Karaoke Forums

New show started Tues night and i took my personal CDG's along just in case, well the KJ doesnt play any CD+g's his system is all computer and a limited library as well. How do you handle shows that wont or cant play CD+g's you bring in? I was a little dissapointed, but their were a few songs I knew so I stuck around to sing a few anyway. The show wasnt to bad for an opening night, but he did have some problems with the sound and not enough books to go around. Is being able to bring your own discs a big deal anymore or with the new computer shows, having large libraries does that make a difference anymore?? Just curious what everyone else thinks....MV

I have to agree that not being able to bring your own cd is a problem.  I practice all the songs I plan to perform before I go and like to know that it is the same version I practiced.  My favorite place to go recently changed kjs and he does a strictly computer show. On top of that his sound system and mics are not as good as the other kj.

Jim-n-TN

For me, being able to bring my own CD+Gs is a HUGE deal.  Even shows with HUGE libraries rarely have any of the things I do (mostly showtunes, Linda Eder, and Sarah Brightman) - in fact there has only been one show in all the years I have been doing karaoke that had EVERYTHING I normally bring plus a few things I do but didn't have a disc for.   Only one other show I have been to had ANY (non-Jekyll & Hyde) Linda Eder as well as a few other things I do that were enough to "keep me busy" with out bringing my stuff.

I have been noticing more shows that are totally on a computer - which I'm sure is AWESOME for the KJ - and won't let me use my own discs.  I can usually find 2 or 3 things I do (usually Barbie Girl, Total Eclipse, some Bond stuff, and occasionally Uninvited) so, it's worth my hanging out for the night and going back on occasion if the other elements are right (good crowd, KJ, etc), but not enough for me to go regularly or recommend to my friends.  I like doing some of the more "traditional" karaoke stuff on occasion, but to not be able do the stuff I really LOVE...well...not fun for me in the long term. *laugh*

Then, of course, there is the situation where you are used to - or prefer - a certain version of a karaoke track.  If I see something I have a track for and know there is more than one version available, I'll opt to use my own disc

But that's just me...*lopsided grin*

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I don't go to those shows.  Another (@$%&#!) on most computer shows is that they either list their books with custom numbering systems with no manu code or some are going to no numbering system at all leaving absolutely no way tell which version it is.  Went to one last year (only place in the town we were vacationing at) & they had a great selection of really bad versions.  



Yeah things aren't what they used to be.



A good kj should play a customers disc IMO - at the VERY least an original disc, having a computer is no excuse, it isn't that hard to carry 1 extra player to setup, it's laziness pure & simple.  I would never deny my customers a version they are used to & being i'm not the richest person in the world, it's not feasable to go out & purchase every disc available just to have them - nor am I going to steal ie download/trade/'borrow' to build my collection up either - if I don't have a song you really want, I will look into buying the disc, but it would need to be a disc I really needed or didn't have a lot of duplicates of songs I already have.   Majority of the 'large' computer libraries are illegal to begin with.  Funny thing is I only have shy over 11K songs now & people are always telling me that so & so has a 4" book advertising 50K or better & don't have HALF the songs that I have?????  But I get alot of song requests for songs I don't have either - many due to discontinued discs & newer country mostly.

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you could always rip your disc to mp3+g or another format and either burn to data disc or save on usb flash drive and take them that way, but you would have to check with your kj first...another alternative is to have just your backings on an mp3 player and plug that into his sound system...if you know the songs well you wont need the words

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When I went with a hard drive system I made sure I still had the capabilty of playing CDGs.
I agree it is just a KJ being lazy or not informed on how to do it. If this guy is just starting out maybe he'll add it for his customers later. I can't imagine other people haven't requested to use their own CDGs. He must know it is needed. Then again some KJs just don't care.

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I quit playing customers cd's because they were bringing in burns. I won't play burns. I have rarely had a problem with a customer not being able to find a song they brought in. I also do not list manufacture in my song books. I set up my system DK first, then Sound Choice, Chartbusters and the very few others that are songs you can't get on the good brands. You won't get a crappy version on my system, so why list the codes. I don't have dups either. Just makes it look like you have more songs than you actually have. I count only non-repeating songs in my collection. Has nothing to do with not knowing or being lazy or not caring.

On occasion I have been asked why the manufacture codes are not in my books. If it's a new singer I explain to them. Then I tell them to ask me what the song is. I know by the position in the book what the manufacture is. If I don't, I have a master spread sheet that has the codes on it. It allows me to have larger print in my double column pages in my books to eliminate the codes.

hey Dennis how you doing sweet man? quick ? if I put cdg+mp3 files in a folder with a picture in it, then added the cdg plug in to winamp...would that jukebox prog you directed me to play karaoke?

