Finding ways to Afford DJ Equipment, Help & advice needed

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Finding ways to Afford DJ Equipment, Help & advice needed
Posted on: 27.09.2013 by Cicely Gottfried
Hi all fellow DJs on the DJTT community !

I have been mixing since the start of summer this year. I am a Traktor user and I am in love with the Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk II. I desperately want it but I don't have the money for it yet. I can earn the money to get it by doing gigs on holidays but not a lot of people listen to the music I'm into at home. So I'm very limited then.
Another one of my best chances is by saving up what I can until black friday when it's heavily discounted and spend it then, that is if the S4 Mk II doesn't go out of stock by then. *Fingers crossed*
My last best chance is when I go to Miami for the Ultra Music Festival for 2 weeks. Since it will be spring break, there will be hundreds of parties going on and people would be asking for DJ's or just playing their iPod which I believe is dulling. Since the parties last day and evening , I will get the money very quickly but it so far away and I need a crowd that loves my type of music, and hopefully there is, pff what am I saying, of course there is.

My only problem is that I am stuck at school doing my classes and my school doesn't allow computers that are owned by me or you personaly unless given special permision and all my chances are somewhat a long time away. So I only have the holidays to do my mixing and I don't have a part time job because I basically live in the middle of no where when there is no snow. Where I am becomes a ski/snowsport resort during snowsport season.

So I am asking you guys if you have advice, help, or ways for me to earn money to afford the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK II. I would apreciate the help a lot and I really need it because it is my dream to work with music. Please help me!
Cicely Gottfried
30.09.2013
Originally Posted by Ed Paris
makes a bit more sense now. only problem would still be, that no booker/promoter in miami @ ultra would be willing to hire a 16/17 years old "dj" to spin at there party.
my advise again to you:
practise, practise, practise. become a dope dj but don
Dione Haimes
30.09.2013
this cereal? the only thing my dad never bought me was a limp bizkit album when i was 11/12, which i ended up aquiring anyway, didnt stop me listening to it once i'd got it either
Petra Arra
30.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
I am 16, and my dad didn't like any other form of music, I have no idea why, but he just doesn't like them. If I ever got caught listening to any other form of music I was busted.
most parents I know won't even let their kids listen to rock. not the other way around. lol

but yeah. plenty of practice and never ever rush things as you are still young and there are plenty of opportunities to come.
Matt Kane
30.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
I am 16, and my dad didn't like any other form of music, I have no idea why, but he just doesn't like them. If I ever got caught listening to any other form of music I was busted.
makes a bit more sense now. only problem would still be, that no booker/promoter in miami @ ultra would be willing to hire a 16/17 years old "dj" to spin at there party.
my advise again to you:
practise, practise, practise. become a dope dj but don
Cicely Gottfried
30.09.2013
I am 16, and my dad didn't like any other form of music, I have no idea why, but he just doesn't like them. If I ever got caught listening to any other form of music I was busted.
Matt Kane
30.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
Well miami is a different occasion since it is going to be the first set of concerts of my choice. I've never been to any concerts of the artists I like, I was limited on my music when I was younger. I could only listen to rock music, which didn't make me too happy, I also wanted to listen to other sorts of music, I finally got to during the summer of 2010 I believe. I've been listening to mainly EDM since then. But I have messaged a plan to my parents to see if I can get the S4 and then pay them back later
you were "forced" to only listen to rock music? may i ask how old you are, since most of the stuff you were saying does sound a little naive or even infantile. sorry if this might sound a bit harsh.
Matt Kane
30.09.2013
Originally Posted by Jester
the most expensive double sided tape and cartridge paper money can buy
noob... :P
Latoria Kavulich
30.09.2013
Originally Posted by SirReal
@ Jester...LOVE the keyboard overlay, where did you buy it?
the most expensive double sided tape and cartridge paper money can buy
Cicely Gottfried
30.09.2013
Well miami is a different occasion since it is going to be the first set of concerts of my choice. I've never been to any concerts of the artists I like, I was limited on my music when I was younger. I could only listen to rock music, which didn't make me too happy, I also wanted to listen to other sorts of music, I finally got to during the summer of 2010 I believe. I've been listening to mainly EDM since then. But I have messaged a plan to my parents to see if I can get the S4 and then pay them back later
Antonetta Wikel
30.09.2013
@ Jester...LOVE the keyboard overlay, where did you buy it?
Latoria Kavulich
30.09.2013
^ BoOm

i played many a party with just a keyboard and mouse

exhibit A

Arnulfo Morten
29.09.2013
go buy a usb keyboard and learn to map.... cheapest midi controller you can buy "_" knob twistin is overrated
Latoria Kavulich
29.09.2013
buy a cheap controller to get you started until you can afford to upgrade, like everyone else
Delena Katherman
29.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
I've already done that, the most annoying thing about it is that sometimes I hit the wrong key while I'm recording and fuck the whole mix up, I've had to repost on of my mixes several times because I pushed the wrong key while mixing. It works, but it has it's disadvantages.
How are you expecting to get paying gigs when you admit to regularly making mix-killing mistakes during your sets? Seriously, I genuinely want to know what you feel makes you special enough at this stage to receive compensation for this. If you can't answer that, you arent ready.
Petra Arra
29.09.2013
ask your mom to buy your s4 since obviously she can afford to get you guys to miami.

