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Speaker Rentals
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| Glassball |
I've gotten asked to DJ for a friend's co-workers bday party recently but there's one major issue that needs to be solved. It looks like I may have to rent out some speakers for the party. So far I only know of one place that rents out their speakers, that's Long and McQuade. I'm waiting for a response to an email I sent reguarding prices and availablity. I'm just wondering if anyone here has had to rent speakers for a night before. How much did it cost you? How many people did you play for, and was it suitable? Are there any reccomendations suitable for 50-60 people?
Also, I will get paid for this, but I'd like to know some opinions on how much to charge since this is my first gig. This is somewhat of a favor to my friend as well, so I don't want to charge a lot. I'm bringing my DJ gear (CDJ's, mixer, headphones, CD case, cables), and I may have to pick up the speakers. I'll be up for 3 hours playing mostly dance music. |
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| T-Soma |
As much as your probably going to hate it. Doing these kind of gigs are a good way to get some quick cash.
I usually charge between $200-$300 AUD.
I own my own speakers but when the need arises I rent a bigger system, it gets dropped off, set up and then picked up. Costs me $100 AUD. |
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| jdat |
if the place is serious they should give you a list of the equipment they can rent.
Also I highly recommend that your friend be held fully responsible for the equipment meaning he needs to pay for the rental, give the deposit and if the rental company requires it take out an insurance for the equipment.
I have been renting equipment for all types of events for over ten years ( well beyond the dj, club scope ) and I have luckilly never been burnt and over time managed to build good business relationships with the rental companies resulting in good discounts.
It's better to be safe than sorry ;) |
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| AnomalyConcept |
Also, take into account insurance for your equipment, since you're bringing your own. By that I mean some guest coming up and maybe accidentally spilling a drink or messing something up when you're spinning.
Equipment aside, be prepared to get stupid requests. Be sure to post stories of those later, though. =) |
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| Dojomaster26 |
Price wise, I can rent Active 10" Mackie speakers here for $20/per speaker/per night. I couldn't get a quote on the subwoofer, but you're looking at $70-$100 total to rent out a good small Mackie system that will fulfill your needs.
When figuring out your price, figure in the number of hours you are working, plus what equipment you are bringing. Your fee can be higher if you are bringing the whole setup (PA, mixing gear, etc.) with you. Figure out how much you want to charge per hour for your mix, and charge your client for the PA rental, plus a fee for your equipment.
Whatever you do, get a contract. Don't get burned out of your fee with a "handshake agreement". Have all of your dealings signed off and in writing. |
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| Glassball |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dojomaster26
When figuring out your price, figure in the number of hours you are working, plus what equipment you are bringing. Your fee can be higher if you are bringing the whole setup (PA, mixing gear, etc.) with you. Figure out how much you want to charge per hour for your mix, and charge your client for the PA rental, plus a fee for your equipment.
Whatever you do, get a contract. Don't get burned out of your fee with a "handshake agreement". Have all of your dealings signed off and in writing. |
I'm honestly just thinking for charging $10 per hour, and play for 3 hours. He's a friend to a few of my friends, and I'm not going to be doing this for the money. It's more for experience and just having a fun time. I'm going to let him know that the deposit and the rentals will be his responsibility though.
Thanks for all the input :toothless |
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| tvmann |
I've rented in the Vancouver area from Tom Lee Music - they have a division in their stores that does this. You could get maybe just a single Mackie SRM 450 for about $30/day (2 would be better). And a 15" Mackie sub SWA1501 or similar, probably about $50. That would give a huge amount of volume for a house party but you can keep it turned down. They have smaller speaker setups too. The stuff I rented was in excellent condition, I'd guess L&M would be similar and maybe better prices (lots of people use them). I needed to pre-register my credit card with them a few days earlier.
Good luck and you know who to call for backup. BTW try to keep your vibe-sensitive gear away from the dancing area as the floors in a house can get really bumping. |
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| nefardec |
| quote: | | I'm honestly just thinking for charging $10 per hour, and play for 3 hours. |
how do you afford to buy new tracks on a fee like that plus a rented PA system..
DJ fees aren't really on the same scale as an hourly work - sure the hourly labor factors in but you've got to take into account the cost of your equipment, collateral for equipment damaged at the gig, cost of new music, cost of getting to the gig, time/cost of preparation, etc...that's why for 3 hours i would go 100-200 US at least depending on how awkward you feel with your friend.
that being said you have to bring it making people spend 150 dollars on a dj if they aren't used to it.
too many people take djs for granted and too many djs settle for too little for how much they have to go through just to be able to do it |
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| spdandpwr |
I did not have time to read the previous posts, so please excuse me if I say something that was previously mentioned.
When working with clients who ask me to do private parties, I mention that I do not have any speakers and include the cost of rental in my price assessment.
I have worked with rental companies before and I must say that I am rather happy with the prices they charge. I have gotten to mackie srm-450's with stands and cables for 70 bucks for a couple of gigs.
I suggest you charge the price of the speakers plus an hourly fee that you feel is fair and appropriate. Therefore, in the case of friends I would charge maybe $30 an hour + speakers. In your case, I would charge at least $200 U.S. (I don't think you will find as good a deal I found with speakers.)
In any event, I have done the house party/ private party gig time and time again so if you need any advice feel free to ask.... |
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| richg101 |
| hire a set of 15inch + compression driver cabinets likr the jbl eons or something. preferably powered. anything smaller will not move enough air to be bassy for 60 peeps. and a nice punchy bass is what makes a dance music party work imo. |
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| Glassball |
| quote: | Originally posted by nefardec
how do you afford to buy new tracks on a fee like that plus a rented PA system..
DJ fees aren't really on the same scale as an hourly work - sure the hourly labor factors in but you've got to take into account the cost of your equipment, collateral for equipment damaged at the gig, cost of new music, cost of getting to the gig, time/cost of preparation, etc...that's why for 3 hours i would go 100-200 US at least depending on how awkward you feel with your friend.
that being said you have to bring it making people spend 150 dollars on a dj if they aren't used to it.
too many people take djs for granted and too many djs settle for too little for how much they have to go through just to be able to do it |
First of all, the gig got called off (yay :whip: )
I appreciate your concern, but I have another job. The PA system wasn't going to be my responsibility, I was just going to help the guy find prices. I would have had my transportation for free, and preparation wouldn't have cost me a dime. I've never done a live gig before, so I personally don't feel right charging $100-200 US.
I just wanted to gain the experience and have fun, unfortunately it looks like a closer friend of the guy will be taking over. I'm still going though :toothless.
Thanks for your input though :cool: |
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| Tony Morello |
i've rented from long and mquade before in calgary
just go down to the store and talk to them or at least call them, reserve the gear (i'm assuming you're not going to need much more than 2 15" jbl eons and stands)
it's decently priced
get your friend to cover the cost of the rentals, it's the least he could do, if he wants a dj at his party he's at least going to pay for it
we're not indetured servants |
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