Paughrock

Which upright would you rather have: a C108, or a hybrid NU1x?

I didint like some of things I said when I had that name, so I was going for a fresh start. Who doesnt like fresh doughnuts?

you know what else is a mean thing to do? Call someone a troll who was only trying to generate an interesting discussion on a relevant topic. Thanks to everyone who answered candidly. For the record, I job all the same gigs that everyone here does. I got lucky and landed a full time position in a major touring act. Been going on ten plus years. That gig will go one day, and when it does, Ill have to figure out how to live off regular jobs/teaching. Grass is not always greener. The road cost me a marriage, and I already had a kid when I got the gig. Didint lose my marriage from banging groupies or becoming an addict, or any of those cliches. The one who had to stay at home just got fed up being alone. Day job and stable family life with a great hobby is a pretty amazing combo. Good on to those who have that combo going and appreciate how great it is. Dont ever lose sight of that. Outkaster- its not a dumb thread. Youve admitted you hate your day job and play music to survive it. Its easier to find a less hateful day job than it is to get the dream gig, and if my experience counts for anything, even if you land the dream gig, the dream comes at a very real cost. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to respond in a constructive manner. p.s. with my support payments, my take home income is half of what I stated in my OP.

thanks man, sounds like we are in the same boat

If it's more for those of you with low post counts that choose to NOT SHARE (your words) personal information, why are you asking for personal information? if nobody knows who you really are, i.e. name, main gig, etc., what difference does it make if you honestly post what you make in a year? The question was asked so that people who are curious about the business of being a professional keyboard player can understand what a pro makes in 2019. If youre offended by the question, or are uncomfortable answering it, just ignore. Sorry MOI, not trolling.

Fair enough. This post is not really for the members of the old boys social club on this forum who all know each other personally. Its more for those of us with a low post count who choose to not share personal info, i.e. real name, etc.

Motidave was going on in another thread (No More Pub Gigs) about how he plays for fun, as he couldnt possibly support his family on what he makes from music. Every year I do my taxes, I think about what if I hadnt given my entire life over towards being a professional musician... The salary range of a professional musician can be very wide.. This one is for the pros. Ill start: I make about 40K in a non touring year, 60K in a touring year. (USD) caveat: performance and recording revenue only...dont include teaching in your total.

I live in a condo. I played the avant grand N3/3x and its an incredible instrument for people who cant have a grand due to noise/space. Where I live a new one is 16,000. I found someone selling a yamaha grantouch GT2 for 2000. Sure, its an older sample with less polyphony, but its still the same thing as the N3x, ie.a real grand action with a sound system built into a grand front. I bought the grantouch and could not be happier.

I hope impressionable readers don't take this to mean that the mojo61 is superior to the XK5. When Herbie shows up to a gig, he prefers using his Fazioli to the steinway concert D, or yamaha CFX provided by the house. That doesn't mean a steinway D or a CFX are inferior pianos. Player's have specific needs that certain instruments help address more than others. I know Mitch knows this, but I always feel compelled to write these responses whenever these kinds of comparative posts are made. I used to be really impressionable about what people would post regarding gear, and even went so far as to buy/sell gear based on what people on this forum posted...Use the gear that works best for your needs, not what works best for others.