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

It's not necessarily a matter of a "crappy" version as it is a question of a version you are not familiar with.  For example, I have come across a couple different versions of Total Eclipse of the Heart.  Some versions, the tempo is too slow, some have an extra verse.  If I don't use my CD or don't see the manufacturer, until I get up there, I don't know what to expect.  Now, I sing professionally and don't really get phased by this and can adjust.  However, someone who only does this for fun and is only comfortable with what they have or are used to, it's a different story.  Some people really want to be in their "comfort zone" when they karaoke, and sure of what to expect.


I can certainly understand not wanting to play burned CDs...However, if someone has purchased the CD, there is only one or 2 songs on it they do, and so, rather than carry around multiple CDs, you burn all the songs you do onto one disc, what is the harm?  They are not making money off it - they have burned something they have purchased for their own use.   Or why not put a notice in your book among the list of rules that you will only play their CD if it is an original?  Why penalize everyone?  I'm sure you have a good amount of songs, but it is impossible to have every karaoke track published and someone my really want to do something you don't have.

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"I hold the key to an open door....will I ever be free...?"

Dennis,

I wouldn't frequent your show, unfortunately... because I've had two regular cdgs scratched by a brainless $48 a night KJ. I have a LOT of discontinued discs that aren't in production any more... so nobody gets my REAL cdgs.

Also, many people have a different preference. I have stated this in the past, but I prefer the Pioneer stuff, over SC or Pop Hits Monthly...  where other kjs I've worked with liked the DK version of Prince or Bon Jovi..., or SC or whatever...

Having the codes makes total sense to those of us that have such preferences. You just don't know right away if you're going to get a version you like! I mean, when the dreaded SGB pops up on the screen and you're expecting something better!

Personally as a singer I can't STAND DK versions & will pick a SC version over it 95% of the time.  If I don't know what version it is via manu code, I won't stay at a place - no point if I don't like a version.  You may think, whatever, but if many feel that way - yeah i'm sure you have your regs, but how many nubees stick around that don't say anything?

If it's not a version i'm accustomed to & you won't play my disc, I go to the place down the street!

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I am not cpu based yet, but even when I am I WILL be able to (and will) play your discs.  Not only for the reasons the knightshow said but, there is no reason not to. You have to protect your investment, cd's just wear out..  The majority of us are not playing live at the super bowl or something so it really isn't a huge deal if it's a crap version or crap cd that someone brings in, if it craps out you adapt and getting rolling into something else.  I think part of the meaning of providing a professional show is to be able to handle your customer requirements and I would think that playing a customer cd would and should be part of that, IMHO (of course)....MrD

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I am just getting ready to start KJing (19days and counting).

First I am going to be computer based, and have about 4500 songs that I have bought (50% sound choice, 25% SGB, 20% Pop hits monthly, 5% other) .

I will list the manus in my songbook. It may not matter to 90% of the singers but the other 10% do care (like many on this board). I want those singers at my show, at least they know about Karaoke and take it seriously even if they may not be the most talented in every case (but often they are). When such people become regulars at a show it makes the show better for all attending.

As for bringing your own cd to play, I don't have a problem with it, and my backup software (primary software is hopefully compuhost) siglos karaoke will play CDG disks straight from the drive.

The problem with playing the disks straight from the computer CD drive is that there are noticeable clicks, pauses and other "imperfections" that I can detect (easily). It may be that my computer is not fast enough, but it is less than a year old.

Does anyone else have such problems? Am I using the wrong software? I suspect it may just be a diskdrive issue, and nothing is likely to solve it until I get a faster system. In any case it may be good enough for the rare person that brings disks, but only If I warn them first about the problems. I don't really look forward to bringing a separate cd player to my shows, in addition to the other junk I will have to transport around.

I, as Matt, have had original cds severely scratched by careless KJs. Kapa says changing format is illegal. They also say making one copy of the original cd for your own personal use is legal. If you take the burnt copy out for only you to sing, it is still personal use. No one gains any benefit, but you. How can you use illegal format shifted songs, but refuse legal cd burns? Songs very by brands, by key, by length, by words, by quality....did I miss anything? You as a KJ are not liable for the legitimacy of any burnt cd brought in. A KJ that won't play a burn is just plain lazy, or just plain contrary IMO

Having the ability to play customer cdg's will only insure a more experianced and sophisticated singer base.   I would even throw the word LOYAL in their as EXPERIANCED singers want to sing their VERSIONS only --even if the KJ feels it is
inferior to his computer based library.  These experianced singers will only go to shows that have this option of playing cdgs.  As Lonnie pointed out - adding a player to your system is simple and can be done for under $150.

