Indeed, we have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section
FAQ: Here are the answers to a few questions that frequently pop up about karaoke:
Question Bank 1
Q) What is karaoke?
A) Karaoke is where you can play songs, which have no lead vocals, and then sing along to them. In effect, you become the lead vocalist. Of course there are on-screen lyrics you use as a prompt.
Q) Is karaoke equipment expensive?
A) Unfortunately the top of the range stuff that karaoke jockeys usually use is, but there are alternatives. For example, there are portable karaoke disc players that you can use with your TV.
Q) Will portable karaoke equipment work well for the home?
A) You will have a bit of a laugh, but the sound will not really impress many people. Try hooking the portable player to a powerful Hi-Fi or amplifier – this may indeed be a better option.
Q) What type of karaoke discs should I look for?
A) Obviously, the vast majority of karaoke discs available at this time are CDG or CD+G. Of course, this basically means it is a standard CD plus graphics. Unless your machine can read the graphics you will only hear the music.
Q) Does Karaoke Shack sell karaoke discs?
A) No, the karaoke Shack does not sell karaoke discs of tracks. Indeed, we are an information site only. Obviously, we wish to help those with karaoke at heart. Members can buy and sell for free within the site, either the forum or the classified section.
Question Bank 2
Q) Will karaoke discs play on my home computer/PC/laptop?
A) Not it the way you would like them to obviously. You will possibly hear the music but not see the lyrics. There are a few programs that will allow this of course. So the best option is to open a thread in the Karaoke Forum and ask for opinions.
Q) Which karaoke discs are the best?
A) That is the whole point of this site so others can give opinions. With this in mind, check out the massive Karaoke Directory. There you will see what others are saying about the discs and of course how well people rate them. We encourage people to buy from current manufacturers first of course. Then select others from the used market after reading up on them.
Q) What does it mean when you talk of karaoke labels?
A) The labels we speak of are also the producers of the disc. Therefore, labels like Sunfly, Zoom and Mr Entertainer which we are all familiar with, are the labels or karaoke makers.
Q) Do the different labels have the same songs on their karaoke discs?
A) There will be many karaoke labels making the same song and some will even release at the same time. So you could end up with a few duplications if you buy many discs together.
Question Bank 3
Q) How can I save money when buying karaoke discs and avoid song duplications?
A) Of course, there are very few karaoke producers around today. So if you are buying new karaoke discs then it may make sense to say subscribe to one label. For example, you could choose Sunfly or Zoom. Then if you have enough money left, check what tracks are on other discs. Of course, the other option is to buy digital downloads from places like SBI and buy individual tracks.
The second-hand market is really healthy at this time and there are so many bargains out there. On-line auction sites such as ebay have literally thousands of discs to buy at any one time. Indeed, we found many bargains there. Of course you could try Amazon etc. Then there are garage/car boot sales.
The Karaoke Shack has a list of all the karaoke labels of course. Obviously, this was with the help of many karaoke jockeys (KJ’s) who supplied their song books to us. Indeed, we show all the tracks available on each disc. Furthermore, visitors can download the karaoke books and work out what is best for themselves.
Question Bank 4
Q) My music CD’s damage easily, are karaoke discs the same?
A) Yes indeed, never touch the CD surface with anything, including your fingers. The less cleaning the better, but if you must clean them, use a soft cloth and water. Surface scratches can make the CD skip of course.
It is important to remember that most karaoke players will still play karaoke discs that have surface marks. For example, some karaoke discs will still play even if they have fingerprints or surface scratches. However, when you embark on collecting karaoke discs, you will soon see it becomes an expensive hobby. Obviously, it makes sense to look after your investment. Also remember, when you sell karaoke discs, the condition of the your discs will determine the price you get. Obviously, other factors come into the equation.
Q) What are the best CD/DVD drives to rip and burn karaoke discs to help preserve the originals?
A) Obviously, we have a whole section devoted to the subject here at the Shack. Indeed, click on the Burners tab above or click here.
Question Bank 5
Q) I have never sang in public before at karaoke shows, how can I gain confidence?
A) Obviously, karaoke is an invention for all people to sing along as the lead vocalist of their best songs. If you like singing while driving or when you are home alone, this is a start. Obviously, you could invest in one of the portable karaoke players and a small collection of karaoke discs. From there you could easily decide if you are coming close to singing in the correct key for example.
The next step is to have a go at a karaoke event of course. Watch for a while before you put your karaoke slip in with your chosen song. Indeed, you will see that most people treat it as a bit of fun. Although they may be trying their best, you will see that they sing in their own amateur style. For those who don’t want to buy a portable set up, then get along to a show and try it.
Of course, even after much practice, you may still be shy to get up in front of an audience. Indeed, this could be a local venue where people you know may see you. In this case, why not see if you can venture a little further than the local club. Obviously go to where you don’t know anyone. This may be a bit extreme but some people may need to do this.
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