As soon as you add a louder cab and figure out what frequencies to boost, the guitars will turn up and then you won't hear yourself again. My old rig of a mesa 800+ and bergantino 410 scared my guitarist. But then he only had 50 watts and 2x12.
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Need it louder. Guitar players super loud.
- Thread starter Doug Bright
- Start date
I had this exact issue last evening. My trio which is very vocal - oriented were rehearsing - the guitarist told me to turn up as he couldn't hear the changes during a guitar solo.
I told him No, turn down - I'm not participating in your self indulgence, We're a fairly busy act and I'm not attending practice for lack of things to do..
I firmly believe a cover band should practice at the lowest volume where you can achieve a usable tone. I did that for years in the Wedding business & it makes the band tighter as you need to listen to everything..
I told him No, turn down - I'm not participating in your self indulgence, We're a fairly busy act and I'm not attending practice for lack of things to do..
I firmly believe a cover band should practice at the lowest volume where you can achieve a usable tone. I did that for years in the Wedding business & it makes the band tighter as you need to listen to everything..
OP here.
First thank you to everyone for the suggestions.
All the guys in the band are great guys. No one's being a jerk. When I asked him to turn down they do, but then the volume creeps back up.
A few more details that might help. It's not a rock band, it is blues primarily however that doesn't make it any less loud.
From a physics standpoint, assuming similar sensitivity and the same amplifier, would a 2*12 4ohm cab put out more sound than to 112 8-ohm cabs. Either way the amp sees four ohms and it's the same surface area.
Maybe 2 8 ohm 2*10 cabs?
This band has not started making money yet, so I don't want to spend ridiculous money.
First thank you to everyone for the suggestions.
All the guys in the band are great guys. No one's being a jerk. When I asked him to turn down they do, but then the volume creeps back up.
A few more details that might help. It's not a rock band, it is blues primarily however that doesn't make it any less loud.
From a physics standpoint, assuming similar sensitivity and the same amplifier, would a 2*12 4ohm cab put out more sound than to 112 8-ohm cabs. Either way the amp sees four ohms and it's the same surface area.
Maybe 2 8 ohm 2*10 cabs?
This band has not started making money yet, so I don't want to spend ridiculous money.
No. You don't need it louder, nor do they. Ultimatum time - "Turn the (#$#$) down or I quit" - then follow through and quit when they push back with rationilzations.
Your ears are worth more to you than whatever this "opportunity" might be.
Your ears are worth more to you than whatever this "opportunity" might be.
Oh it's a blues band. That makes sense. It's highly likely the guitarist has been sold on the idea that volume equals tone, especially if they're playing a combo where "you need to turn it up for power amp distortion". If you know what amp and pedals they're using, that would be helpful in getting the guitarist to control volume in a way they won't turn back up.
It would be good to know more about the amp the guitar player is using, but a 4ohm 2*12 cab would probably provide a big bump compared to you 8ohm 1*12. How much depends on the specifics of what cab that would be.
????
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The watts are much less important than the speakers. Adding your second cabinet will help, a 4ohm 112 on its own will make very little difference.
when i played in a loud band, a single 112 cabinet - ANY single 112 cabinet - would have been inaudible. i played a 1000 watt head through a 118 and a 210, and it was enough. i think that 2 410s would have worked better.
btw, is it possible you're rehearsing in too small of a room? or perhaps different placement of gear and band members could let everyone hear what they need to hear without it turning gradually into volume wars. after all, volume doesn't just creep up for guitar - someone has to turn it up. the question is why.
btw, is it possible you're rehearsing in too small of a room? or perhaps different placement of gear and band members could let everyone hear what they need to hear without it turning gradually into volume wars. after all, volume doesn't just creep up for guitar - someone has to turn it up. the question is why.
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If they must be that loud, can you baffle them to at least reduce the level farther away?
I highly recommend these, even in average volume bands:
https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ER20XS-CCC-C-High-Fidelity-Clamshell/dp/B00RM6Q3BA
They're much better from a musician's standpoint than foamies, although they don't attenuate as much. I still choose 30+ dB foamies, muffs, or both around other loud sources
I get a hearing test as part of a recurrent flight medical exam. I've been around live music, power tools, race cars, and airplanes for over 40 years, always protecting my hearing, and it shows during the exam.
