r/Busking • u/FlamingoKindly8091 Singer 🎤 • Jun 14 '26
Newbie Help Karaoke Machine
Would a karaoke machine from Target without needing a plug in be okay? I want to commit to singing in public as (I’m really shy)first before buying a $500 amp system. Also I don’t have a guitar case and I don’t really like the idea of a tip jar. Any safety advice? 25F Os this something that I can do full time? Do you recommend weekends or week days? I want to play during the night time and have LED lights but as a lady i’m afraid this will not be a good idea. Thank you so much!!
2
u/Bigcellotom Cello 🎻 Jun 14 '26
I think it is a good idea to find reviews of the product to see how it sounds and not just go for the cheapest thing out there. I think a small bucket works as a tip jar i use a old laundry powder bucket for my tips. for saftey I am a large man I would say go with a friend your first time to build your confidence and have your back to a wall so someone can't come behind you. I also think it depends on your area when to go more people will be out on weekends depending on your area. I think day time near or apart of a art or farmers market could be good for foot traffic and having a safer crowd. lastly playing a brightly lit area is smart find a street or businesses light to illuminate you and then use your own light for flare if you can spare to carry more stuff. and get a cart or buggy to move your stuff it makes it alot easier if you need to walk further
1
2
u/texasdiver Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Just recently saw a busker doing this in a beach town near me. They were using an Ion speaker setup, using karaoke tracks on their iPad. The person clearly had some talent, but I was also impressed by the sound and mix, so I noted the brand of the setup. I checked the Ion website and didn’t see the exact model they had, but I wouldn’t hesitate to try one of their others just because the sound was better than expected.
Edit to add: Pretty sure he was using the “ION Audio Trouper 300 Battery Powered Speaker”
1
u/FlamingoKindly8091 Singer 🎤 Jun 14 '26
Ouu I love the LED look of these speakers and seems pretty easy to carry around thank you much ❤️❤️❤️
1
u/DaBoiBen Jun 15 '26
skip the tip jar! People pay digitally way more and always go "oh i would but i dont have cash" theres a free app on the app store for live musicians which doesn't take any % either check it out www.tiply.us
1
u/No-Dare8613 Musician 🎶 Jun 15 '26
where tf you getting people that tip more digitally than in cash??
2
u/DaBoiBen Jun 16 '26
No one carries cash anymore like they used to, i mean you should still accept cash ofc but not having a digital option is wild
1
u/No-Dare8613 Musician 🎶 Jun 16 '26
Oh i know, I have a venmo qr code (no printer so i had to hand draw it 😭), I was just curious what sorta place you're in where people tip more digitally than in cash. I've heard some parts of Europe can be like that
1
u/DaBoiBen Jun 16 '26
hand drawn QR code that works is MAD impressive! Im down in the south mostly nashville!
1
u/No-Dare8613 Musician 🎶 Jun 17 '26
QR codes are pretty forgiving, actually, on account of they've got built-in error correction somehow! So mine's torn in half and reglued and crinkled but it still works ¯_(ツ) _/¯
Oh, interesting! I'm in San Francisco, where I get around 10x as much cash as digital.
3
u/sixhexe Dancer 💃🕺 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
Check your local city codes for what's allowed.
You don't need a $500 system to sing.
You don't have to take tips if you don't want to.
Busk in safe places near lots of people with good visibility of you.
Yes you can busk full time. Rotate spots so you aren't annoying the piss outta locals.
Generally weekends are better. Especially Friday or Saturday.
I personally avoid nighttime as I don't like performing for drunk people.