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Small room loud band. What do I do?

Tamz

Tamz

Nov 3, 2008
60
0
Brisbane, Qld, Australia
#1
Hi I have this problem with the band being too loud I find it hard to hear myself especially when both guitarists are playing:help:. The room we play in is kinda small too, I think it’s about the size of the bathroom I have here at home. I only just started Jamming with these guys and I’ve noticed whenever the whole band is together, I end up going home with a pounding headache and my ears ringing for about two days after practicing. Now I know this is not good for my ears, or theirs, my ears are still good but the guitarists, I think both of them their ears are probably not so good. I got them to turn down during last practice but the volume wasn’t as low as I would like it. I got the drummer to turn down I also got the guitarists to turn down for a while then they turned up again:rollno:, but not completely.

The lead guitarist also said something like we can’t practice really quiet like this all the time, maybe we should practice louder once in a while? I said no, not in that room. So we sort of decided on the idea of playing in the backyard and having a party every now and then. I still kinda get the feeling that both of the guitarists don’t like turning down that much. I’m also the only girl in the band so I hope it has nothing to do with me being a chick either.

I’ll give you an idea of what’s in the room two guitar amps I think they are about 200watts or something one’s a peavey (lead) and the others a Marshall(rhythm). A P.A. for the vocals (which I never seem to be able to hear.) Standard 5 piece drum kit. 75 watt line6 cube bass amp (I seriously thought it would be sufficient enough considering the size of the room.) Oh yeah, theirs also a mixing board in their too. So 5 people when we’re all in there, pretty cramped and stuffy. There is also carpet on the walls, but I don’t think it does much.

If you guys could give me some suggestions, comments or advice from what I said that would be extremely helpful. :)

heres some pics of the amps i don't know if they are the same but they sorta look like these:

Marshall (rhythm guitar) Link Removed

Peavey (lead guitarist) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Line6 (me Bass) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#3
is their a local church you could find to practice at? i mean, a church basement would be the ideal place to practice, it does depend on the type of music u do, and if not that, you could i guess find a friend who you could pay to practice at, u no, hope that helps a lil :bassist: btw, keep rockin that bass!
 
#5
i had an audition with guitarists who wouldn't turn down. i had to wear earplugs, run through my 600 watt 2x10,1x15 setup, and the guitarists 400 watt 8x10 rig, both cranked, still couldn't hear myself or the drummer (who was 2 feet away). i asked to turn down, they said no. i packed my gear and left. told them i was looking for a band, not to go deaf. took me all of a week to find a band with better music, who practiced at lower volumes. now, i run 400 watts through 1x15, volume set to 3, and still have to turn down sometimes. it's a lot nicer that way. you can actually hear the music clearly while you're playing.

so, if they won't turn down, leave. the point of practice is to work out the songs and get them to sound as good as possible, not to be loud.
 
#7
I've had to learn my lesson the hard way (tinnitus). I wear earplugs, always. Good ones are relatively cheap, and worth every penny. You'll adjust to the difference very quickly and you'll be amazed at how well you can hear yourself and other instruments as they cut out the noise and leave you with what you need and want to hear. My playing improved drastically when I started using them. If your ears are ever ringing after playing, you owe it to yourself to get some. Check these out, my favorite so far: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#9
Hey,

It seems to me that you're playing with a group of very inexperienced players. The fact that you recognize the volume problem shows your a better skilled performer than they are.

First off, get earplugs and use them!
You have to protect yourself right away and not wait for them to develop their sound-crafting abilities.

Then explain that the music will be better if everyone turns down to match the room you're in. You're not playing outside for a distant audience, but practicing in a closed room, the should match that. If say, they can't hear an instrument, then they are too loud, not the other person too quiet.

And it might be good to find out why they play and what they hope to do with it. Some people play just to goof around, blow off steam, make noise, partake in an image, or just as part of a weekly social club, not necessarily to develop their music-making abilities to the most. You may find yourself out-growing them soon, even with the earplugs. Are there other musicians you can play with who have a better skill set? Maybe you have to make your own band with other people.

