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It seems that the cheap system that the manufactors are now selling have relly hurt the original kj's that started karaoke. I used to be the only one that does karaoke in my area and now in a span of five years,there are more than 50 people that put on karaoke shows in upper sc and nc. Most of these people put on shows with an expensive pa system and starter pack of cdg's and bars dont care as long as they have karaoke. What do you think?
Posts: 13 | From: upstate sc | Registered: May 2002
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I think karaoke has grown considerably. I've read there are some 300 clubs in this area regularly having it. On any given night, you can find it within a very short drive.
When singers start expecting/requesting more music selections, and some shows start delivering, then you may see changes in your area. If there is no incentive or pressure for a KJ to add material, many won't and I can understand that - makes it more profitable. If singers abandon a show and go elsewhere because of the music and/or system, then I'd expect the situation to change. If people left my show due to a limited music selection, believe me, I'd be hearing about it and probably would be losing a gig.
I'm not sure what you're saying about cheap vs. expensive systems, but again, if someone can get by on the cheap, they often will. To some degree, the quality of equipment/sound may affect singers choices on what shows they attend. The karaoke-specific equipment I have in my set-up really didn't add that much to the overall cost (TV, stand, extra mics, monitor). The music was where the $$$ went and continues to go (I do 3 discs per month, plus a custom CDG every now and then). Books & other supply costs are minimal (though the time to create and maintain can add up).
Personally, I take a lot of pride in my system, sound and library (DJ as well as karaoke); others may not, or may not have to. Their choice is pretty irrelevant to me.
Good luck. Marty
Posts: 232 | From: Chicago area | Registered: Nov 2001
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My first system consisted of all used components, pawn shop items & other leftover pieces that I had aquired which consisted of Peavey Unity 1000 8 channel mixer, BBE 462 Sonic Maximizer, Peavey Univerb 3 effects, Peavey CS800 power amp, Customized Ross 2 way speakers, Peavey 2 way powered floor monitor w/Rat Shack 5 band eq, Shure SM58 mics, Pioneer V101 laser player, old computer monitor for the video.
Total initial cost (12 years ago) was about $1000. I had NO discs (rented a Pioneer library consisting of 1-40, 201-204 @ $200 per week). Eventually started buying a disc or 2 per week until I had replaced all the discs to not rent anymore. After that, I was able to buy 4 discs per week (remember lasers still ran about $100 each then). 2 years later, Soundchoice cdg's started out strong (yes DK had already been out but not very popular in the northwest) & I entered the cdg market & have been there ever since. Gradually upgraded equipment & the only piece I now have that I originally started with is the BBE (now in our studio & the mics!
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Our startup was at least $5000. $3000 in CDG's (initially purchased as personal CDG's throughout the years) and $2000 in equipment.
Posts: 1487 | From: Irvine, CA, USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
And btw, thanks Lonman for the input when I was planning my system. I started a new gig last week in a bar with a much longer throw. The sub really makes a difference - wow!
I haven't totalled up everything (my credit card statements are bad enough that I don't want to look farther), but will have to at tax time for sure.
Posts: 232 | From: Chicago area | Registered: Nov 2001
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Our first system was worth around 4000.00 including discs. We now have three great PA's, 2 for Karaoke, 1 for DJ and it boggles the mind how much money I've invested. Somethinbg like at least 5 times the original investment, but business is getting good......
Posts: 531 | Registered: Feb 2001
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I'm creating a second system as I speak. Just the two foundations alone will set me back $1500 or more!!
Plus, I really want to get two sets of the "Lost Classics" ten-pack... Great filler music! Then there are speakers, amps, players, EQ's, microphones...
"D'ARRRRRRRRRR!!!!" "'Tis enouf ta make ye wanna go plundar!"
Matt
Posts: 3332 | From: Independence, mo | Registered: Oct 2001
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When Ace and I first started, we were using a system that belonged to a friend of ours and were splitting the profits with him. That was a loser gig and didn't last long. I had a gig at the venue we are presently playing and started out using the bars equipment. We had a small PA of our own(not big enough for the bar) and a few disks. We cut her a great deal because we were using her PA and her library. We have used what we made from the show to purchase our own really nice PA, player,effects processor , TV and stand and quite a few disks. We are still lacking good speakers and in order to go totally on our own we need at least a foundation, actually two. Between our personal disks (the newer ones) and what the bar has, we have a pretty good selection. and the sound is pretty good too. So basically, you could say that we started with nothing and are building ours a little at a time. It works out nicely because the barowner lets us use her stuff for private parties too so all in all it is a great deal for us
Posts: 91 | From: Indianapolis,In USA | Registered: Jul 2001
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