Do you bring your own table, or rely on client/venues?

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DJ Ricky B

DJ Ricky B

DJ Extraordinaire
Mar 9, 2015
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After having an issue at a two venues over a table for the ceremony way back in 2009 I decided to buy my own table, and bring one with me for weddings where I will do the ceremony.

I have been using a 4 foot folding table I bought at Wal Mart back then for like $39. Since then I have gone through 3 Different table cloths. The one I use now I bought on Ebay...it's a fitted polyester one with an open side so I can easily stick my bags under it. I also use this same table when I am working at venues I know don't have an adequate table for me.

The 4 foot able is a great space saver, but I don't have enough room for my light controller, and additional wireless receivers on the table top, plus my CD Cases (I still use CDs at every show along with my laptop). However, usually the 4 ft table works well for ceremonies.

I am coming across more venues/situations where I will book, and they won't have an adequate table for me...either they have 8 ft tables, or they simply don't have a correct type of table at all (offer a bar top round, or a coffee type table). When that happens I am thankful I decided to put my folding table in the car. Tonight I did an apartment complex holiday party. I knew they wouldn't have an adequate table so I brought my 4 ft. and put my linen on it. It worked out great. They also like the fact they don't need to figure out a table for the DJ. In fact...every apartment complex party I have booked in the past 3+ years I just used my own table.

I am currently looking into buying a 5 ft table for receptions. I am also looking at the Ultimate Support 5 ft Table Cover to go along with it. I am considering bringing both tables out to events for 2016 and just using my own tables, and telling venues staff/caterer to tear down the 6 foot skirted table they usually set up. I could bring a 6 ft table, as I do have one, but I'm trying to keep a sleek look.

Is my quest in bringing my own table to all events moving forward going a bit too far? My contract requires a single 6 foot banquet table be set up to be used, and 90% of the time that is what the venue has for me (al though some venues use old worn out tables from 1975 that are as rickety as can be). However, I'm considering just bringing my own tables to use so I keep a solid look at every event. This way, tables are not a concern. I can just tell all clients/planners in the future I bring my own table, don't bother having any tables set up for me.

It's extra time to set up two tables for two sound systems, and more room in my vehicle, but in the end isn't it worth it?

Do any of you use your own tables, or do you just use what ever is provided? Or go table less all together?
 
I have one piece 4' long 2' deep table that I use for DJ...I ask if they venue will have a table, sometimes 6' and sometimes 8'. I have a couple of 6' tables that fold in the middle and are 30" deep- i like the extra depth but fitting then in the car sucks.

as for a table cloth- my solution was to take 1.5" pvc pipe and build a facade that can be 4, 6 or 8' long and 2' deep. Glued the corners/ends and the straight pieces just slip in. carry it in 1/2 of a light stand bag. I went to tablecloth.com and got them to make me a custom 48" tall banquet table skirt long enough to do the 8' long version. Shorter facade lengths I just wrap the skirt to the inside of the pipe. velcros on like a skirt on a banquet table. $65.
48" tall hides all my stuff completely - wires, drinks, notepads, etc.

I've used the table at all kinds of events, often take it just in case.

4' version w/ my table.

W-9354

W-9354

W-9363

W-9363


8' version using the venue's table.
Ftc-4084

Ftc-4084

 
I don't rely on anyone for anything. ;)

For covering, I use a velvet-looking material that I purchased at Hobby Lobby many years ago. It looks sharp and when not covering the table, I utilize it to wrap my color-strips and additional padding in my lighting box. It doesn't wrinkly so you can literally wad it up in a ball.
 
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I always use their tables if they have them and if they work for me - but in the event that they don't, I almost always have 2 with me.
 
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Good topic to bring up Ricky. For ceremonies I use a keyboard stand which is big enough for laptop, mixer and wireless mic receiver. I got to the point where crappy tables being supplied be venues got me upset. For the last couple of years I've kept a 6 foot table in my van that I use in case I don't like the venue's table. Most venues supply a good table, but their idea of a skirt is a crappy looking table cloth.

It is more work to bring in a table and cover it. But I like the idea of consistently having the same look to my booth. That could be done by using a facade I guess or by coming up with a more open looking booth somehow.

I've been kicking around using a 4 foot table and setting a keyboard stand to the side (perpendicular) for anything extra, like a 2nd laptop.
 
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In 19 years of running a DJ company we relied on clients for just one thing: electricity. Everything else we provided. This was mentioned in our service agreement. No need for clients or venues to provide tables or chairs for our use.

The rig was set up so we didn't need a table. Essentially a stack of SKB cases on a dolly board and a foldout stand for the CD case with a drape to hide the back of the cases so it looked pretty. Standing behind the rack stack, it was at perfect working height.

While convenient for us, it did present an issue for venue staff when they'd already set a table up for us. The table(s) had to go before we could set up. As anyone in this crazy biz knows well, staff are typically very busy at this time with their own duties and don't have time to take down tables for the DJ. So we'd do it ourselves. Then you've got to find a safe, unobtrusive place to stow the tables. You can't just prop 'em against a wall and leave 'em there.

All the while, the clock is ticking and time you're using to move tables around is time you need to set up your own stuff.
 
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IceBurghDJ said:
move the table to middle of the dance floor or lean it against a wall - they'll find the staff and time to put it away! LOL
Click to expand...

