Disc Jockey Amplifiers or 'Amps.'
can blow out at the worst times, so having a good one as well as a backup
Amp is essential. If you DJ with only one Amplifier at your gig, your gonna
be in trouble sooner or later. A back-up Amp does not need to be the most
expensive either, they can be a less expensive (or cheaper) model. The list
below shows Amps of various makes and models from mid to high priced super
amps to low cost replacement backups.
-
Notes:
If your new to DJing
1) Always use THE BEST Cables.
You may have the best equipment, but it's only as good as your
cables.
2) Microphones can be tricky
as well, a heavy Mic is usually great, a light mic is bad. Carry
a extra Microphone as well.
3) Dual CD players keep your
dancers dancing rather than waiting for you to play the next
song.
4) A Cheap, portable CD player
(with enuff actual cd's to play 3 hours if using a laptop) is
a good thing to have as a backup for a dual that breaks down
and becomes a single CD player or worse??? as well as an extra
AMP, extra Mic etc.
5) Wire Splitters/crimpers,
extra various type wire and various connectors as well as Duct
tape are a must.
6) BPM Counter's and Pitch Control
are a must but not necessary at first.
7) A Laptop and MP3's with huge
hard disk space are becoming very popular for storing your music
such as MP3 formats, it saves space and makes it much easier
to carry your full music collection. (IPODs work as well,
but look unprofessional for paid gigs)
8) WATCH THE FLOOR, IF NO ONE
IS DANCING, change the music style till you find something that
starts filling the floor. You may think the music is great but!!!
9) Make a few CD's with various
music selections and always carry them ... Hip Hop, Rap, Disco,
Trance/House, Rave, Latin/Salsa/Mambo/Cha-Cha/Rumba/Casino/Bachata,
Country, Swing, Line Dance, Oldies, Pop, Blues, Rock, Jazz,
Party songs (Bunny Hop, chicken song etc) etc. Example:
The host says they want such and such music only, you bring
all that music and leave the other at home. You get there and
1/4 way through people start making requests for certain music...
aghh, sorry didn't bring it, at least you have something to
play (and they definitely will make requests). If using
a laptop this may be moot.
10) Make a couple CD's with
Holiday, Anniversary, Birthday, Bar Mitzvah music as well and
always carry them.
11) Make a CD with some dinner
and easy listening type music and carry it also.
12) Some songs that usually
work well at mixed events (i.e. dance weddings, non salsa),
that have dancers and non dancers present: Mony Mony, White
Wedding, Low Rider, Brick House, Rock around the Clock, The
Twist, Oye Como Va, Get This Party Started (Pink), The Locomotion,
Bad Girls, Butterfly, etc. (Just a start)
13) Always try to play requests
if possible. The best way to get out of a request you know will
go over badly is smile, look for the song and say "Sorry,
I don't have that one, how about this one and make a suggestion"
or "cool song, If I have it I will play it." Never
let them look in your collection for songs for various reasons,
keep the music out of reach (unless you know them or they
are the one paying your fee and only then).
14) Always use Duck Tape over
cables on the floor 'completely.' Never have a cable sticking
out somewhere. Don't have cool looking but offensive sticker
on you equipment, someone will get bent out of shape.
15) Keep drinks, etc. away from
equipment
16) Don't Drink Alcohol or ???
while working, remember, YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE PARTY, even
if offered!!!
17) If doing general DJ work,
Look at our Dance Music Lists (at top) for some suggestions
on 'Couple dance' music and carry a few home made CD's of those
as well. "Tip jars" work OK now and then.
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