Band is Retiring

badgrandad · #1 04-28-2009, 08:13 AM

Well after 12+ years my band is retiring.

I have enjoyed most of the ride and the changes from a 3 piece band to now a 7 piece band.

Unfortunately the reason the band is retiring is in large part due to the fact that the nerve damage in my left ear has progressed to the point that I can no longer play, at least with a loud band with a lot of instrumentation. Strangly, the nerve damage has left me with different pitch perception in either ear so notes sound higher pitched in one ear than the other, The other result is that at some frequencies I can barely hear at all in my left ear. (between D-F#)

I tried to do lots of things from changing my stage position to changing my rig to using ear plug(s) but I have lost the battle.

I am planning on just taking a sabbatical and seeing if maybe I can function in a different setting before even considering giving up.

So, do I take up golf or bowling?

AndGabrielFell · #2 04-28-2009, 08:22 AM

How about bass fishing?

wingnut · #3 04-28-2009, 08:27 AM

You could always play drums...

fretlesswonder · #4 04-28-2009, 08:28 AM

You should try scrapbooking. jk

Vakmere · #5 04-28-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndGabrielFell

How about bass fishing?

+1....... or play the triangle in the local orchestra. Either way you wont want to stop playing, you'll find a way to address your hearing concerns with a doctor and get back in there.

badgrandad · #6 04-28-2009, 09:31 AM

Already fish! Yes, I sometimes envy my brother who took up drums, he doesn't have to worry about what key anything is in. I am hoping a trio or something with less sonic competition would work.

At the time I was experiencing the most trouble was when we were playing songs that have drums, electric guitar, percussion (congas/bongos), keys, wind synth and electric violin all blowing and going at once with me trying to play melodic parts (not just root stuff).

jmac · #7 04-28-2009, 09:47 AM

Badgrandad,
Sorry to read about your situation. I wish you well. I'm sure it won't be easy, but there are many other joys in life. You'll just have to find one that fits you.

derekd · #8 04-28-2009, 10:17 AM

Man what a tough situation. All of us should consider your experience, and take extra steps to make sure our stage volumes aren't on track to put us in your shoes a few years from now. Good luck

Mr. Mig · #9 04-28-2009, 10:21 AM

If you can't play in a band then hopefully you can play as a hobby and just enjoy playing bass.

badgrandad · #10 04-28-2009, 10:31 AM

derekd, yes!!

I never thought I would lose hearing, or get older, or whatever! I will say that I lost my hearing due to an inner ear virus I had that caused vertigo for a couple of months and when it was gone the damage was done.

I am not done yet (I hope) but it will take a while to figure out what I can do. I don't want to respond to a Craigslist add only to find out I can't hear due to the particulars of the music or band.

My wife will probably get to see more of me... not sure if that's a good thing for her but She would say yes.

badgrandad · #11 04-28-2009, 10:34 AM

Mr.Mig

Yes, playing as a hobby is still in the picture, especially since I still have all my gear and nowhere to use it, and I have been getting better on my fretless. I still prefer playing out to just hacking around at home.

Stumbo · #12 05-04-2009, 06:41 AM

Maybe the band can continue with a new bass player?
Hey, you can be the manager and get them gigs.

phatbass · #13 05-04-2009, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgrandad

Strangly, the nerve damage has left me with different pitch perception in either ear so notes sound higher pitched in one ear than the other, The other result is that at some frequencies I can barely hear at all in my left ear. (between D-F#)

That's probably the result of a known phenomenon where our perception of pitch changes with volume. Louder notes are perceived by the brain as being higher in pitch than the same note being played quieter. If you tune to a reference pitch with your amp up really loud you will actually tune flat.

I've noticed over the years it's REALLY hard to pitch while singing once volume reaches a certain level.

Moe Monsarrat · #14 05-04-2009, 10:20 AM

Retire? Humbug! We don't RETIRE, we DIE. That 's it. Maybe Barbara Streisand can "retire" every few years, but not guys like us. Fix your problem (there must be a way) & get back up there where you belong. For us, death is retirement. Try working with some folks who don't blast it out & maybe you'll have an easier time.

azureblue · #15 05-04-2009, 06:05 PM

This from a bass player who has inherited loss- severe, and wears hearing aids all the time.

