My first "BUSY" weekend and what I learned...

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
DJ Forbes

DJ Forbes

DJ Extraordinaire
Jul 30, 2021
313
767
47
I'm still recovering from the weekend, but it was fun and I learned a thing or two. These times include some travel time as well.
Friday:
6pm-11pm - Amusement park chaperone for our church youth group
11:30pm-7am - "lock in" at our Church with the youth group. I was asked to DJ for several hours for the kids and chaperone as well. I played for about 3 hours or so.... pretty laid back, just music and some fun lights while the kids played, danced, etc.

Saturday:
11:30am-4:30pm - Ribbon cutting ceremony/Trunk or Treat at a new healthcare pharmacy location
5:30pm-1am - Private Halloween party

Like I said, those times include some travel time. I spent around 12 hours playing music over the weekend. Setting up and tearing down 3 times at three locations, from very minimal setup to a full setup with all my lights (minus uplights). I got about 3 hours of sleep between Friday morning and when I got home at 1am Saturday night/Sunday morning. I'm too old for that. I didn't have much time in between events this weekend so a few things really stuck in my head that I need to find ways to improve on. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to shout them out!

1. I need to invest in some of the wire clips for speaker poles instead of using velcro all the time. This just takes more time than it should.
2. Cables - I have been using one "tub" for all of my XLR and power cables. I have everything marked with colored zip ties with the lengths of cables, but still, I have a lot of cables in this tub. Maybe I need to separate power and XLR... I'm not sure.
3. I have a messy DJ booth. Mainly a rat's nest of cables. Cables for my mixer, power cable for wireless mics, laptop power cable, controller cables, etc. I'm considering building my own dj booth over the winter, and in doing so, I'll be able to remedy this quite a bit as things will be semi-permanent in the booth and cables will be hidden.
4. I need a larger transport system. I have an F150 with the crew cab and 5.5' short bed with a bed cover. This works, but it's not the most effecient. With wanting to build my own custom booth, I think an enclosed trailer is the best option for me. With that, I would not have to pack/unpack at home as well. Most of the stuff would live in the trailer with it's own storage spot. With how business has been for me since July, I think my business profits would cover this cost but not having a lot of stuff booked over the next 4 months, I'm still a little hesitant.

All in all, it was a great weekend. It wasn't supposed to be this busy... the trunk or treat was initially set for Friday. The woman who booked it never caught it that she made the mistake and booked me for Friday instead of Saturday (yes, even after she signed a contract). All of my emails to here stated the time and date of the event... she was just overwhelmed and didn't catch it until Wednesday before the event. Due to my contract, I could have just not done the event, but I made it work. Next time, I probably won't. LOL.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Ricky B, MIXMASTERMACHOM, ittigger and 1 other person
You did the right thing by doing the event. I've learned to use the day of the week along with the date in my correspondence with customers. Also phone conversations when possible are always reccomended too.
Ive gone the other way with equipment. I can get a full system and back up system in a small car. Easier to transport for me, easy to move with a rocknroller cart, and because everything is separate, easy to take upstairs in places with no elevator
 
  • Like
Reactions: MIXMASTERMACHOM, ittigger, dunlopj and 2 others
DJ Forbes said:
I'm still recovering from the weekend, but it was fun and I learned a thing or two. These times include some travel time as well.
Friday:
6pm-11pm - Amusement park chaperone for our church youth group
11:30pm-7am - "lock in" at our Church with the youth group. I was asked to DJ for several hours for the kids and chaperone as well. I played for about 3 hours or so.... pretty laid back, just music and some fun lights while the kids played, danced, etc.

Saturday:
11:30am-4:30pm - Ribbon cutting ceremony/Trunk or Treat at a new healthcare pharmacy location
5:30pm-1am - Private Halloween party

Like I said, those times include some travel time. I spent around 12 hours playing music over the weekend. Setting up and tearing down 3 times at three locations, from very minimal setup to a full setup with all my lights (minus uplights). I got about 3 hours of sleep between Friday morning and when I got home at 1am Saturday night/Sunday morning. I'm too old for that. I didn't have much time in between events this weekend so a few things really stuck in my head that I need to find ways to improve on. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to shout them out!

