Question for all DJs - Where to begin??

So I've been playing and producing music for about 8 years now and am looking to begin progressing towards the live format.

I feel, for a variety of reasons, DJing will be a good place to start / get my feet wet and need some direction on the most logical way to delve into the the DJing world.

I have the option of purchasing two Technics SL-1200MK2s and a mixer for $800 from a buddy of mine. I understand a good proportion of DJs are transitioning to a fully digital setup with CDJs and the like, yet the vinyl aspect still appeals to me as I recently inherited my dad's vinyl collection of about 3000 records; I'd like to be able to listen to them all and I don't have a record player yet. From my limited understanding, Serato would allow me to use a "blank" vinyl record and have my entire digital music library available for mixing. Is this right?

I'm definitely a tactile person musically, so I don't want to limit myself to using just software. Perhaps one route I could take is just get a hardware mixer and use software like virtual DJ to learn the basics ( I am a PC user by the way and am not well versed in the best software, so some recs would be nice)

So I guess the bottom line is, I'd like to hear how you all got started; what you wish you would have known at the beginning, what you think of the deal my buddy is offering, and some software / hardware recommendations that aren't outrageously priced.

  On 8/5/2013 at 8:19 AM, Alex0112 said:

I have the option of purchasing two Technics SL-1200MK2s and a mixer for $800 from a buddy of mine.

This is potentially a good deal provided the 1200s are in good working (and looking) condition. As it could be a factor, what's the make/model of the mixer?

  On 8/5/2013 at 8:19 AM, Alex0112 said:

I understand a good proportion of DJs are transitioning to a fully digital setup with CDJs and the like, yet the vinyl aspect still appeals to me as I recently inherited my dad's vinyl collection of about 3000 records; I'd like to be able to listen to them all and I don't have a record player yet. From my limited understanding, Serato would allow me to use a "blank" vinyl record and have my entire digital music library available for mixing. Is this right?

CD decks are rather obsolete these days, with most digital djing done off of laptops / HDDs by means of a controller - one of which is Serato (which pretty much does just as you say). It functions as an interface between a laptop and conventional dj setup that allows you to control playback of digital files via the coded vinyl discs.

  On 8/5/2013 at 8:19 AM, Alex0112 said:

I'm definitely a tactile person musically, so I don't want to limit myself to using just software. Perhaps one route I could take is just get a hardware mixer and use software like virtual DJ to learn the basics ( I am a PC user by the way and am not well versed in the best software, so some recs would be nice)

You'll probably want to check out Ableton Live, from what you describe it'll give you the best of all worlds. A while back I bought an "intro" version for $99 (don't know if they offer it anymore) which was well worth it and does about 99% of what the full does, particularly if you're just starting out. FWIW I made the mix linked in my sig below in Ableton - albeit just using it as a multitrack sequencer - but from what I understand it's quite good for djing/controlling live. A few years ago I got to see Luke Vibert tear up a warehouse in NYC with nothing but a laptop + ableton.

start by knowing your audience and responding to what they like

know your music. A good dj can adapt to the crowd as stated above, but you need to know your music and how it will mix in,

No use in preplanning an ableton set of techno if you clear the floor after 10 minutes....

  On 8/5/2013 at 7:52 PM, soundwave said:

start by knowing your audience and responding to what they like

NO

seeing as he has a bunch of vinyl he wants to listen to i say buy the 1200's and mixer and then when he can afford it, buy serato

Thanks for all the input so far!

  On 8/6/2013 at 1:13 AM, yek said:

seeing as he has a bunch of vinyl he wants to listen to i say buy the 1200's and mixer and then when he can afford it, buy serato

I'm thinking this is the route I'm going to take. I can learn the old school craft of vinyl mixing, and since I already have ableton I can work on the digital side of things as well with the hardware mixer as a complement.

Is ableton really the best bet as far as software goes? It has a completely different interface compared to virtual dj, etc...

to me ableton seems like cheating (and not as much fun) because you can get tempos and beats to mach perfectly

play whatever u like and slowly develop your tastes; there is no reason to be a disc jockey if you're constantly pandering to the audience without first considering your own aural needs. over time u will develop a following or u won't, this approach will partially determine your success on its own. trac selection over technical ability always and; eventually but maybe longer then you had anticipated, the two shall meet. start with the simplest approach and technology, then slowly move forward to trawl the experiences u gain with unique types of media and gear with u.

it doesn't happen overnight, but 3000 records is quite a good start.

just don't forget to push play before you lie down on the floor with a joint

Only spin jungle.

/thread

I suggest buying a boombox and recording all your favourite songs off the radio onto a C90 tape.

Just going to slightly hijack your thread by asking the same thing:

I'm looking to get in the digital domain myself. I have a wad of vinyl which I intend to digitalize. Does anybody here us Traktor for their mixing purposes? Care to share experiences? And where to get a smooth Midi controller?

As to my own advice: acquire taste and discipline.

Also

  On 8/6/2013 at 1:56 AM, Redruth said:

play whatever u like and slowly develop your tastes; there is no reason to be a disc jockey if you're constantly pandering to the audience without first considering your own aural needs. over time u will develop a following or u won't, this approach will partially determine your success on its own. trac selection over technical ability always and; eventually but maybe longer then you had anticipated, the two shall meet. start with the simplest approach and technology, then slowly move forward to trawl the experiences u gain with unique types of media and gear with u.

Is good advice in general.

  On 8/6/2013 at 1:56 AM, Redruth said:

play whatever u like and slowly develop your tastes; there is no reason to be a disc jockey if you're constantly pandering to the audience without first considering your own aural needs. over time u will develop a following or u won't, this approach will partially determine your success on its own. trac selection over technical ability always and; eventually but maybe longer then you had anticipated, the two shall meet. start with the simplest approach and technology, then slowly move forward to trawl the experiences u gain with unique types of media and gear with u.

 

it doesn't happen overnight, but 3000 records is quite a good start.

Very good advise. Also I'd suggest not to go for the biggest events at first. I started DJing in a small lounge club, where people would come to to chat and drink and maybe a bit of dancing. This allows you to develop your technique, style and musical approach in general without forcing you to make the audience go mental. Also Chill Out areas are a good training ground.

Worst DJ gigs are generally private parties, imho, because people come to you all the time asking for this or that and being pissed off if you don't have the track. Though it's a good experience to handle the crowd and deal with stress makers and constant interruptions :)

Depending on the variety of styles you wanna play and if you want to go for beat-matching all the way through, I also suggest to beat-tap your records and attach notes with the bpm onto the record cover. I know this is a lifetime job for 3000 records but I guess you could go for the first selection of records you wanna use in a set.

And most important: Enjoy

  On 8/6/2013 at 9:59 AM, MadameChaos said:

I suggest buying a boombox and recording all your favourite songs off the radio onto a C90 tape.