You will need to get a hearing aid, but be careful- a lot of hearing aid dispensers don't know what they are talking about, and know even less about aids for musicians. And make sure they know how to program the aids- most only guess. Ask a lot of questions before you spend the money. PM to my email if you want more info.

you are going to have to retrain your ears- just like when you first learned to recognize what "C" was. You will have to play an instrument and sing the pitch, until you have recreated your frame of reference. it will not be easy, I can tell you, but it is worth the effort. I spent a lot of time at a piano and on the bass, doing this. I liken it to a friend who has color vision problems. he can tell me what color red is, but what he sees isn't red. But he knows that everybody else calls this red, so--

You CAN play live with a loss. Pete Townsend, Roy Thomas Baker, Les Paul, Jerry Scheff, etc., and more, have hearing losses. You can do it, just don't let it get you down.

MrLenny1 · #16 05-04-2009, 06:17 PM

badgranddad

Take a break, go for a hearing test, get hearing aids
and... play in a lower volume gig.
This is exactly what I went thru in the last 2 years.
Good luck.

badgrandad · #17 05-06-2009, 09:18 AM

Thanks for the encouragement! I had been going to a couple of Doctors/Audiologists E-N-T, etc, and was left with the impression that hearing aids wouldn't help me, but based on what you all are saying I may just need to try again.

Azureblue, I understand what you mean, I just bought a set of "full-range" ear-plugs in my final attempt to keep playing but didn't actually get them and use them until after the decision had been made to break up the band, but in using them I was able to play much better but it was a very different experience, and it was like learning to play/hear in a different world. I didn't enjoy it like I used to because it was so different, but it allowed me to play and was still pleasurable. I'll just need to get used to it. The added benefit was that my ears were not so fatigued after the last three hour performance. Singing and playing the harmonica were VERY different with the ear plugs, but again not all together unpleasant, just will take getting confident I can blend well volume-wise.

Leftybass12 · #18 05-06-2009, 09:25 AM

Stay in music, dude! Yeah you won't be able to play really loud stuff and everything, but there are alternatives. Acoustic settings might be okay, I don't know if you would be into that or not. As far as your ears go.....unfortunatley that is something you will probably have to live with. It shouldn't stop you from playing though. Even though he is a guitarist, but Tony Iommi had the very tip of his middle and I believe his ring finger cut off while working in a factory when he was very young (In the very early days of Black Sabbath) and he still was able to play very well. I know that is different from your hearing, but I tried to compare your hearing with something similar on a similar instrument.

Hope that helps!!

jgroh · #19 05-06-2009, 09:40 AM

Im sorry to hear this and wish you the best...maybe go your brothers route and learn to play the drums! =)

62bass · #20 05-06-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgrandad

Thanks for the encouragement! I had been going to a couple of Doctors/Audiologists E-N-T, etc, and was left with the impression that hearing aids wouldn't help me, but based on what you all are saying I may just need to try again.

Azureblue, I understand what you mean, I just bought a set of "full-range" ear-plugs in my final attempt to keep playing but didn't actually get them and use them until after the decision had been made to break up the band, but in using them I was able to play much better but it was a very different experience, and it was like learning to play/hear in a different world. I didn't enjoy it like I used to because it was so different, but it allowed me to play and was still pleasurable. I'll just need to get used to it. The added benefit was that my ears were not so fatigued after the last three hour performance. Singing and playing the harmonica were VERY different with the ear plugs, but again not all together unpleasant, just will take getting confident I can blend well volume-wise.

I got some custom fitted ear plugs about 10 years ago and have used them since. I use them when the stage volume gets high on the rock stuff. It takes some practice to get used to them But after a while you forget they're in there. Mine aren't radical, just a 15 db attenuation. I do have some ear damage and it only bothers me when the volume gets above a certain level. Luckily I don't have to play with loud groups any more.

Too many years of way too loud guitar players and heavy handed drummers.

Judging from what I've heard with the kids playing today, most of them will have to quit playing by the time they're 30. But you can't tell them anything.

Your problem stems from a viral infection and I don't know how much all of this will help. But I'd check with some natural health doctors and see if they have any ideas. Modern medicine has its place but many of the drugs they use are dangerous. The natural stuff is for the most part harmless to your health. There are some quacks out in the natural field just like there are quacks in modern medicine but you can quickly find out how good the guy is if you ask the right questions and do some research on your own.

Good luck with the future. I'm sure there will be things to do in music even if you can't get out and play as you did before.