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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: balou2 on June 14, 2006, 01:02:53 AM

Title: Umbrellas
Post by: balou2 on June 14, 2006, 01:02:53 AM
So, after viewing some REALLY nice pix in the rig pictures area, I'm curious about the use of umbrellas.  For damp weather, it's obvious, but I notice people using them in sun light.

I see the sense in using an umbrella when at a festival, ALL day, in extraordinarily hot conditions, but when is it a true NECESSITY (again, other than damp conditions)?  Is there a reason why more people don't use them in the sun?

In all my years of taping, I've NOT done much in the line of festivals, but will be hitting a few this summer.
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: spreadheadtom on June 14, 2006, 09:19:27 AM
If I know that I will be outside in the sun, I will run a small umbrella.  Black mics absorb more sun  :P


  Tommy
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Chuck on June 14, 2006, 09:24:16 AM
I'm looking for a Walmart/ Target/ KMart etc... available umbrella now. I've always used a small travel umbrella and duct tape. I see all kinds of great options at outdoor shows now with built in clamps. Does anyone have a few solid choices that I can go buy? In the other thread someone recommended one at Amazon, but it is sold out, and I would rather go to a store and see it before I buy it.

Chuck
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: spreadheadtom on June 14, 2006, 09:29:38 AM
Chuck....Wal-Mart should be your best fiend.  Check in the sporting goods section where the folding chairs are. 
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: JackoRoses on June 14, 2006, 09:31:11 AM
I use a umbrella during all day set ups,(unless the wind is gusting brutally) or if I know it may be a moist evening (heavy Dew)
Also I use one when it's a boisterous crowd and I believe beach balls and balloons will be getting tossed about.
I'd rather have those hit the umbrella first then the mics.
Usually my mics are up high enough in the air, line of sight is not an issue for anyone.

On another note I used a golf umbrella (it also had vents to help let the wind out but kept the rain out) from Walmart about 4' in diameter, it's huge but it also gives some protection to the gear below. Late last summer I found an umbrella at a friends house that had a clamp on it so I have been using that now, the diameter is a bit smaller than the golf umbrella I have...
I always use duct tape (like chuck mentions)on the umbrella to help keep it in place and most definately secure that stand so the wind doesn't suck up your stand and knock it over.
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: spyder9 on June 14, 2006, 10:26:01 AM
Babies-R-Us stroller umbrella.  Clamps to your stand.  color is battleship gray.  Can find them in stroller accessories.  $12.00  Can't beat it.
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Craig T on June 14, 2006, 10:34:39 AM
$7.50 + s/h.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006Q568Y/ref=pd_luc_mri/103-8605614-3216628?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&v=glance (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006Q568Y/ref=pd_luc_mri/103-8605614-3216628?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&v=glance)

(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006Q568Y.01._PE25_OU01_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006Q568Y.01.PT01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: terrapinj on June 14, 2006, 12:16:06 PM
wei rigged up a standard compact umbrella with a windtech clamp. cut off the bottom handle on the umbrella and the pole fits perfectly into the little hole that holds the threaded adapter.

(http://www.proaudio.com/images/windtech_mpc-10.jpg)
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Sparge Master on June 14, 2006, 12:43:26 PM
Just curious if anyone else brings spikes/rope to tie down their stand at venues they know are grass
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: tscales on June 14, 2006, 12:50:17 PM
These look really nice (if they're stiff enough)

Anybody know if anyone still sells them?

+T


$7.50 + s/h.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006Q568Y/ref=pd_luc_mri/103-8605614-3216628?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&v=glance (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006Q568Y/ref=pd_luc_mri/103-8605614-3216628?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&v=glance)

(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006Q568Y.01._PE25_OU01_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg)

(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006Q568Y.01.PT01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: JackoRoses on June 14, 2006, 12:50:58 PM
Just curious if anyone else brings spikes/rope to tie down their stand at venues they know are grass
yup all the time, everytime! or it gets duct taped to the floor inside.
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: tapinfool on June 14, 2006, 01:13:07 PM
Just curious if anyone else brings spikes/rope to tie down their stand at venues they know are grass

i used to use bungee cords and tent pegs. then my bud , who works as a lighting guy for movies, gave me a small canvass bag full of lead shot. weighs about 20# and is as big as a ua-5. my stand will stay tall in hurricane type winds....not that i'd still be recording mind you,
also this works GREAT inside...no tape everywhere...and clean up is hassle free :D
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Sparge Master on June 14, 2006, 01:16:55 PM
Just curious if anyone else brings spikes/rope to tie down their stand at venues they know are grass

i used to use bungee cords and tent pegs. then my bud , who works as a lighting guy for movies, gave me a small canvass bag full of lead shot. weighs about 20# and is as big as a ua-5. my stand will stay tall in hurricane type winds....not that i'd still be recording mind you,
also this works GREAT inside...no tape everywhere...and clean up is hassle free :D

Have you ever used the bag to ht a spun wook?
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: tapinfool on June 14, 2006, 01:28:56 PM
Just curious if anyone else brings spikes/rope to tie down their stand at venues they know are grass

i used to use bungee cords and tent pegs. then my bud , who works as a lighting guy for movies, gave me a small canvass bag full of lead shot. weighs about 20# and is as big as a ua-5. my stand will stay tall in hurricane type winds....not that i'd still be recording mind you,
also this works GREAT inside...no tape everywhere...and clean up is hassle free :D

Have you ever used the bag to ht a spun wook?

 :hmmm:

not a bad idea...beats the hell outta the 'ole thumb in the eye trick ;D
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Craig T on June 14, 2006, 01:53:00 PM
They were available yesterday.  I guess they sold out.

These look really nice (if they're stiff enough)

Anybody know if anyone still sells them?

+T

Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: tscales on June 14, 2006, 01:57:20 PM
well fack

Are they stiff?  How big is it? (diam?)
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Gordon on June 14, 2006, 02:25:32 PM
another vote for the walmart one.  they are made to calmp to camping chairs and are less then $5 I think.
Title: Re: Umbrellas
Post by: Jimna on June 17, 2006, 11:19:47 PM
yep, tent stakes and hemp in the grass or duck tape on hard floors.  ive kicked my own stand on acident before.  call it the rubber in the wallet as i get ice cream at dairy queen.  cant hurt. 

i also duct tape my stakes and hemp to the stand when im going into a high searce area.  ie amphitheater or such......