Sometimes we just "think" too much...I have a couple observations..and need to hear other folk's thoughts..on the subject..

This lightening the load..for senior type jobs...does it make sense or not?

I have started back to doing these senior jobs after a 10 plus year break...

I have listened to everyone telling me the smaller lighter gear is the way....I am thinking...maybe not the best way for me....

Example: I am doing new places I have never worked before..and don't know the rooms..so I carry a small sound system and a larger system .."Just in case"...

I am using the BK5 for compact and light as my peers have suggested ..but I need to bring a sound system with mic and effects or a mixer with the larger sound system....and still give up the harmonizer and a zillion other better advantages , if I just used the G70 and a single Cube amp..

The strenght of the BK5..is the ability to play MP3/wav files...and it does it well....but I don't use MP3's on senior gigs..

With the band, the BK5 is super, handles everything that the band needs..but, the G70 and laptop pleases me more...much more

I have the CrabTrap coming up in Aug and Sept...I purchased the BK5 specifically for this venue....and it will work great...I usually use the MediaStation and leave it on stage....(nobody will steal it..it is too heavy)

If I think like someone in their 60's ..it makes sense to do as little physical effort as possible ..but when your mind and body tell you you are like in your 40's.. ..it is no big deal....I am using a Rock n Roller to haul in and out anyway....the only physical effort is lifting in and out of 4 wheel drive SUV (useless vehicle) ..but that's another story...


Any comments?

Those young ladies of yours look pretty strong and healthy to me; maybe they could do double duty as roadies. OTOH, they might not fit in too well on the senior circuit (although YOU would ).

chas

What is this a BK5 commercial? just bring the laptop and a stool thats all you need at the crab trap.....if you played with the keyboard off there they say its too loud...

Donny...haven't you been reading my posts?

I don't need a stool..I am a stander.. ...and I need a keyboard on stage to plug in my pedals

Señor Carango, I suggest that you don’t think so much in terms of heavy vs. lightweight gear. Think more in term of efficiency. In other words you should want a rig that you can set up and tear down quickly. Forget about laptops, vocal processor units, extra pedals and other stuff that you have to plug in. I think an important part of these types of gigs besides playing/singing great old tunes is to somehow be socially engaged with your audience. That’s hard to do when you’re busy setting up/tearing down. Try to keep that to a minimum. If I had your gear (and I wish I did!) this is what I’d bring:

Roland BK 5. The mp3 player will be GREAT when you’re setting up. I try to get to my gigs early. The thing is once the old folks see me come in they all start heading for the rec room. It sure would be nice to have some nice background music on while they are waiting around.

Roland BA 330. Just plug your keyboard and your mic and your ready to go. No need for a mixer or vocal processor. It already has good reverb. What else do you need?
Keyboard stand with a attached mic stand (something like Uncle Dave uses)

There you have it- a keyboard, speaker, KB stand with a mic stand, a mic, a mic cable, and KB cable. Hopefully you don’t have to read charts like me but if you do the BK5 has a music rest which you can put your book or ipad on.
Keep it simple and welcome back to the senior circuit.

That was my exact intention..your proposed set up...and that is exactly what I used today..without a single problem

Knowing this room now...I know the BA330 and BK5 can do the job....but I did not know earlier, so I packed up a Roland Cube in case I needed more sound power..and they weigh 70 pounds each.

Set up time was about 5 minutes, including the V-Stand and mic boom....BTW: the G70 and a Cube on the V-Stand is just as fast, maybe a bit faster

When I am set up, the comfort level on the G70 is far and away better for me.It is not just the harmonizer, but mic volume control and effects as well as any balance I need to adjust is right in front of me....I can use play-list on both units (BK5 and G70), but the G70 gives me more flexibility...and the search feature is better on the G70 for special request...

I didn't even touch base about the advantage of the superior 76 keys compared to the lighter touch 61 on the BK..


What I am saying..there are concessions using the BK5 that I use and enjoy with the G70..
Is it worth hauling a heavier keyboard...To me YES...it is not a big deal for me to lift a 46 pound keyboard up on a stand...when everything is on board the G70..

If I would use the G70..I would pretty much always use a Cube..I just like 15's, and I know I have the coverage...

The last 6 locations I played in senior centers...the BA330 was more than enough, although this was the first of the six jobs that I used the BA330..(I chose to carry the Cube)...I split the keyboard duties 3 and 3..

Don't get me wrong..I enjoyed playing the BK5 and BA330...they did the job,, sounded great too...and for a one hour in and out job..I guess I shouldn't complain...I am just spoiled..

Fran - you already know the answer. If you're used to lugging the G70 around, then take it and a Cube and you'll have everything you need for 95% of MH/retirement jobs. Believe me, if I could handle it, I'd do just that...

Cass, only 95%...now what am I going to do about the other 5%?

Fran, the G70 and a cube will handle 100% of the jobs, just make sure the hernia insurance is paid up.

Hi Fran,

Keep plugging away. I was doing 50+ jobs a month sometimes and kept on going. All of a sudden, I go into this 8 hr job (well, 10-12 hours actually) and abruptly aborted music (totally). I have time to 'moonlight' if I want, but getting cozy and just hanging on the lake at nights. My keyboard has excessive dust and I think I forgot all my tunes now!

Looking back, music was twice as difficult (but more rewarding) than my current gig.............