How to build the RIGHT DJ system

I have been a DJ for approaching 3 decades and I have practiced almost every style and sound of DJing. I was a systems specialist for almost 20 years, so I have helped thousands of DJs pick the right gear for them. What works best for you, does not work best for all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. What is your target audience? What will you sound like? Be a "wannabe" and you will become! First, decide what you want to "sound" like. This will help determine what gear to buy and use. There are numerous styles of DJ, from the emcee (vocal) all the way up to the battle DJ (competition, yet non-dance). The style of DJ you want to become is based on "type" of music and "style" of DJ.
2. The case for cases...will you be moving it around or not? Blankets can keep dust off your immobile gear for alot less dough. Do you have little ones who can damage gear? hmmmm? Figure out if you are goig to be mobile in the beginning, BEFORE you buy anything. Salespeople can weigh you down with equipment cases, lights and numerous other things; when you do not need these things, if you will just be rehearsing at home. Saving money is important because the biggest expense will be the music. It is an on going expense, unlike the rest of your system.
3. Turntables? Tabletop Cds? Rackmount Cds? Tapes? Computers? Dat? MD? (What's Next?) Figure out what your budget is and stick to it, whether you have the money right now or not. What this means is, if your perfect rig is worth $2,500, you have a choice. Buy "peice-by-peice" until you get there, or settle for less expensive gear, which will can sometimes compromise your sound and style. Beware of overspending too.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a DJ you want to be most like and figure out what they are using. Or, find a style of you want to sound like and find out what they are using. That will usually guide you.
• Avoid used gear, especially for mobiel gigs. I have been in the middle of gigs where my gear catches on fire or breaks down. I cannot wish this on anyone!! The stress felt in this siuation is magnified by the fact that you are not just losing out on hundreds of dollars now, but that you "killed" the party. Talk about guilt!