1. I need to invest in some of the wire clips for speaker poles instead of using velcro all the time. This just takes more time than it should.
2. Cables - I have been using one "tub" for all of my XLR and power cables. I have everything marked with colored zip ties with the lengths of cables, but still, I have a lot of cables in this tub. Maybe I need to separate power and XLR... I'm not sure.
3. I have a messy DJ booth. Mainly a rat's nest of cables. Cables for my mixer, power cable for wireless mics, laptop power cable, controller cables, etc. I'm considering building my own dj booth over the winter, and in doing so, I'll be able to remedy this quite a bit as things will be semi-permanent in the booth and cables will be hidden.
4. I need a larger transport system. I have an F150 with the crew cab and 5.5' short bed with a bed cover. This works, but it's not the most effecient. With wanting to build my own custom booth, I think an enclosed trailer is the best option for me. With that, I would not have to pack/unpack at home as well. Most of the stuff would live in the trailer with it's own storage spot. With how business has been for me since July, I think my business profits would cover this cost but not having a lot of stuff booked over the next 4 months, I'm still a little hesitant.

All in all, it was a great weekend. It wasn't supposed to be this busy... the trunk or treat was initially set for Friday. The woman who booked it never caught it that she made the mistake and booked me for Friday instead of Saturday (yes, even after she signed a contract). All of my emails to here stated the time and date of the event... she was just overwhelmed and didn't catch it until Wednesday before the event. Due to my contract, I could have just not done the event, but I made it work. Next time, I probably won't. LOL.
Click to expand...

Great job. Those overnight lock-in things are killer and usually take me days to recover from them. I won't take anymore. On the velcro, skip the clips and try gaffer's tape. On the cables, look at these combo AC+XLR cables (https://www.amazon.com/ADJ-Products...==&sprefix=xlr+and+power+cable,aps,100&sr=8-4). For DJ booth, don't build, buy. I use something like this (https://www.amazon.com/ProX-Facade-...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3SBDOAENTRT1F). For transport, I used trailers, never again. I spent $5500 on a used, Chevy Express van and put down a smooth wood floor. Best investment ever and I'm still driving that same van.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ittigger
rickryan.com said:
Great job. Those overnight lock-in things are killer and usually take me days to recover from them. I won't take anymore. On the velcro, skip the clips and try gaffer's tape. On the cables, look at these combo AC+XLR cables (https://www.amazon.com/ADJ-Products-Stage-Studio-SKAC10/dp/B00J3E1DXC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3TD2KSD9CB0WE&keywords=xlr+and+power+cable+combo+25ft&qid=1667221618&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjgyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ==&sprefix=xlr+and+power+cable,aps,100&sr=8-4). For DJ booth, don't build, buy. I use something like this (https://www.amazon.com/ProX-Facade-...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3SBDOAENTRT1F). For transport, I used trailers, never again. I spent $5500 on a used, Chevy Express van and put down a smooth wood floor. Best investment ever and I'm still driving that same van.
Click to expand...
So, I have an ADJ Pro Event Table II now, but I want to build a custom booth so I can keep my controller, mixer, mics, lighting control, etc permanently mounted in it. I'll likely put a tv on the front of it. Put it on casters so I can wheel it from my trailer right into the venue. Plug in one AC power cord, plug in speakers and I'm good to go. I can buy one of those for about 5k, but I'm pretty sure I can build one for a fraction of that. I'm still in the design and pricing stages so it may even never come to fruition... but we'll see.