Yes, all while murmuring that the DJ is an ass, and how come he/she just didn't use their table the already had set up! lol
 
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I am doing a Casino out in Delaware tonight. They told me they will have an 8x8x3 stage set up for me. The problem with this stage is it is small...width wise. For some reason, many venues have this size stage set up and it's kind of useless for anything other than a DJ, or maybe a comedian, or a duo. Anyway, They told me they have a 6 foot table, but don't want to set it up because the table is too big looking on the stage, and asked me if I have my own table I can bring. I do, I have the 4 foot table. It will allow me enough space to get my speaker stands on the side of the table on the stage, but I won't be able to use my table top facade because it's 52" and just a bit too long to fit on the 4 ft table. Also, it's a tight fit on top of that 4 ft table, and I have no room for my CDs. I will see if they have a bar top round I can put behind me for my CDs. I still use CDs for about 30% to 40% of the music I typically play. This is also something I am planning to switch up in 2016, and am moving to a two laptop set up for receptions. (PRAYING that I never have an issue where both laptops freeze up, or malfunction at the same time) ...My biggest reason for still using CDs along with a laptop all these years.

However, the 4 foot table is tough to do a big gig with so I will be improvising tonight. I would prefer at least a 5 or 6 ft table as my main gig table. I wish this Casino had a 10 or 12 foot wide stage. It would be more sufficient for entertainment to use.

I think bringing my own tables for weddings is something I am going to focus on in 2016. Still debating on if I want to go 5 ft, or 6 ft for receptions. There are some venues where a 6 ft table in the area they set me up in is actually a tight fit, and using a 5 ft is totally worth it.
 
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I started bringing my own for a couple of reasons - same setup all the time - for looks and function and cable length, etc.
And in some (many?) the 8' table is / looks huge.

A higher end DJ here brings everything and another full time has a 'stack' of racks. So neither need a table, both are tall (standing height..something I'm working on for 2016 so my back won't be so unhappy).

Here is my 4' table - laptop on left is main unit on a stand, under it is the shure wireless mic box, you can see the numark controller in front of it. On the right is teh backup laptop and it runs the lighting.
between them in the back is my peavey mixer. the headphones are there also, now i usually hang them on the facade itself. My phone sits there for spotify purposes, or the mic sits there. There is also a galaxian laser but I now have a mount and it too goes on the facade rails.

I'd like to get the main laptop higher up, and maybe the backup as well and put the mixer under it perhaps. A taller table is probably the better solution, but still pondering the options. I don't want to carry anymore crap than necessary.

WHalloween-9333

WHalloween-9333


It looks like I set the facade up at 6' long - that gives me a 2' area on the side to put a sub or cases.
 
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I'm tempted to build a couple of boxes - they'd be cases for transporting my stuff (I used 2 walmart plastic bins now) and stack to form my 'booth' with a fold out top of some kind to be that table/work surface. the top case/box would have a rackmount front for the mic or eq or such, and a shelf to hold the mic, headphones, paperwork.

It's just more work that using a bin I already have...and likely to be heavier. And i've no time for that.
 
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DJ Ricky B said:
I am doing a Casino out in Delaware tonight. They told me they will have an 8x8x3 stage set up for me. The problem with this stage is it is small...width wise. For some reason, many venues have this size stage set up and it's kind of useless for anything other than a DJ, or maybe a comedian, or a duo. Anyway, They told me they have a 6 foot table, but don't want to set it up because the table is too big looking on the stage, and asked me if I have my own table I can bring. I do, I have the 4 foot table. It will allow me enough space to get my speaker stands on the side of the table on the stage, but I won't be able to use my table top facade because it's 52" and just a bit too long to fit on the 4 ft table. Also, it's a tight fit on top of that 4 ft table, and I have no room for my CDs. I will see if they have a bar top round I can put behind me for my CDs. I still use CDs for about 30% to 40% of the music I typically play. This is also something I am planning to switch up in 2016, and am moving to a two laptop set up for receptions. (PRAYING that I never have an issue where both laptops freeze up, or malfunction at the same time) ...My biggest reason for still using CDs along with a laptop all these years.

However, the 4 foot table is tough to do a big gig with so I will be improvising tonight. I would prefer at least a 5 or 6 ft table as my main gig table. I wish this Casino had a 10 or 12 foot wide stage. It would be more sufficient for entertainment to use.

I think bringing my own tables for weddings is something I am going to focus on in 2016. Still debating on if I want to go 5 ft, or 6 ft for receptions. There are some venues where a 6 ft table in the area they set me up in is actually a tight fit, and using a 5 ft is totally worth it.
Click to expand...
Just go to walmart and by a 5 footer they usually have them in the sporting good section for some reason not with the other tables they sell

Mainstays 5' Centerfold Table, White - Walmart.com
 
tunes4046 said:
Just go to walmart and by a 5 footer they usually have them in the sporting good section for some reason not with the other tables they sell

Mainstays 5' Centerfold Table, White - Walmart.com
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is the table I was looking at just last night! Using that with a Ultimate Support 5 ft table cover was my original plan. I would have picked it up for this gig tonight, but I don't have a proper table cover for it.
 
I bring a 4' Lifetime table - solid top. I bought a black pleated skirt set for it when needed .. works great and fits in the back seat of my Pilot. I think they're less than $40 at Costco.
 
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