if not get a used numark mixtrack for less than $100. at least you wont be hitting the wrong button.
Vito Chesnut
29.09.2013
We have had a couple of good ones lately, eh?
Dione Haimes
29.09.2013
this thread is gold
nayit ruiz jaramillo
29.09.2013
Originally Posted by Jester
i posted that after approving teh posts karl
I need to wear my glasses more often then bro.
Cicely Gottfried
29.09.2013
Originally Posted by ImNotDedYet
OP, dude, you're in for a rude awakening.

Don't expect any gigs and don't even tell anyone you're available for any. You'll only get humiliated.

And look into keyboard mappings for Traktor until you get the bones saved up for a controller. That way you can do multiple things at once.
I've already done that, the most annoying thing about it is that sometimes I hit the wrong key while I'm recording and fuck the whole mix up, I've had to repost on of my mixes several times because I pushed the wrong key while mixing. It works, but it has it's disadvantages.
Lakeesha Storman
29.09.2013
OP, dude, you're in for a rude awakening.

Don't expect any gigs and don't even tell anyone you're available for any. You'll only get humiliated.

And look into keyboard mappings for Traktor until you get the bones saved up for a controller. That way you can do multiple things at once.
Latoria Kavulich
28.09.2013
i posted that after approving teh posts karl
Layne Koop
28.09.2013
Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
@soundinmotiondj it is my plan to see as much of the artists that are going to Ultra as I can, so that means avicii all the way down to zedd. If you want more specific artists I can pm you them.
You mis-understood my question.

When you are not at Ultra...how much $$$ are you willing to pay to see other "no name" DJs at house/hotel parties (or wherever you are planning to get your gigs)? The point is this...if YOU are not willing to part with $ to see someone you've never heard of....why should I part with $ to hear you?

Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
I've also worked with the S2 already, it's an excelent controller but it just doesn't fit my needs because it's only two decks and I tend to mix two songs together, for example, Masta Blasta by Dillon Francis and Pink Lady by Feed Me, and sometimes I don't have enough time to change to another song. which really means I need the four decks so that way I can be more prepared.
What that REALLY means is that you need WAY more practice so that you can be prepared for your first public gig. If you can not manage a long mix of two songs AND setup the next song(s) on an S2 you are NOT ready for a public gig.

Originally Posted by DJ Bodhisattva
The S4 is also supposed to give me more control over the mixer because my mouse tends to do a little overkill on the frequencies and the crossfader. I also need a place to put my headphones while music is playing through my computer.
The S2 has the same mixer EQ controls, crossfader controls, and headphone controls as the S4.
nayit ruiz jaramillo
28.09.2013
Originally Posted by Patch
What on earth is going on in here?!?!?!?
Idiocy.

Originally Posted by Jester
either those guys are talking to themselves or the dudes' posts weren't approved
Posts were approved, I've been watching this thread. Dudes are jerking the OP around.

Originally Posted by flpanhandler
NO, do NOT do that idea. Do not listen to them, they are trying to be funny. I promise you that going to Miami with an S4 and hope and a prayer, will not land you gigs. The most you could hope for is playing an after party in your hotel room, and finding a girl wasted enough to believe you are the best dj ever. Which of course will lead to an interesting evening , and story, it will not, however, land you a paying gig in Miami.
That is exactly what will happen if he is lucky enough not get the shit beaten out of him and his S4 stolen.

@OP: You're in school right? I dunno shit about US schools so I have no idea of your age but school means too young to be walking around cities bumming gigs. Work the summer, get some money together and buy some kit and practice.
Get this idea of doing gigs out of your head. You are not ready for doing gigs doesn't matter how good your teacher is no-one is ready in 4 months.
You are trying to run before you can walk... before you can even crawl to be honest.
Delena Katherman
28.09.2013
This can't be real. Sarcasm is sarcasm in any language.

