where next

[Ricesnaps]

After all the time spent deliberating, I now have a set of three datamoons on the way, which will be complimented by either a set of scanners or a set of moving heads - same effect, just not sure how i'm going to achieve it.

The above will mean selling my pair of fascinations and my current leo / scimitar set up.

which will leave me with a pair of Acme Lynx, four pin spots, mirror ball and green lazer.

Not sure I want to keep the Lynx - dissapointing effect so far.

Trying to go for a reasonably simple but classy (wedding type) show and will probably ad a dmx controller soon so give me control over the colour a little more (I think single colour or good colour blending looks great).

However not sure where to go next with my lighting or if I need to go anywhere.

All hung on a 3m tri-truss arrangement.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Did you mean to ask a question at all in there Matt? ..... or are you just thinking 'out loud'? :D

[spin mobile disco]

With lighting its really 3 points you think about

1. is it easy to setup / derig etc
2. Do you like the effect when its on?
3. Is it bright enough, do the clients like it.

If matched all 3 of these then your probably on to a winner.

[Ricesnaps]

Did you mean to ask a question at all in there Matt? ..... or are you just thinking 'out loud'? :D

Maybe that's why I had so few replies?

Just interested in peoples opinions as to what I do or buy or change / replace next based on my latest purchases and remaining light and agreed plans.

Really just some ideas for what guys find works and how I can use that advice in my own set up.

Thanks

[Dragonfly]

if something isnt broken why fix it?

[Ricesnaps]

if something isnt broken why fix it?
Because you want to get better at what you do or even because things get old and might need replacing simply as a precaution.

None of my current lighting has seperate colour wheels - which will be the plan with the new scans / barrels and I am hoping through the use of a dmx controller to coordinate my lightiong better - a lot of my wedding clients have for example, asked for single colour first dances for example. I also personally thing an upgrade would make the show look classier.

I also find the fascinations and Lynx's optics a little limitted in a lot of my venues now (which is why I've plumped for the datamoons).

So maybe not broken, but showing it's age and not up to the job in hand any more!

[rob1963]

Because you want to get better at what you do or even because things get old and might need replacing simply as a precaution.



I don't think that replacing your lights makes you better at what you do.

I'm a strong believer in the theory "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" and don't think it's necessary to replace lighting effects every few years as a precaution...the only precaution is to make sure we carry spare bulbs.

Some DJs spend a fortune on lighting, because all they are worried about is having the latest effects. Not me. I even have a couple of Autoscans which MUST be at least 15 years old, and they still look great.

Although we may WANT to, we don't NEED to replace our lighting unless 1) we think it looks rubbish, 2) punters tell us it looks rubbish, or 3) we have a big pile of money & absolutely nothing else to spend it on!

I don't fall into any of those categories.

[Ricesnaps]

I don't think that replacing your lights makes you better at what you do.

I'm a strong believer in the theory "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" and don't think it's necessary to replace lighting effects every few years as a precaution...the only precaution is to make sure we carry spare bulbs.


Or spare fuse holders and spare ceramic lamp holder, the odd mirror and mirror motor.... and that's just the start for the leo's!

I am the last person who you need to be telling that lights don't make you better - been bleeting on about that particular one for a long time now. My light show is simply something I love and makes me happy. I have the blind and pointless thought sometimes that others will be impressed by what I am impressed with, but I already know that's highly unlikely. In the last 5 years I've only even had two comments about how great the lights were, but loads about how good the DJ was.

So I have chosen to do some upgrading and some changes, for my own simple pleasure if nothing else.

Still keen to know if anyone has any thoughts.

By the way, Dragon, you changed your datamoons a little while ago didn't you. Based on your "if it isn't broken..." comment, why did you choose to change them?

[Dragonfly]

for the simple reason that although still functional colour was coming off the gobos some of them were missing all together / had a noisy motor but the main reason is for personal reasons im always looking for lighter units which the i shows are yes i do change things sometimes when i dont need to which is why i hardly ever make anything lol but my health is more important than my bank balance id really advise against it though ... hope that answers the question? really wasnt aimed as a dig rice just if you are getting good feed back from your shows at the end of the day we are all in this game to make money and you really can constantly change things with new effects and gizmos .... my show is based around giving the most spectacular show possible while causing the least amount of damage to myself.

and for the record having seen pics of your show and knowing someone who has been out with you and speaks very highly of your talents i dont think you need to change much mate.

that said moving heads all the way rice ive had some great comments since adding them to mine.

