Yet another volume question

catyak · #1 07-15-2011, 09:34 AM

Yesterday I saw a post here at talkbass. Poster had a 100 watt amp, was moving into an apartment and wondering how loud he could play without bothering the neighbors.

I practice with a 30 watt amplifier with the volume turned up about 25%. That seems reasonably loud. I did that because I could hear the bass through the amp and still hear my fingers on the strings.

I know that it's fun to shake the walls. Question is, am I missing out on anything by not playing at a much louder level?

stratovani · #2 07-15-2011, 11:05 AM

No, you're not. If you're practicing scales, songs, or whatever, you're better off setting the volume to a comfortable level. That way you can concentrate on your practice without worrying about anything else, and if you make a mistake, it won't be covered up by a too-loud amp that's distorting. Having said that, there are times when it's just plain fun to crank it up and wail away. Just do it when you know the neighbors are out!

sanderic · #3 07-15-2011, 11:13 AM

Having played for over 35 years, and lived in apts, (the advice given here is also good for homeowners), you should introduce yourself to your neighbors, and let them know that you are a bass player, and let them know that if you are too loud, they should not hesitate to ask you to turn the volume down, or even off. Remember that people do work odd shifts, or have small children, et c. and need to be able to sleep. I have practiced for years with no amp at all.
On the other hand, if you have neighbors that think its cool to rattle your house with their car stereos at any hour of the day or night, have at it!

mambo4 · #4 07-15-2011, 01:09 PM

It *might* matter with a tube amp, as part of the tubey goodness results from driving thew power tubes. With a solid state or hybrid probably not.

So Low Bass · #5 07-15-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanderic

Having played for over 35 years, and lived in apts, (the advice given here is also good for homeowners), you should introduce yourself to your neighbors, and let them know that you are a bass player, and let them know that if you are too loud, they should not hesitate to ask you to turn the volume down, or even off.

When I was a freshman in college I used to bring my 0 watt double bass back to my second floor dorm room to ptactice. It didn't take long for the poor guy below to come up and beg me to stop! I never did that again.

As for electric, get a good pair of headphones and practice at 3am if you want. You can even inject an iPod or CD player thru the amp and play along. Now, as for drums......

UnfortunateTony · #6 07-18-2011, 04:50 AM

HEADPHONES.

MalcolmAmos · #7 07-18-2011, 06:32 AM

Headphones and this $50 gizamo.

Vox APBA Amp Plug Bass Portable Guitar Amplifier

BlueTalon · #8 07-18-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnfortunateTony

HEADPHONES.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Headphones and this $50 gizamo.

Vox APBA Amp Plug Bass Portable Guitar Amplifier

There is wisdom in these words.

To answer the original question, if a bass player is moving into an apartment, he or she is already starting out wrong if their question is how loud they can play without bothering the neighbors. Bass travels through walls and floors like a hot knife through hot butter. You have to assume that any volume at all will bother the neighbors. Then make your plans accordingly.

Keep in mind, payback is a bitch -- especially if you are completely oblivious to the fact that you have been pissing off the neighbors, because you assumed a certain amount of volume wouldn't bother anybody. When someone has finally had it with hearing that subliminal rumble coming from your apartment, there's no telling what kind of mess you might have to clean up.