Amy Zents Shy Singer Series: Accompany Yourself on the Guitar

Singers can and should collaborate with other musicians. However, since the singer may be shy, or for a multitude of other reasons, from fear of socializing, to lack of resources, this may not always be possible.
So, I have devised an easy solution. Pick up a guitar and learn to play and write your own songs!
I purchased my Recording King Acoustic (see above) at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ for under $200.
I see they don't seem to carry my crazy-sexy guitar there anymore, but you can find a comparable one of good quality for a reasonable price.
Today, we touch on Step One. Find a guitar.

Keep singing!

Amy Zents

"I love the subtle range and tonal range of the acoustic guitar." - Dan Fogelberg

Amy Zents Shy Singer Series: Whose equipment is this?

                            Don't play with fire; Label and care for your equipment!

I would like to start off this blog with a little information on equipment and then move on to talk about why you need to label your equipment, and protect and care for it.
When you start off with your performing career, you may think that an amp, a mic and a music stand is all you need to succeed. Well, let me tell you of one great resource I have found where you can get pretty good equipment for a reasonable price. The place is called, "Musician's Friend."
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/
Here are some things I have bought there.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/shure-sm58s-mic-with-switch
You can buy a cheaper version for $49.99 sans switch.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/shure-sm48-lc-vocal-microphone
I got a cute Peavey Sound system with speakers and inputs.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/peavey-messenger-portable-sound-system
It is reasonable priced at $399.99 and has free shipping!
Use it in places that are more intimate.
The bigger the place, the bigger the speakers you will need.
Take care of your equipment. Label your equipment.
Don't let people rob you of your equipment. Keep it marked and labeled.
http://www.ehow.com/video_4430047_label-instruments.html
Most of all, don't leave the door of your pick-up bed open to let your
equipment slide out.
We left the back door of our pick-up bed down and, in an after-thought before we left I wrapped up our sound board in a dog quilt I had. The thick quilt had enough grip to keep the sound control board from slipping out the back. Days later, I heard on the radio about a musician who was offering a reward for
his expensive concertina that slipped off the back of his truck because he forgot to put up the back pick-up bed door and it slipped off.
Indeed,, we were very lucky because I thought to wrap the control board in the quilt!
Here is another video with great advice on how to pack instruments in your vehicle.
http://www.ehow.com/video_4430041_pack-car-instruments.html?pid=1&wa_vrid=8aa954b6-7ec8-4c5c-a7b8-3fd75cf4f54d&cp=1&wa_vlsrc=continuous
I love the idea of a U.S. Marine sticker on your car to prevent thefts! :-)

Keep singing,

Amy Zents

P.S. There's never enough of the stuff you can't get enough of." - Patrick Boyle