So here's the deal, I've been asked to provide some backup music/tuneage at a parade. Now this parade is not a huge ordeal, it's on an island in a vacation community. The music would be with an acoustic/one mic.

Now I need to figure out a way to power this little setup. The people that asked have an annual entry in the parade, a float to support breast cancer research, they'll provide the trailer. But the truck they use is this classic ultra cool 1940's "willy" pickup so I can't use an inverter out of the truck, small engine, old electronics. I also don't think a conventional generator is an option due to how loud they are.

Any other ideas, any creative ways you guys have done something similar. If I can't make this work for them they'll understand but want to see if I can't try to find a workable option.

I have a friend who has a Pignose I can borrow, haven't tried it yet but have my doubts if it'll be able to handle a guitar and mic. I know there are bigger battery powered options but I don't really want to buy a $200 amp for 1/2 hour parade either.

Any suggestions you can offer is appreciated.

Go to your local Honda dealer, and explain the situation to the owner. heel probably loan you a small/quiet Gen. Set. they will give you all the power you want and don't make much noise at all.
----Danny,

Is there any way to pull the trailer using a modern truck with an alternator? The Willys could go in front solo.

A LP powered generator would be quieter, but they aren't as common as gasoline powered models.

Having the Willys not putt the trailer, a new approach. Sometimes all that's needed is a new set of eyes and new way of thinking right?

I'd have to have the people with the float check out the generator's avail in their area. This is happening over July 4th and if I rent it I'd have to take it with us for the whole week while on vacation.

Thanx though for your thoughts guys.

There are DC battery packs available that provide AC power but I'm not sure If it would be enough to power up an amp.Another option would be to use a portable battery powered amp and if you want to run reverb or chorus effects all you'd need then would be battery powered stomp boxes.Some of these battery powered amps that they've been producing lately have surprisingly good sound not like the little transister radio sounding ones of years ago.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

I was thinking along the same line - get a number of deep cycle 12 volt industrial/marine batteries and build a power box for an inverter, but for a one off gig - that could be pricey unless scrounged or borrowed. A lot depends on the time playing in the parade and the amount of room on the trailer.

Again ideas I've considered but I appreciate the input.

I've seen the battery powered Crate and Roland amps but not really interested in spending $200 for a one off freebie show. And hauling and rigging up a number of 12 volt batteries would be cumbersome, and that's assuming I got them on loan /free.

Thanx again.

I think the best suggestion so far is have another vehicle pull the trailer and let the WIllys go solo! I hadn't thought of that one!

Honda Inverter, whisper quiet.