What can be used as a Tip Jar ?

[Balderdash]

For a song I’m writing.
I know of mason jars, an upturned hat, empty guitar case…
Has anyone used or seen something else ?
Heard of someone using something especially creative (coffee pot ?)

 

[davismanLV]

If it's a sad song or about unrequited love, use something "broken". In the General Music Humor thread (I think) someone showed a busker with a card reader plugged in for donations. And according to Gary, if you tap (vs. swipe) you should be fairly safe!

 

[Roland]

I know a guy who uses one of those vintage old galvanized oil cans with a handle on it.

 

[ReevesRd]

A tin bucket or a steel pail.

 

[Brick]

Saw someone using a Venmo QR code taped to a large piece of cardboard......but then he was playing a bassoon, so there's that.....

 

[crank]

I was just thinking about this as I have my first gig and almost a year coming up in a few weeks. We have a big pickle jar in the fridge, I think I'm gonna encourage the wife to finish her pickles and use that sucker.

We have tipped musicians using their QR code thingy. Maybe I will try to figure that out as well. Pickle jar might be better for a song though.

 

[twocorgis]

My friend Shecky (of Twangtones fame) calls his the "Love Jug"

 

[Balderdash]

This is good stuff !
I should probably post the finished lyrics in a few days…

 

[GAD]

If it's a sad song or about unrequited love, use something "broken". In the General Music Humor thread (I think) someone showed a busker with a card reader plugged in for donations. And according to Gary, if you tap (vs. swipe) you should be fairly safe!

Yay - I’m useful!

 

[Sal]

An old tweed suitcase laid out on the sidewalk is common too. Now if the performer is being optimistic they might choose a 5 gallon bucket!

 

[MLBob]

Mine:

 

[RBSinTo]

For a song I’m writing.
I know of mason jars, an upturned hat, empty guitar case…
Has anyone used or seen something else ?
Heard of someone using something especially creative (coffee pot ?)

Balderdash,
Putting creativity aside for a moment, and just being practical, I suggest that whatever vessel you use, make sure it isn't breakable glass.
For safety's sake and ease of handling, a large plastic jar or jug with a handle is a good bet. Even something as mundane as a windshied washer fluid jug with the hole enlarged will work.
RBSinTo

 

[Stuball48]

How about an old "slop jar" or "pot" (enameled lined two gallon bucket with wire handle, thoroughly, cleaned and disinfected) - the kind folks used in the winter time when it was too cold to go outside or to the outhouse? All of us didn't have indoor plumbing or "running water." Your sign could say, "Relief Aide."
Most would have no idea what the container was!

 

[chazmo]

spitoon?

Preferably unused.

 

[Balderdash]

Balderdash,
Putting creativity aside for a moment, and just being practical, I suggest that whatever vessel you use, make sure it isn't breakable glass.
For safety's sake and ease of handling, a large plastic jar or jug with a handle is a good bet. Even something as mundane as a windshied washer fluid jug with the hole enlarged will work.
RBSinTo

Absolutely. Good point !
For me, though, what I was dabbling with might be a song about someone not using a tip jar.
Probably doomed to being a “work in progress” right up to being dropped;

Tip Jar ?

You may have noticed there’s no tip jar
Something I decided I don’t need
Tip jars are normal but, I’m kind of non-conformal
So there’s no tip jar here for you to feed

…Some musicians will put out a pickle jar
…Some might use an upturned hat
…Some leave an open suitcase up front
…I decided I’m not doing that

There’s a reason I don’t have a tip jar
I can already afford my favorite beer
I would love, though, to see an occasion smile
As I bang on my guitar up here

Tip jars are an opportunity for you
To show me that you appreciate
My music, but it’s a tradition
I choose to not perpetuate

I agree they’re fine for some musicians
To show that you enjoyed what you heard
But, for me, a smile or a ‘thumbs up’
Is all that needs to be transferred

….Some musicians put out a maple sap bucket
….In New England I think it‘s all the rage
….Some park up front an open guitar case
….That would take up too much room on the stage

So keep your twenties and fifties in your wallet
Where, for now, they can safely remain
Send them, instead, to some very worthy cause
They could really use them in Ukraine

By now you know that there’s no tip jar
But, if you do have some cash you’d like to drop
Please come see me after the show
My CDs are just ten bucks a pop

The bottom line is I’ve never used a tip jar
It’s too late in my career to begin it
It’s a sure fire way to avoid the embarrassment
If no one ever put anything in it……

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I use a thick glass beer pitcher. It stays put and money doesn't blow out.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Balderdash,
Putting creativity aside for a moment, and just being practical, I suggest that whatever vessel you use, make sure it isn't breakable glass.
For safety's sake and ease of handling, a large plastic jar or jug with a handle is a good bet. Even something as mundane as a windshied washer fluid jug with the hole enlarged will work.
RBSinTo

I like my glass beer pitcher. Weighs a ton, and people can see that there's money in it.

You're right, it probably won't last forever. But it could easily outlast me.

 

[RBSinTo]

There is a blind flutist who busks in the downtown area here in Toronto.
I've known him for years and photographed him many times when I shoot candid street photography.
For his tips he uses a wide woven basket with a grid of string across the mouth to prevent people from grabbing money, and he stands with his long white cane under one arm with the tip in the basket so he can feel any attempts at theft.

 

[Nuuska]

Brilliant words in that song - I'll send my buc.. err ... euros to Ukraine.

And as you can see - I'm smiling while writing this.

 

[crank]

Great lyrics. Now you have to record and post it !