Loud vs. Actually Loud vs. Stupid Loud

[Russell L]

I saw Neil Young twice, too loud both times, even in a stadium (and I was far, far away). My son's band was even louder in a small club. I couldn't stay in there. And I've played in some bands that had way too much stage volume.

Not anymore, though. I won't listen to bands that are too loud or play in one that is. I'm almost deaf now, so can't lose any more hearing. Anyone I play with knows I won't put up with it.

[cronker]

I worked for 7 years as a nightclub dance DJ, once I realised I would never make a living simply out of being a bass player.
Those 7 years, whilst a whole lot of fun, left me with quite poor hearing now.
Your hearing is precious, it needs to be looked after.

[HereIGoAgain]

Most of the bar gigs I attended as an audience member were held at appropriate volumes. Couldn't talk over it, but it wasn't damaging, and it was obviously the main focus of the night. I've been to some "stupid loud" gigs including one where the two full-stacks and bass stacks were needed to be heard along with a super heavy-handed drummer.

I attended one memorable performance where the band, which was advertised and promoted, was in the background as "dinner" music. I did not go to that gig to hear a bunch of people who see each other every day yak about junk they probably talk about every day with something resembling music in the background. I went there to see the band and hear the music.

[WokenDeer]

My current band used to be way too loud. We're still pretty loud but we've come down to the acceptable, feel good loud. Bands are usually the focus so we don't have to worry about people eating or anything. But we've gotten our tones nice and rid of painful frequencies that all agree with each other and we're all sitting nice sonically with each other. Like someone said. It's loud, but more balanced feel good loud than painful cant hear ever again loud.
Don't expect to have a casual conversation while we play, but if you like rock and roll your going to enjoy yourself and still be able to talk about how you loved us after the show

Edit: it's all about agreeing tones. Then you can all be a nice respectable but not painful loud in your own space, and no ones fighting to be louder than someone else.

[bigsnaketex]

I agree that loudness can mask poor technique. But playing power chords with 5ths and droning on the chord changes can surely sound great in a classic rock setting when it's loud.........and that requires NO technique!!

I think getting your entire band on the same wavelength when it comes to overall sound level is one of the most important things. And of course, Murphy's Law always dictates that one person (ususally the lead guitar or drummer) will attempt to drown out the others and throw everything off!!

We have found that our own stage volume can contribute greatly to that situation therefore we have tried to cut down our own noise on stage so we can all actually hear what everyone else is doing.

Oh the joys of rocking........

[sizzle]

shouldnt that be "legitimate loud"?

loud to be full = good
cant talk or hear yourself = bad
pain = leave

[Codger]

To me the most dangerous is the high powered but clean PA. The normal distortion queues are absent but the damage is being done.

I don't have crippling hearing loss but I wonder - would I prefer it to the constant "field of crickets" I hear every waking moment? That may have been due to being too close to cymbals while some thug bashed them in a state of furious musical commitment.

[dbase]

In the 60's if you could afford real good big amps that meant you were a good band. I personally think the bass should be louder than the other instruments. But I hate turning it down since I'm sitting on a wealth of bass amplification equipment... On the other hand, I can appreciate a band that can self control itself where every instrument can be heard. Did I just contradict myself...??/

[bryan gibson]

Originally Posted by lowfreq33

A lot of bands use volume to cover up sloppiness. I don't make a habit of going to see those shows.

FWIW, I saw Marty Stuart Friday night at a local mid-sized theatre and it was the quietest show I've ever attended. Think watching TV in the family-room type volume. Sitting in the 4th row, with 3 EAW full-range cabs 20 feet in front of me (plus the usual giant clusters flown from the rafters) I could still hear "barefoot" vox and guitar amps coming off the stage. No fancy lights or sound tricks (house systems used minimally), and no "crutches" whatsoever. Yeah, they were THAT good I'm not one to gush or be a stereotypical fanboy, but wow, just wow....

[6jase5]

At small to medium clubs (imho) it's usually when I can't hear the vocals that I know a band is too loud. Most clubs keep the vocals at a consistent level, but when the guitar, keys, bass, whatever is just drowning it out, it's usually a wall of noisy shitaki to me.

I like my large tube wattage guitar and bass gear, I'm just getting smarter about using it.

[kcole4001]

Originally Posted by bryan gibson

FWIW, I saw Marty Stuart Friday night at a local mid-sized theatre and it was the quietest show I've ever attended. Think watching TV in the family-room type volume. Sitting in the 4th row, with 3 EAW full-range cabs 20 feet in front of me (plus the usual giant clusters flown from the rafters) I could still hear "barefoot" vox and guitar amps coming off the stage. No fancy lights or sound tricks (house systems used minimally), and no "crutches" whatsoever. Yeah, they were THAT good I'm not one to gush or be a stereotypical fanboy, but wow, just wow....

Somewhat off topic, but it's nice to see that there is still real talent out there in these days of audio-puke known as autotune.

[Russell L]

Nowadays, my hearing is so bad I need hand signals for the key, onstage. B, C, D, and G all sound like E. If only we had turned down some in all the bands I've played in through the decades. Ya'll younger than me (I'm 62) should consider your hearing when it comes to volume...

...ya hear?

[olskoolDMB]

I have to be careful, I'm not so young anymore and I have tinnitus. It's not severe, it is annoying particularly in quieter environs and when going to sleep. I use noise or soft music to help me sleep. For me, ear plugs are a must.
I strongly advise everyone to protect your hearing. There is such a thing as loud enough and definitely such a thing as too loud. 24/7 365 day a year ear noise is no fun!

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by Edward G.

Perhaps that's why he needs to turn up so loud. 'Cause he be deaf his own self.

I literally LOL'd at this.
Anyway I never leave the house without a couple pairs of earplugs in my pocket.

[rimbaud]

I call stupid loud in another case: when some people push their tiny amps over, sounds loud hell yeah !!! ... but completely distorded....

In that case you can also apply "stupid" to guys playing those stupid-distorded amps to their limits...