Now all you singers who bring your own discs ... FOR GOD'S SAKE make sure they are not DIRTY - SCRATCHED - CRACKED ETC.   make sure you hand it to you're KJ in a protective jewel case or sleeve.  PERSONALLY I don't care if its original or a burn but some KJ's DO ..so ask first.

And if you're KJ does not have a player ---ASK them --they just might have the version you want in a mp3+g !

Having the ability to play customer cdg's will only insure a more experianced and sophisticated singer base.   I would even throw the word LOYAL in their as EXPERIANCED singers want to sing their VERSIONS only --even if the KJ feels it is
inferior to his computer based library.  These experianced singers will only go to shows that have this option of playing cdgs.  As Lonnie pointed out - adding a player to your system is simple and can be done for under $150.

Now all you singers who bring your own discs ... FOR GOD'S SAKE make sure they are not DIRTY - SCRATCHED - CRACKED ETC.   make sure you hand it to you're KJ in a protective jewel case or sleeve.  PERSONALLY I don't care if its original or a burn but some KJ's DO ..so ask first.

And if you're KJ does not have a player ---ASK them --they just might have the version you want in a mp3+g !

I guess I opened a can o worms here.

I have not run into a problem in the 5+ years that I have been doing it this way. When I started and ran discs, I had all the manufacture info, and played peoples disks (sorry no burns). Most KJ's in my area won't run burns either.

I understand all the points you made, and there are cases where my version isn't the best in someone elses eyes. All I can say is you aren't going to get some synthesized crap, and most people like the DK versions. I still contend that they are the best reproductions out there. Again that is my opinion.

I don't have any problem with generating crowds and through this year my shows have had the largest crowds since I have been doing this. I make a point to talk to new singers and work the crowd. I ask them if there is anything they would like to see different. I always try to accomidate when and where I can. Honestly, I have not had people ask why I don't list manufacturer codes, and rarely do I hear complaints that a version of a song was not good, and it's not because people won't tell me. 90% of the new singers come back. My shows are well known in the area, so people know from word of mouth that my music is good, my sound system is top notch, and that I take care of the customers.

About a month ago, I had a table of people that I hadn't seen before. There were three people that sang. The one guy came up and asked if a version of a song was a DK, because that's the only version he felt he could sing to. It was, so he was happy. He came back to my next show and hired me for a wedding. Last week his friend called me to book me for his wedding.

The one thing I do, is that if a singer asks me, and I have the version they are used to, I will put it on the system if they plan to come back.

The one thing that many have missed is that outside of regulars, most people don't know what the manufacturers code is. They are overwelmed by multiple versions of the same song. These people always comment on how good I made them sound, because they got the best version of the song, and didn't have to figure it out. Sorry, for me, it's important to build a broad base of customers.

My regulars know that I will put music in for them if they ask. I also will get their versions of songs with in a week, so they don't have a problem. I will do the same for a new customer, and have, if they tell me they intend to come back. So, if you think I'm letting people walk out the door your wrong. I have never seen it.

The one thing I will add is that I don't really cater to "professional" singers. I treat everyone the same, which is the best I can. I have a number of very good singers, but I like the not so good singers too. It's important in the scheme of things to allow people on the edge (those that are afraid to come up), to feel that they are not competing for something. My shows are fun, not a concert. I found that when I had only good singers the crowds eventually got smaller. You can have a field day on that statement, but it's true.

I heard a lot a comments to my previous post in this thread that indicates a level of snobbery, that I wouldn't come to your show or stay at your show, because I won't play your burns or don't have the codes. Honestly, without ever attending one of my shows, if you can make a statement like that, I wouldn't want you at my show. I'm sorry, but this is supposed to be a fun experience, and it should be for everyone. If your seeking perfection, then you probably should go pro and get into a recording studio instead of a karaoke bar.

I'm sorry if I offended any of you, but I have been doing this for a long enough time to know, that what I do works. My personality and the way I run my shows is very successful. I turn away work, because I don't have enough time, and don't want to turn this into another job, by hiring more people...

Oh well, I better get off of my soap box.

Not sure, try it. I think it might load the pic over the karaoke screen...don't know for sure. I'm still trying to find info on the Juke that will run Karaoke.

It makes a difference for a customer, I went to a place a couple years ago that had Born On The Bayou - CCR (no manu number just titles), the version they had was SO bad (Music Maestro), I couldn't even get past the first line & walked off stage, it didn't even sound like a recognizable song, if I would've known which version it was I wouldn't have even attempted it.  Needless to say we had a group of about 10 & we all left very shortly after & found a club that had good versions - if the songs are crappy to begin with, there is no point.

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