Headaches from bass frequencies whilst performing?

Fassa Albrecht · #1 12-05-2007, 10:27 PM

I've noticed recently that just after I started performing at my church that I've got some BAD migraines, to the point where I was left unable to walk or attend my uni lectures.
Then a guitarist friend of mine suggested that the bass frequencies from the stack I'm using might be causing the headaches, especially as I'm stood only a few feet from it.

Anyone got any advice as to what I can do to minimise the effects this is having on me?

FrizzleFry · #2 12-05-2007, 10:56 PM

EARPLUGS... and if you can stand a tad further

Fassa Albrecht · #3 12-05-2007, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrizzleFry

EARPLUGS... and if you can stand a tad further

I can't- the bass stack is fixed into the corner and I can't use a wireless system because I would then get interference from the portable microhphones the minister uses. I'm wired.

Beta · #4 12-05-2007, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I can't- the bass stack is fixed into the corner and I can't use a wireless system because I would then get interference from the portable microhphones the minister uses. I'm wired.

Uh, wouldn't a longer cable fix the problem?

Fassa Albrecht · #5 12-05-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta

Uh, wouldn't a longer cable fix the problem?

Even if I had a longer cable, I'd still have the issue that I would then have to share sheet music with the trumpet (when currently I have my own) and then I would also be then deafened by the main PA's speakers which are at the far left and right of the stage.

Here is a diagram of our set-up on stage...

tedw · #6 12-05-2007, 11:53 PM

I've been playing a long time, including many years in church. Over the last year, I have experimented with different brands of bass speakers. I may be peculiar, but I have found that cabinets with a very solid low-end leave my ears ringing at almost any volume. Because I want to preserve my hearing so I can be playing when I'm 80 if at all possible, I avoid those kind of speakers.

At the most, I use a very small combo, typically and SWR Baby Blue for on-stage sound. Often, I just plug into the board and use a high-quality set of headphones as a monitor. I have very few problems with either set up.

If your church has a good sound system, perhaps you could go to a less intense stack or just go through the sound system.

Would that idea possibly work for you?

God bless you and your ministry.

SirCanealot · #7 12-06-2007, 05:53 AM

You do have ear plugs, don't you? Bass freqs do me in eventually, but those drummers and guitarists kill me a lot faster! :/

derrico1 · #8 12-06-2007, 06:50 AM

+1 to earplugs as a start. But there must be something additional in play here.

In another thread you mention being exhausted after playing at church. Unless your praise band plays at extraordinary volumes (or you're standing with the drummer's cymbals right in your ear), I'd be worried about health problems that leave you susceptible to extreme fatigue and headaches.

Baryonyx · #9 12-06-2007, 07:04 AM

Yes, on top of your epilepsy and extreme wrist problems, you might just not be cut out to play live, as it seems to be doing a lot of damage to your wrists.

MichaelVee · #10 12-06-2007, 07:10 AM

How long have you been attending there? Could it be due to some other cause, such as allergies to something in the building?

Fassa Albrecht · #11 12-06-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris2112

Yes, on top of your epilepsy and extreme wrist problems, you might just not be cut out to play live, as it seems to be doing a lot of damage to your wrists.

I am cut out to play live! My wrists were damaged long before I started playing bass and even giving up bass wouldn't reverse any of the damage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelVee

How long have you been attending there? Could it be due to some other cause, such as allergies to something in the building?

I've been there roughly a year and a half now with no problems allergy-wise. Plus, I have had a serious allergic reaction before at home and then I had other symptoms such as blotchy skin and swollen throat.

BigOleBoogie · #12 12-06-2007, 08:39 AM

Do you get headaches playing anywhere else?

Bruce Lindfield · #13 12-06-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Then a guitarist friend of mine suggested that the bass frequencies from the stack I'm using might be causing the headaches, especially as I'm stood only a few feet from it.

Maybe the guitarist is being very polite and round-about in telling you that you need to turn down!!

alexclaber · #14 12-06-2007, 09:03 AM

Posture? Are gigs the only time you play standing? If so then it could be related to tension in your neck.

Alex

mjolnir · #15 12-06-2007, 09:09 AM

What do you mean by "the amp is fixed in the corner"? If it's literally bolted on or something, that could have something to do with it. The more contact with the floor or walls an amp has, the more it resonates, and in this case it'd be particularly boomy. If you can, try setting the thing more away from the walls, see if it helps.

Also don't rule out the wireless system completely. They have multiple channels for a reason.

capnsandwich · #16 12-06-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Even if I had a longer cable, I'd still have the issue that I would then have to share sheet music with the trumpet (when currently I have my own) and then I would also be then deafened by the main PA's speakers which are at the far left and right of the stage.

Here is a diagram of our set-up on stage...

By the way it looks on your diagram, and if it's a stack, try to move the top cabinet slightly away from your head. You can use the bottom as your monitor but your top one is the one that directly at ear/head level. You don't have to move too far, just enough to where it's pointing away from your ears. I do this sometimes when we play at loud levels.

Another thing, do you think your headaches may be due to tension on your neck? Maybe adjust strap height. Another thing that can cause headaches and tension is how long the neck on your bass is. If you're playing a 35'+ scale bass and you play a lot of open notes and around the end of the neck, the excess stretching of your arm, shoulder, and neck in playing position can cause tension headaches, especially if your bass is heavy.

Just things that have helped me get through the pain. Also, carry a bottle of Excedrine Migrane. Works like a charm.

locolobo85 · #17 12-06-2007, 09:49 AM

Don't play around. Go see your doctor. You may end up needing to visit an ENT. That is a condition that I would not take a chance with. Last time I ignored the warning signs, I layed in a hospital for eight days and spent 3 weeks after that recovering.

When the body speaks, listen.

Tenma4 · #18 12-06-2007, 09:57 AM

Perhaps turn down? I have no idea how loud your band is, but most bands I know play incredibly louder than I want to expose my ears to. I use ear plugs and my custom built 1x10, or a headphone mix for this reason. I've made myself dizzy and gotten headaches with my 1x10 and 1x15 running off my 1400 watt amp before...

JMX · #19 12-06-2007, 10:02 AM

Maybe you need to have your (frontal) sinuses examined. My GF often has headaches, esp. when the weather changes (air pressure change - connection to sound?). 'She had a sonogram and apparently there some tissue growth in there that is actually larger than the room within the sinus, hence the headache. It's already gotten better with cortison spray, but she may still need surgery.

Fassa Albrecht · #20 12-06-2007, 03:42 PM

Here's the $64000 question- should I tell my bandleader at church? My Christian Union bandleader sort of knows but I'm worried in case I mention this to my church bandleader I'll blow any chance of playing in the band full-scale.