Busking equipment - any ideas??

[VenalWinfrey]

I'm considering applying to London Underground to be a busker. I emailed them today and they said there's quite a wait, but anyway I thought I'd do some research first.

I'm a pianist/keyboardist. My question is, can anyone tell me what basic kit I would need? Obviously I'll need a portable keyboard, but do I need an amp, and obviously speakers etc?

Anyone with any suggestions a) for what I'd minimally need, and b) where I might get it, greatly appreciated!

[HowardKennitby]

something like this?

http://www.thomann.de...rated_amplifiers.html

[emmie]

you would be better off busking in say covent garden than on the underground..

[Hymie]

Rather than applying to London Underground to be a busker – why not apply to be a tube train driver, my understanding is that the pay is circa £45k per annum.

[jan01]

scabby dog, flipflops in the snow & a recorder ..... that should do it

[andy-hughes]

The Transport Authority have finally abandoned their fruitless attempt to banish buskers from the Underground, and in a wonderful volte face, they have provided special pitches, and interview buskers to apply for them.

As advised, there is competition, because they can be quite lucrative, but if yoou are determined, and good enough - give it a go.

in the mean time, do try Covent Garden as a 'rehearsal' and see if you like it - or ask the local Tourist Information Office if they know any other spots where you can busk without a licence.

[Booldawg]

please - no pan pipes.

[EvianBaby]

I thought you needed a licence to perform in Covent Garden?

[Baldric]

And no Country music

[tonyav]

Especially Garth Brooke s crap.

[Scarlett]

I used to busk in Covent Garden and made very little money from it as the pitches were far away from where people would naturally walk. We did have to audition in the office upstairs too. It was fun bt we made more money in our home town. Re. the kit, you will need an amp and lead to amplify the keyboard, as well as a mini generator to provide power. You may need a mic on a stand to plug into the amp too, depending on the acoustics of where you are put. Don't want to wear out your voice. http://www.streetmusician.co.uk/buskingpower/ Read this
and I also suggest going to your loal music shop and asking them if they have the equipment you need.