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Earplug/Save Your Hearing Club???

Thunderthumbs73

Thunderthumbs73

May 5, 2008
4,263
1,463
#1
I'm a member of the fretless club, and I think I might be part of the Ibanez club, but even more important is your hearing, than any single piece of equipment you could ever own.

So is there an "Earplug/Hearing Safety/Save Your Hearing Club" here? If so, sign me up. If not, why don't we have one?

While I hate to be "Dudley Do-right" all the time, I realize without hearing, your musical career is OVER. ...unless of course, you are Evelyn Glennie (deaf percussionist in the classical world)... I don't know too many deaf bassists. Yet.

I use at least one earplug on every single gig now that has any significant volume (I do perform coffeehouses too, and don't use them there), and I use it in the ear closest to the band.

Anyone else interested in "The Earplug Club"?
 
#2
here's a link to a common brand most people can get (gc carries them).
i've had great results with the hybrid "filters" that are supposed to carry the full range but cut db down.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
ime they are much better than solid plugs, although i wouldn't trust them for precise mixing.
molds are of course ideal, but more expensive and time consuming to aquire (but just as easy to loose).
 
#4
I use the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], www.etymotic.com

They are fantastic. They tend to make bands sound better (since they cut out all the crap), and it's easier to hear someone speaking to me. I always tell people they can talk in their normal voice and I can hear them fine.
 
#11
I really hope there's no earplug club. That's dorky as hell.

Also, I think the earplugs should be seen and not heard - if you must wear them, don't brag about it.

Every time you use one, you're hearing yourself more and everyone else less, as the sound travels through your body from your bass. Hopefully, you'll still stand close enough to your own amplification...to really hear it.

Of course, I guess you have no choice if the people you play with are inordinately loud night after night.
 
#13
Stumbo said:
How about custom fitted skin-tone colored ear plugs:
http://www.hear-more.com/musician.htm
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. I've used the ER-25s (custom molded) for a few years now. Fantastic product. It attenuates all frequencies equally, unlike regular foam earplugs that kill all the highs and make everything sound "muddy".

If saving your hearing wasn't reason enough, I've also found that I don't feel nearly as tired after playing when using these plugs. (High volume levels tend to make you feel more drained after long exposure.)

Count me in as a member of this club. I'm also eligible to join the "lost a significant portion of my high frequency hearing due to not using earplugs" group - but that would be really dorky. ;)
 
#14
I'm in! Got custom ones, use em any times there's drummer around.....use em any time the venue I'm visiting has amped stuff :).

"Also, I think the earplugs should be seen and not heard - if you must wear them, don't brag about it.

Every time you use one, you're hearing yourself more and everyone else less, as the sound travels through your body from your bass. Hopefully, you'll still stand close enough to your own amplification...to really hear it."

Errrrr....... if you *must wear* them? Sorry, if you're *not* wearing them you're dorky. Or you already have no hearing!

And, I personally don't hear myself more with em. If the sound is traveling through your body perhaps you shouldn't stand in front of your amp...... unless the intent is to absorb some sound.

The custom ones are really nice because I can now hear people talking while they are playing (or I am) without them shouting.... you do have to be listening for it but it's perfectly clear. The only issues I've run into are not being able to tell my own volume level (I make sure to remind the sound person of this so they can help me keep track of it) and trying to jam with them. I did find out I can keep one in (the one closest to the amplified sound) and that helps ......

Course, I do find that now that I use them my ears are giving me heck if I don't. They no longer are content with cringing from loud drum or other instrument noises.:bassist:
 
#15
I've been playing bass for 7 years now, and I've played in really loud bands.
My hearing HAS suffered in such short time.

So not long ago, www.sonomax.com came to my school to talk about custom earplugs.

So I forked out the money, they were done in 15 minutes, completely custom.

They have filters you can take out, you can add new filters, and soon they'll be able to be used as In-Ear Monitors.

The teachers at school say they're the most comfortable that they've ever worn (i goto a music school, by the way).
If you're in the Toronto area, i HIGHLY suggest these. They're great!!
 
#16
Buying my Elacin custom fits was one the very best things I've done gear wise. I've got 2 different levels of filters for loud and then stupidly loud gigs and I never do or go to a gig without them. Totally invaluable.
 
#17
Vater Safe 'n Sound earplugs are where it's at. They're readily available at GC and Sam Ash, cost $20, come w/ two different dB filter sets, are essentially frequency neutral, and even come with cords and carrying case.

On top of that they're extremely comfy!

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Gotta wear plugs if you're gonna :bassist:
 
#20
The Earplug Club as it (potentially) stands so far:
Thunderthumbs73- #1
crazyguy832- #2
slagbass- #3
theoldmiami- #4

Some people advocate SVTs, Tolex, Fenders, etc, etc, etc.. and there's "clubs" for that. Why not saving your hearing, and a corresponding "club" for that? Earplugs are also a piece of gear just like all the rest.
 

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