Beginners Guide for DJ Equipment

Becoming a DJ is the dream of many a youngster, unfortunately the prohibitive pricing and lack of proper instruction make it a difficult task to undertake, the equipment is expensive and knowing what to buy in order to get started without falling victim to the sales talk of crafty electronic store salesman is hard. Then once you have established yourself there is the difficult task of getting yourself known, building a reputation and been invited to gigs and clubs. While DJ equipment can be expensive, second hand DJ equipment is affordable and the robust nature of the equipment means that even if you choose to buy second hand you will be surprised by the amount of use that you are able to get from previously used DJ equipment such as turntables, mixers and amplifiers, all of which, if properly looked after can last years.

As things move digital and much of the DJ’s job now takes place on computers, second hand DJ equipment has become much cheaper and more readily discarded. If one trawls used goods shops for second hand DJ equipment you need not exhibit the same trepidation that one would when buying other second hand electronics. The fact that people have decided to sell their dj equipment is not because it no longer works or because it is outdated, it may simply be that they have made the jump to digital. This however may not be the best option for someone just starting out it is far expensive and not entirely necessary. While digital DJ facilities are far more convenient they are seldom better than their predecessors, as one who is just starting out second hand “old fashioned” DJ equipment is more than adequate and much more cost effective.

The robust nature of the older DJ equipment makes it ideal for gigs at parties where the clientele might be less than desirable, it can handle been knocked around and is more likely to stand up to the odd spilled beverage than a laptop computer or other similar digital equipment.

There are several different roles a DJ can take on and all can be equally fun and at time profitable, you can either remix new tracks from existing music or you can simply provide dancing and entertainment and parties, usually playing a playlist selected by the person that hired you and is paying your fee. This type of DJ does not normally play music they have made themselves. This can be extremely profitable as the number of functions that require DJ’s with good DJ equipment is vast from weddings to a Bar Mitzvah. There is a certain old fashioned logic that dictates before you go out and spend money on the fanciest equipment in any chosen endeavour first make sure it is something you will enjoy and can see your-self doing for an extended period. To ensure this it is cheaper and more practical to perhaps start out with cheaper second hand DJ equipment and then as you grow your experience and become more certain that it is a hobby or possibly even a business that you will be able to grow for many years to come.  

Source: Becoming a DJ