Band Bus

[Joseph Cabot]

Hi everybody,

Back in May, the local school district was selling off several of their older buses. I placed bids on four or five school buses hoping to win at least one. I had the high bid on all of them. Fortunately I only had to buy one.

Specifications

Year: 1990
Make: International
Model: 3800 School Bus
Wheel Base: 254
Overall Length: 35 feet 4 inches
Engine: International DTA-360 185HP@2700rpm turbo diesel
Transmission: Allison 4 speed automatic
Seating: 22 seats + drivers seat

Photos | My Blog

I am converting this school bus to be used as a band bus. So far I have removed 18 seats, leaving 4 for passengers. I look forward to posting here about my conversion as well as reading about others.

[Papabear]

Great bus. Wish mine had the underbody storage doors like yours. Should make a good band bus. Ya might wanna leave room for a bunk or two. Ya never know what the end af a gig will hold.

[Joseph Cabot]

Thanks for the welcome. Tour bus, why sure.
Probably will be used mainly as a billboard in parades.


Thanks. This was the only bus they had with the storage underneath. I figured it might come in handy. At my age a bunk would probably be good for a nap in between sets.

[Papabear]

Originally Posted by Joseph Cabot

Thanks for the welcome. Tour bus, why sure.
Probably will be used mainly as a billboard in parades.


Thanks. This was the only bus they had with the storage underneath. I figured it might come in handy. At my age a bunk would probably be good for a nap in between sets.

I hear ya on the nappie time. Been playing out live for 30+ years. We have downsized equipment radically. Hate hauling those dual 18" sub cabs upstairs. Not to mention the 250 lb. amp rack. My drum rack has gone from a 12 pc. kit w/ electronics to a 6 pc. set and I bitch about that. After a certain age, all old musicians should be assigned a young roadie to accompany them. "The Band" had a suggestion for my bus. Cut the side so it would hinge down to make a stage and we could just park on the street corners and play for tips. No equipment hauling, just drive and drop. Good luck!

[Joseph Cabot]

Originally Posted by Papabear

I hear ya on the nappie time. Been playing out live for 30+ years. We have downsized equipment radically. Hate hauling those dual 18" sub cabs upstairs. Not to mention the 250 lb. amp rack. My drum rack has gone from a 12 pc. kit w/ electronics to a 6 pc. set and I bitch about that. After a certain age, all old musicians should be assigned a young roadie to accompany them. "The Band" had a suggestion for my bus. Cut the side so it would hinge down to make a stage and we could just park on the street corners and play for tips. No equipment hauling, just drive and drop. Good luck!

I am kind of getting a late start in music, still trying to get a band going. I have some heavy equipment so will probably have to find some help.

A built in stage would be a neat idea! I guess a person could put a stage on the roof, but getting the equipment up there would be a job. You've got me thinking now ...

[Xtevan]

Something like this maybe...

A built in stage would be a neat idea! I guess a person could put a stage on the roof, but getting the equipment up there would be a job. You've got me thinking now ...

[TygerCub]

That's freakin' brilliant!!! :P

[the_experience03]

Originally Posted by Papabear

I hear ya on the nappie time. Been playing out live for 30+ years. We have downsized equipment radically. Hate hauling those dual 18" sub cabs upstairs. Not to mention the 250 lb. amp rack. My drum rack has gone from a 12 pc. kit w/ electronics to a 6 pc. set and I bitch about that. After a certain age, all old musicians should be assigned a young roadie to accompany them. "The Band" had a suggestion for my bus. Cut the side so it would hinge down to make a stage and we could just park on the street corners and play for tips. No equipment hauling, just drive and drop. Good luck!

I was that guy for my dad's band for many, many years. And they never downsized...oh no...when they hit middle age they started buying MORE equipment. Their band equipment trailer has a pair of 3500 lbs axles under it. It is cool that they still used their vintage equipment for the most part though. Who needs a laser light show when you have a million tubes sparkling in your power heads?

Does your band have a Myspace page or similar so we can hear some songs, Joseph?

[Papabear]

Originally Posted by the_experience03

Does your band have a Myspace page or similar so we can hear some songs, Joseph?

Actually we have been talking about that, but nothing yet. Our old lead player has one and a business modifying Marshalls. He just moved out to kALIFORNIA. Check out Dave Bray Amps
http://www.davidbrayamps.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/DavidBrayAmps
There are picture of all of us here, but I don't know if it's private.
http://www.myspace.com/davebray
Daves's gotten pretty good reviews from some fairly famous musicians........GO DAVE

[Joseph Cabot]

Today I picked up the personalized "We Rock" Tags for the band bus.
http://forums.buffalomo.com/album.ph...3&pictureid=60

Originally Posted by Xtevan

Something like this maybe...

I like it, that would be be great! Just fold the stage up on the side and down the highway you go.

Originally Posted by the_experience03

Does your band have a Myspace page or similar so we can hear some songs, Joseph?

I have a myspace page and website, but still trying to build the band, so no songs to hear yet.

[Joseph Cabot]

Decided to keep bus

[Joseph Cabot]

I bought a corner building lot from my brother. It is located on a busy street in the town where I live. I will be removing the trees and installing utilities this fall and hope to build something after the first of the year.

It has off street parking for the bus, and I will be adding a security light and pole if I can find one.
Photos of lot.