November 25th, 2006, Saturday

[bleujazz3]

Homemade breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs, toast with strawberry jam, juice, and coffee.

Question of the day is:

How many of you are hobbyists; guys who buy, collect, and play PRSi for that alone. Versus how many of you play out in public, either for a living, or on a regular basis (say at least 4 times a month).

If you do it on a regular basis, but don't get paid for it, what's your real job?

I play out on a regular basis about 8 times a month (twice a week) and get paid to help set up the PA equipment at one of the twice-weekly gigs. No, it's not what I call substantial money, but it pays for my dinner and beer that night, and I usually go home with some money left over.

I own only two guitars, one PRS PS AT, and a Taylor 712ce acoustic, one for each venue. Man, I've got to diversify if I want to play different styles. :(

My real job is a photo technician at one of our local pharmacies. Pays the bills, but doesn't leave a lot left over to buy extra PRSi willy-nilly. :p

[redmax61]

Pasta salad, a handfull of Triscuits and coffee. I got home from a club gig at 3:30 this morning, so I'm having a bit of trouble starting my day.

I'm in a Christian band that does - on average - two shows a month. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Sometimes we get paid, sometimes we don't. If I recoup travel expenses to and from shows, I'm happy. To me, it's not about the money at all. It's a ministry thing. And, as a 45 year old die hard rocker who plays in a hardcore/metal band, I'm having FAR MORE fun doing it now than ever before.

I presently own 4 PRSi. Since I'm the bass player, I only play one song on my PRS at these shows. But our guitar player uses my McCarty in his regular rotation. I'm in the process of putting together a band on the side. As the guitar player for that band, I'll use them more. And I'm doing my studio stuff, which doesn't place heavy use on them, but they do get used.

My real job(s) - I'm an Electronics Technician in the Navy fulltime, but the command that I'm with right now allows me the flexability to moonlight. A drastic change from my last tour aboard an aircraft carrier, which barely left time to eat, let alone spend time with my family. Out of necessity, I also work with a general contractor 4-6 days a week to augment our finances.

I've been truly blessed in the gear department by getting occasional bonuses for staying in the military. The downside of staying in the military is that I've had to sacrifice a lot of time to be away from home. Let it be known that I'm honored to be a part of the military, but don't want or deserve any fanfare. Save that for the guys who get shot at. All I do for Uncle Sam is make darn sure the little red button blows stuff up as advertized when it gets pushed.

I guess all of this places me somewhere between Hobbyist and semi-pro musician. Call it my happy place.

[bleujazz3]

The red button's not on your amp, then...Might be a cool addition of pyrotechnics to have the guy who keeps yellin' "Free Bird" at other gigs to have his table go "boom"...For once I wish I had a Nerf bat to konk these guys with...Sorry, I digress. That's about as blantantly violent as I'll get. Usually, a big broad smile as if I'm considering it, a pause, and a "No" works well.

Robin, I certainly appreciate that you're keeping us safe at home. I just wish there was an easier way to deal with people different from us. Mods, this is not a political statement. Peace through PRSi.

[redmax61]

I did sound for a band a few weeks ago that had an interesting response to the guy in the audience that kept yelling "Freebird". Every member of the band raised their arms and saluted him in unison and yelled back "This one's free!"

[bleujazz3]

I did sound for a band a few weeks ago that had an interesting response to the guy in the audience that kept yelling "Freebird". Every member of the band raised their arms and saluted him in unison and yelled back "This one's free!"
LOL! Works for me! Can I borrow that technique next time?