Thank you all for your thoughtful responses..
I wrestle with the quantity or "bulk of gear" vs the lightweight clean set-up issue alot. In my situation, I play twice a month, max. But no kidding, it takes me an hour to set up and do a sound check...now granted, I show up early, introduce myself to the bartenders and servers and take my time, but it's 7-8 trips to the van...speakers (3), stands, one huge tupperware full of mixers/cables/mics etc, tuxedo, personal bag, P-80 (55lbs...I do miss the PSR 2000)stand, bench, laptop and briefcase...phew...I do have a dolly...but I need a serious makeover and a clean setup that I don't have to attach every wire and cable to every orifice...every time I set up..

With Hockey and dance and the Military job full time, and leading worship at our church twice a month, (you all know the drill) I promised my family I wouldn't get too involved at this point in life. But you know, I could spend more time at home if I could set up quicker and get home quicker....My biggets concern is CLEAN looking and easy up and down. I just haven't had the time to devote to researching the many stands/setups like Gary and the rest of you have developed. It's frustrating wanting to do more, but knowing I can't yet....So I think the answer is "now"....lighter and quicker is better...and later, when and if this becomes more full time...look into building or buying a more extensive set-up that can be set-up at a regular type job where it is moved less frequently....That is likely the prudent thing, and as you have all pointed out, it's how you sound that counts...the fluff will be nice later..if at all...So, on to developing a clean setup....

Sound system wise, I think I have plenty of crisp, clean, output capable of many decibles of music...The EV's and the Mackie Sub (singular) are great together, however, that Mackie truth be told, is killing me...I only bring it for the bigger banquet halls...

BTW, Uncle Dave, do you utilize a DJ software on your laptop to control the CD's....are you completely free of CD Players??? I have musicmatch and about 2000 mP3's, but I still have the "promo only" and the platinum bible on CD's...have you transfered all of that onto your laptop??? if so, do you bring a back-up CD player/laptop and how do you fade between songs on the laptop....

Thanks again everyone....I am stuffing all this into my cranium. It never ceases to amaze me how informative this "Forum" is...best on the block...Cheers B2

[This message has been edited by B2 (edited 10-02-2003).]