Do you need top of the line equipment? Absolutely not. Pioneer makes models with less features at lower market prices. Denon makes some great gear as well as other manufacturers. Its all apples and oranges. I first started out with just 1 turntable I got from a friend. I bought my 2nd turntable after 6 months. Try mixing with just 1 turntable!
If your just starting out, don’t buy new. Buy used. Pawn shops are a must as well as craigslist. Even better, find some DJ friends to network with. DJs love to jam and have “Jam Sessions”. They love company! Join them. Watch them. Learn from them. Once you figure out what you can afford and what you can get by with, then you can start buying equipment.
What? You don’t want to invest in equipment? Then use your laptop. This is by far the cheapest way to go. There are many programs out there that will simulate the DJ experience. Unfortunately, my knowledge of this area is very thin. Our group have always been the “hands-on-the-wheel” type of DJs. I’ll link you to some sources below to give you an idea of what I am talking about and give you more options.
Section 2 – Looking for Music
Fortunately for me, by the time I started, my collection of tracks were in the thousands (I know downloading MP3′s were illegal. I apologize if I offend any readers, it was not my original intent to DJ, I was just an avid crazed music collector). If you have decided to go the route of the classic DJ, using turntables, then you must hunt for some wax aka vinyls. Believe it or not, there are still quite a few record stores out there, even in this digital age.
Beatport.com - Digital Downloads
Record Pools. To those of you who use them, you know whats up. These are the shits. You want that unheard, never been released, mash-up? Join a record pool. If you can’t find that mix on the internet or online shops, then I betcha its from a record pool. Most record pools are DJ oriented and ran by DJs. A lot of them are subscription based, but allow you unlimited downloads from them as well. Are they worth it? Yes if you are a working club DJ. No if you only DJ once every 3-4 months. But hold on, not so fast DJ Gonna-be, most pools also require proof that you are a working DJ before you can join them. But don’t worry, there are a few record pools out there that will accept the new and shiny bedroom DJs. I personally love these record pools. You get the freshest tracks that the mainstream hasn’t heard yet and also the convenience of knowing that these tracks are DJ tested and approved.
Nice Information!
Bob vang from medtronic?
Great Post! I personally really like vintage recievers. This is some of the best sounding audio gear around. Especially if you go with the old stuff. I like the seperation you get.
Good shit JP! BTW – Thanks for the Love!
I am glad that I stumbled upon your site on Bing. I really enjoyed your post. If you are interested in swapping links with each other’s sites, let me know. I’d love to get on each other’s blogrolls. Here is my site: Lose The Back Pain Scam.
@ KB_Founder, Ha. I knew you would get a kick out of this article.
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner.
Nice website. Great read.
Aint it the truth, I truley share the same views as the author and could not agree more.
i almost died reading this soo inspirational dude you are really living a dream come true. i am so happy for you. the one thing that i love most in all my life is music, but i’ve never found the door. i did just purchase dj eqpt today.. we’ll see where that goes. thank you for your story. ps/if you had written your whole life, i would have read it. XD
Hey this blog is great. I’m looking forward to reading more.
A – That’s really cool. What did you buy? Well if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask! I’m not a pro or anything but I’ll gladly help out if I can.
Hey good ups to you man I enjoy KB at the events in MN and try to attend when ya spin. It was nice hearing that you also went to Mankato State University lol.
Law,
Ha, yes I went down there. It was one of the best times of my life. Used to do nothing but listen to music, basketball, and fish. Ha. Thanks for the support. I truly appreciate it.
Lol funny thing is people down here are still doing the same ol thing…hoopin, and fishing
Always wanted to DJ. But I chose photography as a path. Maybe one day I’ll pick up on being a DJ. I’m sure it’s never too late. Inspiration is the best, and I like how you’re story is!.