I highly recommend these, even in average volume bands:
https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ER20XS-CCC-C-High-Fidelity-Clamshell/dp/B00RM6Q3BA
They're much better from a musician's standpoint than foamies, although they don't attenuate as much. I still choose 30+ dB foamies, muffs, or both around other loud sources
I get a hearing test as part of a recurrent flight medical exam. I've been around live music, power tools, race cars, and airplanes for over 40 years, always protecting my hearing, and it shows during the exam.
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
This is a good thing to point out for consideration, along with information about the guitar player's amp and cab.
I have a Tone Hammer 500 and used this LDS cabinet Don built for me (2-12/6.5, 4Ω). I never ever got close to how loud this rig could get and we were a very loud band.
Easy to schlep, fairly light weight (about 55 lb.), loud as all get out. Reasonably priced at the time I got it (June 2011). Two Eminence 3012LFs and a 18Sound mid driver.
Find a used 410 that wounds good to you. Or buy a new one if it is affordable. I think the ohm consideration is less important than the movement of air needed. A 112 is pretty small unless the room has some amazing acoustic properties that make it sound huge.
I feel like hearing yourself play is part feeling the vibration as well as hearing certain frequencies as compared to straight up volume.
You will have a hard time winning the volume arms race with a guitarist.
I feel like hearing yourself play is part feeling the vibration as well as hearing certain frequencies as compared to straight up volume.
You will have a hard time winning the volume arms race with a guitarist.
What?!?!?! An egotistical guitar player who thinks all other instruments are his support players? Well, I never!
I won't say to flat-out quit, that's rash, but you need to express your displeasure to your band mates.
Is there any chance you could leave the extra cab at your rehearsal facility?
Is there a PA you could run through?
I don't know who, but someone used the term: "Low mids". DING! DING! DING! DING! We have a WINNER!
I won't say to flat-out quit, that's rash, but you need to express your displeasure to your band mates.
Is there any chance you could leave the extra cab at your rehearsal facility?
Is there a PA you could run through?
I don't know who, but someone used the term: "Low mids". DING! DING! DING! DING! We have a WINNER!
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I think some responders may have missed that the OP already has a second 1x12 8ohm cab. The OP expressed that he doesn't feel like bringing it, but this is the easiest, and $0.00 cost, solution. You bought it because you like it, right? Use it. And yes, earplugs. I use them anytime live drums/cymbals are involved.
More cone area will help ( if the guitarists and drummer need to hear more of you ).
Otherwise get at least one speaker elevated and pointing in the general direction of your ears!
Maybe something like this, to make the 'edge' of your playing audible: https://www.amazon.ca/Phil-Jones-Bass-Personal-Monitor/dp/B01MYNMSIS
Otherwise get at least one speaker elevated and pointing in the general direction of your ears!
Maybe something like this, to make the 'edge' of your playing audible: https://www.amazon.ca/Phil-Jones-Bass-Personal-Monitor/dp/B01MYNMSIS
This band’s business plan needs a review.
For now, just schlep your extra cab, but always ask the guitar player for help carrying it in. And get some really good earplugs. Tinnitus is forever, you’ll never have another moment of silence. Don’t spend another dime on this battle.
Your two cabs and that head are more than enough. Unless you are playing with stupid. Even nice guys can be stupid.
Bring the volume you describe to a gig, and it’ll most likely be a one time thing. You’ll empty a bar faster than gas fumigation kills pests. Are you guys called the Exterminators? Fumigators?
This is why so many responses, from experienced players, just cut to the chase and say “quit”.
Find a better band.
For now, just schlep your extra cab, but always ask the guitar player for help carrying it in. And get some really good earplugs. Tinnitus is forever, you’ll never have another moment of silence. Don’t spend another dime on this battle.
Your two cabs and that head are more than enough. Unless you are playing with stupid. Even nice guys can be stupid.
Bring the volume you describe to a gig, and it’ll most likely be a one time thing. You’ll empty a bar faster than gas fumigation kills pests. Are you guys called the Exterminators? Fumigators?
This is why so many responses, from experienced players, just cut to the chase and say “quit”.
Find a better band.
fEARful 151566! Bring the nuclear option to the Paintball fight. Oh, and pack some ear plugs - so you can't hear the guitarist whine.
What amp is he using(and is it the same amp he’d use for gigs)? Is the drummer under control? Is the rehearsal space private and on-going? If so…Cheap answer: find a place(or CL)that sells used office furniture, get some office dividers/cubicle walls, and gobo the mf; less cheap answer: get a used beater 2x15 or 4x10 cheap and leave it at the space. What are you going to do at gigs?
