Ok I have always wanted to learn to DJ purely for my own pleasure and interest rather than to make money. And so last month I bought myself some equipment to start learning. Now I know many people say you should start with basic cheaper equipment and then move on to the more pro end gear and that having all the gear and no idea is not the correct route for a begginner. However I don't agree personally.

I'm currently a professional photographer and lecturer of Photgraphy, Media and Art. When I first started buying camera equipment I purchasd the high end SLR's as I wanted to be able to develop my skills and techniques and as my ability improved I would not have to change or upgrade due to me out growing the camera itself. Of course technological enhancements and meant that I have upgraded this was more to do with improved quality and additional functions.

I have adopted this way of thinking to my choice of gear I purchased which includes a pair of CDJ2000's a DJM800 and EFX1000. Now I am aware that too much gear with many different functions can overwhelm a begginer and you may be tempted to start playing with fancy effects before learning a solid beat matching and mixing foundation so I do not intend to use the efx untill i become proficient at beat matching (by ear) and be able to structure and mix tracks properly (phrase timming).

What are your opinions guys/gals and what did you start off with?

adivce, tips and comments much appreciated!

quote:

Originally posted by Mintaka:
...what did you start off with?

Two Dansette Regals (that my Dad dis-assembled and remade into a "set of decks" and a satchel of old soul 45's.

Nothing is wrong with getting the best gear to learn. The question is will you like DJ'ing or will this be a 7000 dollar investment that you can use?

How many would envy your 'starter' gear!

I started on a Torq Xponent which is a MIDI controller. In hindsight, I wouldn't recommend it because it is all too easy to become reliant on the visual aspect of the beats matching from the wave form build on-screen.

There are plenty of resources for learning to DJ. Instructional videos are the most useful - check out PioneerDJ Media / ellaskins / djtutor on Youtube as well as www.djsounds.com

The best thing you can do is watch a few videos to get a general idea about what you must do. Then play away with your gear. Don't be afraid to mess with the buttons, you won't break anything! Know your gear and practice, practice, practice!

Welcome to the forums!

DJ BAM - I know I enjoy d'jing as I have played many times with my friends gear and felt like I picked up the basics fairly quick, obviously there is a lot to learn and perfect but is something I will do over time. As far as making money from it, not interested what so ever. Its purely for my own pleasure and satisfaction and love of music.

DJ GMC - Thanks for the links, I have watched most of the videos over and over, as it has been near 3months since I started learning, researching and reading, however It will be the first time I get to put all this knowledge into practice with my very own Dj gear. I can't wait.

Thanks for the welcome!

You've made the right start in getting good gear and I'm sure you'll find many helpful users on this forum.

If you can spare some time, browse through different forum areas and you'll see the wealth of advice available.

Good luck!

Man, I don't even remember. I think, after a little research, it woulda been a Denon DN-2000F. OLD 19" rack mount unit (back when Pio had the CDJ 500/700's). Had buttons only, no wheels. I worked at a DJ supply store and those were the rental units.

2000's and a 800 for a mixer is a damn good start! Most beginning dj's are younger, in their teens, and they can't come close to affording a setup like that.

What do you shoot? I've got a little Nikon D50 that I'm looking to upgrade sometime in the near future.

DJDarkneZ - Hi their, I currently shoot with a Canon 5D MKII for weddings, portrait and fashion work. I also own the exact same camera as a back up too. I considered going over to the 1ds MKIII but really couldn't justify the price tag for what I consider minor improvements. Saying that my 5d cost £2700 including the 24-105 lens. I must have in the region of £20,000 worth of photography kit.

I'm 30 so definitely no teenager but the way the excitement is building for the arrival of my CDJ2000's I feel like a kid in a sweet shop...I have the djm and efx but CDJ's expecting delivery next week as there was a shortage of 2000's over the last weeek...seem like a popular choice!

Do you shoot as a hobby?

I think the reason most people say don't get the best to start is twofold (which are interdependent, not independent reasons):

1) Beginners usually can't afford it. So you buy something cheaper to start. But if you've got the dough then there's nothing wrong with getting the good gear.

2) They can't justify the admittedly HUGE expense of "the best gear" right off the bat, for at least the reason that they're not sure if they're going to stick with it.

And a last reason, is that for me, when I learned on crap gear, I felt that if I could be good on that, then I would be miles better on better gear. And I was right.

-r-

quote:

Originally posted by Mintaka:
DJDarkneZ - Hi their, I currently shoot with a Canon 5D MKII for weddings, portrait and fashion work. I also own the exact same camera as a back up too. I considered going over to the 1ds MKIII but really couldn't justify the price tag for what I consider minor improvements. Saying that my 5d cost £2700 including the 24-105 lens. I must have in the region of £20,000 worth of photography kit.

I'm 30 so definitely no teenager but the way the excitement is building for the arrival of my CDJ2000's I feel like a kid in a sweet shop...I have the djm and efx but CDJ's expecting delivery next week as there was a shortage of 2000's over the last weeek...seem like a popular choice!

Do you shoot as a hobby?

Careful, you may end up with as much in DJ gear as you have in photo gear

I shoot strictly as a hobby...vacation photos like a typical tourist. I'm not exactly a power user, the camera spends most of it's time in auto mode. My main purpose of having the DSLR was the shutter speed, since I do alot of auto racing photograhy.

My gear is pretty utilitarian. I've got a basic 10 - 55 and a 55-200 which seems to be all I need, though I wouldn't mind picking up a macro and a fisheye and maybe I few others

Seen the new 7D? http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_canon_7D

I still would know what to do with the EFX. I learned the basics the hard way. And bought the mk3's as my first players, ( but still, that was after 5 years of playing )

Just upgraded from my Canon 450D to a Nikon D700, and damn, I like it
Had to choose between the 17-35mm f/2.8D, AF 85mm f/1.4D and 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II or 2x CDJ-2000 with DJM-800.
At least I had the money to buy a 50mm f/1.4G

I'd say go for it. If you can afford to then why not?


DJ RuDe

Mintaka,
Whip out the wallet again, there is more to spend money on
after seeing your video's I kinda want the EFX, but wouldn't it be nice with two KAOSS-pad as well? Haven't got a clue how to use them, but damn!