Start Busking!

Stash the nerves, charge up your multi-fx and go entertain the masses 

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There’s no live performance situation more accessible than busking. Armed with your guitar and a portable amp, performing in the street is a fast way to get out and play in front of crowds. Do it right, and you might even make a few quid while you’re at it. Semi-professional busker, Justin Towell, gives his advice on how you can start busking with success...

Gear up!

Sometimes I use my old Yamaha electro-acoustic and if it’s definitely dry I’ll use my Fender electro-acoustic, but mostly I use my gorgeous, cherry sunburst Squier Stratocaster. I also bring a mic stand and 20 rechargeable Duracell batteries to power my multi-fx unit, harmony pedal and my amp [Roland Street Cube]. This gives me a full day busking, though I only tend to do a couple of sets a day so I don’t run out of power. Everything I have is very portable so I’m able to carry all my pedals, cables and microphone in a bag on a two-wheeled trolley along with my guitar, then I can carry my amp. I can wheel it all into town, and set up in about five minutes.

Location, location, location...