It’s all in the math:

Cost of the harps I bring to a gig: $920.

Cost of gig-worthy amplifier I use for most gigs, plus a back-up: $1,700.

Cost of two harp mics: $200.

Cost of two vocal mics: $200.

Cost of pedals and cables that are also part of my rig: $150

Cost of mic stand: $40

Cost of one-quarter of very small PA system (cost split four ways assuming four-member band): $250

Cost of making four-song demo in a studio so you can circulate it to clubs: About $1,000 if you do it super-cheap.

Total initial investment: $4,460

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Pay for typical gig: $70 (many pay less; a handful pay more).

Typical gigs needed just to cover the nut and make actual money if absolutely no equipment breaks at all (not counting transporation expense to get to and from gigs): 64

Ongoing annual expenses to replace harps/repair or upgrade quipment: At least $800.

Annual “typical” gigs to cover the $800 annual expense: 12

Gigs needed in one year to cover initial expenses and one year’s maintenance: 76

Gigs needed per month to cover this expense: 6.3

Time it takes to round up 6.3 gigs per month: At least 12 hours.

Chance you can spend 12 hours a month digging up gigs if you’ve got a ‘real’ day job: Slim.