I Thought about a van... but I can get a new trailer for 5K also and if needed, I can use it for hauling my other toys/hobbies if or when needed as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ittigger
djtaso said:
Get a full facade... even with a tv booth, that won't be possible to use at every event (if there are more stairs than a portable ramp can cover, it'll be VERY Hard to lift up the stairs). They fold down and will take up very little room. Good short term solution.
Click to expand...
my pro event table folds flat and fits into a bag... and has a white scrim for when I don't want the "industrial look". I like it more than a façade, personally. I'll stick with that, and I just plan on using the scrim more. I only have a white scrim but I'm going to purchase a black one as well just for the option.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ittigger
DJ Forbes said:
I Thought about a van... but I can get a new trailer for 5K also and if needed, I can use it for hauling my other toys/hobbies if or when needed as well.
Click to expand...

I've pulled trailers, and let me tell you a cargo van is MAGNITUDES better. With a trailer, you're always dealing with back it and trying to find a parking spot. A van is easy and easy to park and maneuver in/out of load spots for your venues. Trust me, I've done both and there's no comparison. A cargo van is THE way to go.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ittigger and dunlopj
rickryan.com said:
I've pulled trailers, and let me tell you a cargo van is MAGNITUDES better. With a trailer, you're always dealing with back it and trying to find a parking spot. A van is easy and easy to park and maneuver in/out of load spots for your venues. Trust me, I've done both and there's no comparison. A cargo van is THE way to go.
Click to expand...
I agree, but with one issue.
Vans are great only if you can keep the gear IN the van at all times,
and only if you have a secure place to park it when you're not using it.
If you have to load it for every gig
and then unload it when you get home...
it's way too much work.
The nice part about traiilers is ...
you hook up and GO!
And, you always know you have everything you need, ready to go.
Also, a trailer doesn't require inspection, upkeep and repairs. (like a vehicle)
 
  • Like
Reactions: ittigger, dunlopj and Jeff Romard
Ausumm said:
I agree, but with one issue.
Vans are great only if you can keep the gear IN the van at all times,
and only if you have a secure place to park it when you're not using it.
If you have to load it for every gig
and then unload it when you get home...
it's way too much work.
The nice part about traiilers is ...
you hook up and GO!
And, you always know you have everything you need, ready to go.
Also, a trailer doesn't require inspection, upkeep and repairs. (like a vehicle)
Click to expand...

Agreed. I'll also add that a passenger van is not that useful. A cargo van has a higher roof and I always left my gear in the van, year round.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ausumm and ittigger
DJ Forbes said:
my pro event table folds flat and fits into a bag... and has a white scrim for when I don't want the "industrial look". I like it more than a façade, personally. I'll stick with that, and I just plan on using the scrim more. I only have a white scrim but I'm going to purchase a black one as well just for the option.
Click to expand...

I have been using DJ furniture like this Hoerboard that was customized to my specs (one-of-a-kind), and it has been awesome. There are a few companies that make these, but I found this one to be the least bulky, nicest quality, and most attractive. It takes a total of 6 minutes to set up. Besides the obvious coordinator and venue staff commenting on it, I get tons of guests coming up to me admiring the setup.

www.instagram.com

🎶 DJ JAS 🎶 on Instagram: "The turntable is an instrument! #scratchdj #weddingdj"

🎶 DJ JAS 🎶 shared a post on Instagram: "The turntable is an instrument! #scratchdj #weddingdj". Follow their account to see 249 posts.
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
 

Attachments

  • Santa-Barbara-Wedding-DJ-1-3.jpg
    Santa-Barbara-Wedding-DJ-1-3.jpg
    352.5 KB · Views: 9
  • IMG_4064.JPG
    IMG_4064.JPG
    189 KB · Views: 9
  • Like
  • Wow
Reactions: logisticalstyles, dunlopj, sonic-vision and 2 others
I used to do the home-vehicle-event / event-vehicle-home routine quite a bit and I also hit the van / trailer decision. For me, what it came down to was - yet another motor vehicle to maintain (engine, emissions, etc) or a pull behind. A trailer also has maintenance - but its much, MUCH less. A trailer also has a much lower deck than a van (Ford Transit has a pretty low deck also). With a trailer, I can hook to whatever vehicle. If it's a van, not so easy. For events I need to go in the city for, I can load my truck or even my car (really small and simple setup).
 