OP, is your plan really to go to Ultra and hope for the best, or are you trolling us? If this is legit, you WON'T get any gigs while you are there. None. You don't have any gear , for one thing. What will you play on? Where? Who would hire you and why, given that you only have a laptop and no one knows who you are?
Vito Chesnut
28.09.2013
NO, do NOT do that idea. Do not listen to them, they are trying to be funny. I promise you that going to Miami with an S4 and hope and a prayer, will not land you gigs. The most you could hope for is playing an after party in your hotel room, and finding a girl wasted enough to believe you are the best dj ever. Which of course will lead to an interesting evening , and story, it will not, however, land you a paying gig in Miami.
Latoria Kavulich
28.09.2013
either those guys are talking to themselves or the dudes' posts weren't approved
Brunilda Kora
28.09.2013
What on earth is going on in here?!?!?!?
Cicely Gottfried
28.09.2013
Originally Posted by Cook
this man has the right idea
I get that he has the right idea but it's so far away right now, but I guess snowboarding will pass the time, also how will I get people to sign me up for a gig? Craigs list? somewhere else? Because people won't know that I am available for a gig if I just stroll around in the street without saying anything. I know people will want DJ's for their parties but I will also need a price. What is the most reasonable price for a newbie but experienced DJ?

I don't believe I will even get a spot at ultra because those are big time Music Producer/DJs we are talking about and I have only 3-4 months of experience, but my teacher was an excellent DJ so I guess I can give them a few surprises.
Dione Haimes
28.09.2013
Originally Posted by donstone
No, you should totally go to Miami during Ultra and just wander the streets. You will totally get at least 4 paying gigs a day with this approach.
You'll have enough for the S4 in no time. You'll probably even get a slot at Ultra.
this man has the right idea
Cicely Gottfried
28.09.2013
Thanks guys for all the support, but the plan is that My mom is paying for the tickets for me, herself, and my sister, and the plan for me was that since Ultra only happens during the weekends on the last 2 weeks of march. I could spend the rest of the time getting gigs.
I plan to spend my time at ultra to see all my favorite artists since I've never been able to go to concerts of my choice.
@soundinmotiondj it is my plan to see as much of the artists that are going to Ultra as I can, so that means avicii all the way down to zedd. If you want more specific artists I can pm you them.

The main reason why I am wanting to get the S4 Mk II is because Mixing with only my computer can get really hard because I am limited to do only one thing at a time which with the S4 I can do multiple things at once. I've also worked with the S2 already, it's an excelent controller but it just doesn't fit my needs because it's only two decks and I tend to mix two songs together, for example, Masta Blasta by Dillon Francis and Pink Lady by Feed Me, and sometimes I don't have enough time to change to another song. which really means I need the four decks so that way I can be more prepared. The S4 is also supposed to give me more control over the mixer because my mouse tends to do a little overkill on the frequencies and the crossfader. I also need a place to put my headphones while music is playing through my computer.
Vito Chesnut
27.09.2013
Yes, save the money for your tickets to Ultra, buy the S4 with that, and hit up some of the closer festivals in your area. I know they have massive festivals closer to you, if you are looking to see some decent talent. Ultra is really all about flash anyways, if you ARE set on coming here, go to WMC, and don't waste your time at Ultra. At least that way you might meet some djs that can give you some pointers and help with direction.
Oretha Afful
27.09.2013
No, you should totally go to Miami during Ultra and just wander the streets. You will totally get at least 4 paying gigs a day with this approach.
You'll have enough for the S4 in no time. You'll probably even get a slot at Ultra.
Layne Koop
28.09.2013
Can you work in the local snow sports industry and earn money over the winter? Cash in the plane ticket to Miami...and you've got enough for a Mk1....and maybe more.

There are some differences between the Mk 1 & Mk2...but nothing that will prevent you from learning the craft, practicing, and even earning money. I get the allure of the S4...but most of the "four deck" techniques are better suited to "routines" than to "live mixing." Do you "need" an S4 to really get the music out of your head...is the S2 really not up to the task in a fundamental way?

Traktor has apps for the iPad and iPhone/Pod that allow for reasonable practice (the iMashine app is surprisingly fun to use). There are some controllers that can play directly from a USB drive, that might give you more opportunities to practice while you are at school. Perhaps those would be a better solutions given the lack of a laptop.

Also, Music Festivals do not exist by handing out money to anyone who wants to DJ...most of the people there are going to be skipping meals just to attend. Said another way, how many $$$ are you planning to spend to hear a DJ at a house party while you are there?
Lannie Kutay
28.09.2013
trust me man, getting gigs for parties in Miami, is not the easiest thing.
Cicely Gottfried
27.09.2013
Yes I can't bring my own computer unless I am apart of the school party group called St
Matt Kane
27.09.2013
wait? you are not allowed to own a laptop except during the holidyseasons? and also you said, that you just started spinning this summer? do you really believe that you are already good enough to please a bigger crowd? easy man! don

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