Was thinking about this the other day- buskers used always be acoustic back in the 90s, now they always have some sort of amplifier. I think the last time I heard someone actually play acoustic was in Exeter in 2002. It was a hot day, the street was crowded, I was walking behind two New Age Travellers. One had an acoustic guitar strapped on, the other fella a bouzouki. One guy turns to the other and says "here looks good" and they just stopped walking and started playing. You'll probably never see something as spontaneous as that again what with PA systems, generators, mics, council permits etc. that seem to be the standard busking setup these days. Their music was pretty good too.
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I quickly went from tiny Peavey portable amp to portable PA. The simple fact is the better quality sound at reasonable volume, the more money in my case and the more CDs I sold (also the more private bookings I took). For travellers/people just hanging out that may not be important, for a working musician it is.
Thank you Mr Tiverton Ragtime guy, wherever you are. You really inspired a young guitar player. I'm going to go and play a rag right now for you sir!
I'd booked a table for lunch in one of the best (?) restaurants in San Remo, and it was on a pedestrianised, block-paved street.
A top-notch, classical guitarist set up opposite our table (10 yds away) and we enjoyed a 2hr, silver service, exquisite food and entertainment moment on the back of a multi-bereavemet year ... a life-moment that me'n Mrs F will never forget.