[Ricesnaps]

and for the record having seen pics of your show and knowing someone who has been out with you and speaks very highly of your talents i dont think you need to change much mate.

that said moving heads all the way rice ive had some great comments since adding them to mine.

Would that be a barndance kinda chappie?

Lots of time for Mr Crazy here!

[Dragonfly]

it would indeed .... yep top fella

[rob1963]

In the last 5 years I've only even had two comments about how great the lights were, but loads about how good the DJ was.




Rice - I've only had a couple of comments on how great my lights were too, but I've had NO complaints about them either, and I think thats the important point.

I've NEVER had any compliments about how good my sound system is, but again that doesn't mean it's no good, as I've had no complaints about that either.

What REALLY matters, as you mentioned, is what people think of the actual DJ & the music...because THAT'S the basis on which people will re-book you or recommend you to others.

With regards to your comments on the precaution of taking spare bulb holders, fuses, barrels, mirrors and motors to gigs, you have to draw the line somewhere. All I take for my lights are spare bulbs. As long as you look after your lights & have them regularly serviced, I see no reason why you should have a problem...whether they are 1 year old or 10 years old.

My lightshow includes two autoscans which are now at least 15 years old, and in 23 years on the road I've never had a problem with a light that couldn't be solved by replacing the bulb.

Good luck with your new show...and remember to do a post about how it looks, as it might give ME an idea or two for when I replace some of my lights...which will probably be in about 10 years! :D :D :D

[soundscapes]

all this talk of upgrading lights, dont forget the smoking ban kicks in soon and most venues dont allow smoke machines which means you wont get much effect from beam based lighting. id suggest getting something like an i colour or colourflood.

[Steve 'B']

[QUOTE=rob1963;101720] In the last 5 years I've only even had two comments about how great the lights were, but loads about how good the DJ was.


I appreciate what you say. But lets be honest, alot of us change our show to make ourselves happy. You know as well as I do that the average punter just wants flashy lights. Does not matter if they cost £50 or £500. Saying this I have had lots of comments on how good the show looks and attention to detail does get noticed.....sometimes.

We need a reliable car to get around. Why buy a Fararrie (spelling!!)?

[rob1963]

...lets be honest, alot of us change our show to make ourselves happy. You know as well as I do that the average punter just wants flashy lights. Does not matter if they cost £50 or £500.


I completely agreee, Steve.

[Ricesnaps]

Guys, thanks for the comments. Hopefully I have already said how much I agree with what you are saying, but....

Could we get back to the matter in hand. Not really wanting to discuss why I need to upgrade, or if I should or even if my clients will notice any different. I would however be really interested to know what you would recomend based on what I have, what I plan to have and what I have left - If it makes the advice easier, just pretent I am very new and haven't got much kit, or that half my existing lighting is broken.

So to re-cap:

1. I have just bought 3 Datamoons
2. I will be replacing my Leo's / Scimitars with either new scanners or moving head (no advice needed as this is a done deal)

This leaves me with:

1. a pair of Acme Lynx's
2. 4 pin spots
3. Mirror ball
4. Green Laser

Please bear in mind - I don't really like the Lynx much now, the output is pathetic and it gets lost, but I do like the fact that it is "different". I also like the mirrorball effect, but the pins probably don't do it justice...

So what would you do next?

[Dragonfly]

why not bounce the laser off the morror ball?? just a thought i personally hate spot lghts so id ditch them and if you bounce one laser off the mirror ball why not get another to shine over the crowd? and stick the lynxs on dj bids or keep them in case of emergency?

[Ricesnaps]

Never thought of that - would that make a huge difference?

Think the Laser looks fantastic as currently used

[Dragonfly]

i think it looks good? not my pic i hasten to add ... but nice effect.