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Simple Busking Setup Question

Posted by Bad Finger (Eric) on January 21, 2013 at 4:27pm in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts

I have grown tired of the lack of CBG playing in Boston.  So I have an idea for a simple busking set up for singing vocals into a mic and playing one of my electric CBGs.

I want a simple Micro Cube single channel amp, but I want to run vocals and the guitar through the amp. Can I use a 3 way switch or blend pot on the guitar to do this?  I was thinking of 2 1/4" female jacks on the guitar.  One for mic in which runs through the 3-way switch or blend pot the other jack out to the amp.

I'm typically running a Klangbox flat pup if that makes any difference.

The mic will be a home-brew using a Shure R198 element - same as the Green Bullet.  Wiring for the element is below.

Shure R198 on Amazon.com

Any thoughts or objections to that type set up?  I expect I will need the blend pot option to balance the mic and guitar to my liking and I understand that I will end up with the same effects for both guitar and vocal if I choose anything other than a clean output.

Thanks for your advice.

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Replies

  • Bad Finger (Eric) January 25, 2013 at 12:55pm

    Got the R198 today.  Now the choice of appropriate housing.  Soup can, beer can, salt shaker, sifter. . .

    • Ron "Oily" Sprague > Bad Finger (Eric) January 25, 2013 at 1:17pm
      Foot powder can. Miniature trash can (check the Faneuil Hall kitsch shops). Motor oil can. Boston baked beans can (should go over well with local audiences). WD-40 can. Can 'o whup-ass. Old film canister. R2-D2 robot toy.
      • Bad Finger (Eric) > Ron "Oily" Sprague January 25, 2013 at 3:10pm

        Like, like, really like, really, really like, like, like, like and likety like.  :)

        • Ron "Oily" Sprague > Bad Finger (Eric) January 27, 2013 at 1:51pm
          You want fries with that?
          • Bad Finger (Eric) > Ron "Oily" Sprague January 27, 2013 at 5:02pm
            I'll take fries with anything.

            I found the mic housing today after making a batch of my drunken chili. Tomato paste can. It will work perfect with a rubber pipe sleeve as an insulator.
  • The Phrygian Kid January 22, 2013 at 12:44pm
    The les Paul personal (1970s) had a 'mic thru' connector. It was never popular, but les himself played em for years. He wasn't a singer but he'd tell jokes while pulling off his perfect crisp 32nd notes.
    I've made a few steels with a input jack (pin) for cascading thru the one amp but never mic. It can be done but I'd personally prefer it in a seperate box beside the amp so I'm not committed to the one axe. Maybe build it into a guitar case? Ie a little DIY mixer.. You could find a cheap stereo mic pre and use that too...
    • Bad Finger (Eric) > The Phrygian Kid January 22, 2013 at 3:21pm

      Oh, I like the second box idea better than putting the wiring in the guitar.  Easier to do this configuration and better adaptability.

      I think I have a tobacco tin that would work well to house the jacks and a blend pot.

      • The Phrygian Kid > Bad Finger (Eric) January 23, 2013 at 1:36am
        A tin will be even better cos if you ground it (the jack connects the metal where you drill and screw it in, I still reinforce with a plank of scrap behind, two jacks thru the one plank reinforce each other, making it quite stiff.. Where was I?? oh yeah touch the metal with the outside (sleeve) of the jacks and your box'll be fully shielded...


        I'd go to our friend mr gitty and get one those side mounting preamps that make piezos sound bearable and put that as well (3rd channel ?) so u can just have the battery in there, not in the guitar etc etc while you're at it..

        Then go get a Di box kit ..... Hehe.. insert points for each channel.. A grouped fx loop, you could go bezerk if you like..
        • Bad Finger (Eric) > The Phrygian Kid January 23, 2013 at 9:41am

          Sounds like I'm gonna need a bigger tin.  :)

  • Diglydog January 22, 2013 at 11:50am

    My Vox Mini 3 battery/mains amp has 2 inputs plus effects and amp models for under $100. It runs on 6 x AA.  I don't know what it's like for busking but bemuzic could probably tell you, I think she has one.

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