I've made the point as clearly as I'd like, but hey ho.

No, the point is, I didn't mention badges at all and you still disagreed. I know the point you are trying to make Peter, but it didn't have to be made.

I said the gear is important. I didn't say what kind of gear and what make and I didn't say you need the most expensive.

Ask any of my DJs about my attitude towards this. There is a certain standard which I would expect and that doesn't includes makes and models, but does include a decent sound and aesthetically pleasing equipment. That is why the gear is important too.

Oh, and I totally disagree with your point about it not needing to be dedicated DJ gear. Argos lighting anyone? :D

[Excalibur]

No, the point is, I didn't mention badges at all and you still disagreed. I know the point you are trying to make Peter, but it didn't have to be made.

I said the gear is important. I didn't say what kind of gear and what make and I didn't say you need the most expensive.

Ask any of my DJs about my attitude towards this. There is a certain standard which I would expect and that doesn't includes makes and models, but does include a decent sound and aesthetically pleasing equipment. That is why the gear is important too.Oh, and I totally disagree with your point about it not needing to be dedicated DJ gear. Argos lighting anyone? :D
Well I ran for many years with home CD players, and apart from no anti shock, they still played CD's.

And that was exactly my point too. . Gordon Bennett, but it's difficult getting a point across sometimes. :D :D

I'm sure we're not disagreeing here, simply not understanding each other. :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well I ran for many years with home CD players, and apart from no anti shock, they still played CD's.

[

And so did I, but there is no excuse these days as they are very inexpensive.

[Excalibur]

And so did I, but there is no excuse these days as they are very inexpensive.

Strike me pink, but you've got the same skeletons in your closet as I have!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

[TONYTIGER]

All of the posts have valid points and i am sure this subject will continue to roll for a long time.I think we all forget that a lot of enquires come from people who have never booked a mobile disco in there life and are never likely to again and would not know a good mobile if it got up and bit them.What they do know is how much money they want to spend after all its there money,i have been running my mobiles since the 60s and nothing has changed and never will.

[WWDJ]

Strike me pink, but you've got the same skeletons in your closet as I have!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

i think we all have... but the professional players just weren't as easily accessible then. I remember shelling out 700-800 for a Denon 2000F Mk2. That would be getting on £1500 in 'todays' money.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

,i have been running my mobiles since the 60s and nothing has changed and never will.

Maybe for you. My business has changed beyond recognition in the last 25 years as have my clients needs.

[womble]

Maybe for you. My business has changed beyond recognition in the last 25 years as have my clients needs.

Mine's changed a lot in 12 months!

[TONYTIGER]

Maybe for you. My business has changed beyond recognition in the last 25 years as have my clients needs.

Yes agree things have changed but when it comes to the money side its peoples nature to get the best deal possible be it for a mobile or certain djs looking for cheap deals on gear,the point i was making is for the casual booker price is a big factor considering we are in the worst financial downturn for many years.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes agree things have changed but when it comes to the money side its peoples nature to get the best deal possible be it for a mobile or certain djs looking for cheap deals on gear,the point i was making is for the casual booker price is a big factor considering we are in the worst financial downturn for many years.

At the moment I'd probably agree with you, but I spent many years happily getting the work for the price I was charging and people not questioning the cost, so I don't think it's always been that way, in my experience anyway.

[rob1963]

My business has changed beyond recognition in the last 25 years

Mine too.

It's virtually gone from one extreme to the other.


as have my clients needs.

I don't think mine have.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So your clients are asking for exactly the same thing as they did 25 years ago?

[Excalibur]

So your clients are asking for exactly the same thing as they did 25 years ago?

Of course not Darren, don't be silly!!!!














Now he's gone to MP3, they get lower quality music. :D :D :D :D

[WWDJ]

So your clients are asking for exactly the same thing as they did 25 years ago?

Yep, YMCA and Oops Upside Your Head :D

Seriously though, I think the punters were more easily entertained back then.

The expectation with media content today is MORE MORE MORE for FREE FREE FREE and NOW NOW NOW and there is some crossover into Djing there.

Back then you went down the shops and bought a few singles that would be in the charts for weeks. It's so instant and throwaway that even keeping up with all the tracks in the Top 10 is nigh on impossible, and that's not because I'm getting old, it's because they change so often!

See my other comment to cdpool.

[rob1963]

So your clients are asking for exactly the same thing as they did 25 years ago?

Yep, there's no obvious difference that I'm aware of.

They want a disco with music & swirly coloured lights.


Of course not Darren, don't be silly!!!!

Now he's gone to MP3, they get lower quality music. :D :D :D :D

Are MP3s lower quality than vinyl singles then?

[yourdj]

I think it's about the quality of the DJ and not the equipment. A good dj could work with a couple candles and get people going!
.

EXACTLY. :)

[Dynamic Entertainment]

EXACTLY. :)

So your clients would be happy with you turning up with a couple of candles and hi-fi system then.... :confused:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Yep, there's no obvious difference that I'm aware of.

They want a disco with music & swirly coloured lights.



Are MP3s lower quality than vinyl singles then?

You dont get the lovely "rich" sound that vinyl produces yet you dont get skips crackles hisses or pops with mp3's so its yes and no

[yourdj]

So your clients would be happy with you turning up with a couple of candles and hi-fi system then.... :confused:

No, but it's not the be all and end all. :) Allot of attention goes to getting all the best gear sometimes and the important bits can get neglected. I have seen loads of DJ's with loads of gear and they hide behind it not saying a word and choosing all the wrong tracks. i think a connection to the crowd is very important. :)

[TONYTIGER]

No, but it's not the be all and end all. :) Allot of attention goes to getting all the best gear sometimes and the important bits can get neglected. I have seen loads of DJ's with loads of gear and they hide behind it not saying a word and choosing all the wrong tracks. i think a connection to the crowd is very important. :)

I agree a lot of so called djs of today think this game is a cash cow ie couple of actives + laptop and a few cheap led effects hey presto i am a dj what they forget is you can not buy talent.

[Larry B Entertainment]

The one thing that really enrages me isn't Sixty Quid Sid, but Laptop Larry. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: The one who hasn't paid a penny for his entire music collection. Mine took me thirty five years and a lot of drinking vouchers to build up, and I don't take kindly to somebody wandering about with a laptop containing fifty thousand tracks that he got for the price of a pint. :bang: :bang:



Excuse me :eek:

All my choons are paid for thankyou very much :D

[Excalibur]

Excuse me :eek:

All my choons are paid for thankyou very much :D

Well I and Produb are delighted to hear it. ;) Well done that man. :thumbs_up: :D :D :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

No, but it's not the be all and end all. :) Allot of attention goes to getting all the best gear sometimes and the important bits can get neglected. I have seen loads of DJ's with loads of gear and they hide behind it not saying a word and choosing all the wrong tracks. i think a connection to the crowd is very important. :)

And ive seen lots of good djs let down by the kit. Its swings and roundabouts ;)

[Vectis]

And ive seen lots of good djs let down by the kit. Its swings and roundabouts ;)

Agreed, but, like Milton Keynes, there's a lot more roundabouts than swings ;)

[DJMaxG]

I think that something that the industry needs to gather, is that
each company is offering a different service

You get what you pay for

Sid is charging less because his equipment (and possibly expertise) doesn't come close to other provider's. Another thing to consider, is that he probably has a day job, therefore runs the disco for "fun" or "pocket money".