  • Like
Reactions: sonic-vision and DJ Forbes
Yea, where I'm located and 99% of the venues I have been to or would go to, a trailer isn't a big deal. I've pulled trailers for the past 15 years or so, so I'm pretty comfortable with getting them around and backing them up. Like I said, I have other hobbies where the trailer would help at times. I do most things DIY when I can, and I always like being able to haul 4'x8' sheets of whatever, whenever I need them. I also spend some time with motorcycles/atv's so the trailer works for that if needed, and I fly r/c planes... so being able to transport them and not have to take the wings off is another bonus, lol. I've had a 6x10 utility trailer for about 10 years. I'm thinking for enclosed I'll go with either a 6x12 or a 7x14. Like was said, you can't have too much space inside a trailer... you'll always wish you had a little more. I've measured all of my gear and the floor area it takes up and both of these would work with what I have, the booth I'd like to build, and a some room for growth.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dunlopj, ittigger and sonic-vision
I bought a facade from Musically Yours that has 2 shelf that you can use and is a little cheaper than the one from Amazon. The one I bought cost $399.99 plus tax and I love it. I can put some stuff underneath the shelf that people can't see. It's a Pro X facade.
 
rickryan.com said:
I've pulled trailers, and let me tell you a cargo van is MAGNITUDES better. With a trailer, you're always dealing with back it and trying to find a parking spot. A van is easy and easy to park and maneuver in/out of load spots for your venues. Trust me, I've done both and there's no comparison. A cargo van is THE way to go.
Click to expand...
I have opposite opinion. I’ve had both practice makes perfect with backing a trailer, it become second nature, ramp door, roll in roll out easy peasy
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ausumm, DJ Forbes, Jeff Romard and 1 other person
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
When you do your next event can you please take a picture or 2 of your setup? Nobody here can suggest things until we get to see pictures of your setup.
Click to expand...
I have seen D J 's continue to make the same setups for years and not using any advice from successful a business .
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Romard and ittigger
sonic-vision said:
I have seen D J 's continue to make the same setups for years and not using any advice from successful a business .
Click to expand...
I just asked him can he show us a few pictures of his setup and that's it. Nobody here knows how his setup looks, so nobody can comment about it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sonic-vision
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
I just asked him can he show us a few pictures of his setup and that's it. Nobody here knows how his setup looks, so nobody can comment about it.
Click to expand...
We refer you to the previous post.

sonic-vision said:
I have seen D J 's continue to make the same setups for years and not using any advice from successful a business .
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Romard and sonic-vision
ittigger said:
We refer you to the previous post.
Click to expand...
AGAIN we can guess all we want on what he should do to make his setup look better on what he posted on here and all we would be doing is guessing. I can guess what you look like. Would that be close to what you look like?
 
@MIXMASTERMACHOM , this is for you Bud.... this is from behind my table at my last wedding reception. It's not horrible, just more of a "nest" of wires than I like on my table.

And Yes, I'm working to get away from the overhead truss system for weddings. When I started out, I was directed that way from the DJ's I was working with, and I thought it made since. I wish I would have spent that money on the Rockville totems instead. Live and learn. For now, it's what I have and it's works. I'll upgrade as gig income allows.
The Scrim I use for weddings really does allow me to hide a lot, and therefore, I may just use it at all of my events going forward. As I mentioned, I am going to get a black scrim as well so I have the option, depending on venue and overall look I'm going for at a particular event.
 

Attachments

  • 20221022_205844.jpg
    20221022_205844.jpg
    294.7 KB · Views: 13
  • 20221022_205837.jpg
    20221022_205837.jpg
    244.5 KB · Views: 13
  • Like
Reactions: ittigger, sonic-vision, logisticalstyles and 1 other person
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back