Till then, for these guys, buy and wear those ear plugs!


Tamz said:
Hi I have this problem with the band being too loud I find it hard to hear myself especially when both guitarists are playing:help:. The room we play in is kinda small too, I think it’s about the size of the bathroom I have here at home. I only just started Jamming with these guys and I’ve noticed whenever the whole band is together, I end up going home with a pounding headache and my ears ringing for about two days after practicing. Now I know this is not good for my ears, or theirs, my ears are still good but the guitarists, I think both of them their ears are probably not so good. I got them to turn down during last practice but the volume wasn’t as low as I would like it. I got the drummer to turn down I also got the guitarists to turn down for a while then they turned up again:rollno:, but not completely.

The lead guitarist also said something like we can’t practice really quiet like this all the time, maybe we should practice louder once in a while? I said no, not in that room. So we sort of decided on the idea of playing in the backyard and having a party every now and then. I still kinda get the feeling that both of the guitarists don’t like turning down that much. I’m also the only girl in the band so I hope it has nothing to do with me being a chick either.

I’ll give you an idea of what’s in the room two guitar amps I think they are about 200watts or something one’s a peavey (lead) and the others a Marshall(rhythm). A P.A. for the vocals (which I never seem to be able to hear.) Standard 5 piece drum kit. 75 watt line6 cube bass amp (I seriously thought it would be sufficient enough considering the size of the room.) Oh yeah, theirs also a mixing board in their too. So 5 people when we’re all in there, pretty cramped and stuffy. There is also carpet on the walls, but I don’t think it does much.

If you guys could give me some suggestions, comments or advice from what I said that would be extremely helpful. :)

heres some pics of the amps i don't know if they are the same but they sorta look like these:

Marshall (rhythm guitar) Link Removed

Peavey (lead guitarist) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Line6 (me Bass) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...
 
#10
To be honest I thought they would have known better about the volume level thing, because they've all been playing for longer than I have. The lead guitarist apparently he's been playing for 20 years you'd think he would have learned at least something about dynamics, the others for about 5 years or so, me I've been playing for about 1yr and a half. I guess if you've been playing longer doesn't necessarily mean you can play better.
 
#11
bgressman82 said:
i had an audition with guitarists who wouldn't turn down. i had to wear earplugs, run through my 600 watt 2x10,1x15 setup, and the guitarists 400 watt 8x10 rig, both cranked, still couldn't hear myself or the drummer (who was 2 feet away). i asked to turn down, they said no. i packed my gear and left. told them i was looking for a band, not to go deaf. took me all of a week to find a band with better music, who practiced at lower volumes. now, i run 400 watts through 1x15, volume set to 3, and still have to turn down sometimes. it's a lot nicer that way. you can actually hear the music clearly while you're playing.

so, if they won't turn down, leave. the point of practice is to work out the songs and get them to sound as good as possible, not to be loud.
Click to expand...

I wish I could find a band to play with within a week there's just quite a few factors that limit me from finding another band quickly. These guys seem alright as people, but when they start playing I guess they probably have some macho thing going on, but I guess they did turn down a bit. I'm going to go to practice again this weekend if they've gotten louder and don't want to turn down or start acting like my opinion doesn't matter I'll have no choice but to leave, I don't need to be in a band like that.
 
#13
dealbreaker said:
I've had to learn my lesson the hard way (tinnitus). I wear earplugs, always. Good ones are relatively cheap, and worth every penny. You'll adjust to the difference very quickly and you'll be amazed at how well you can hear yourself and other instruments as they cut out the noise and leave you with what you need and want to hear. My playing improved drastically when I started using them. If your ears are ever ringing after playing, you owe it to yourself to get some. Check these out, my favorite so far: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

hey I've seen these ear plugs before, what are they like for cutting down the sound level I hope they don't sound unclear and muffled. I was going to save up and get some custom musicians ear plugs, but if these give you decent protection and don't make the sound muffled I'll give them a go till I can get some customs. It doesn't really say that much about them on the link you gave me, do you think you could tell me what you think of them, please give as much detail as possible.:)
 
#15
...I find it hard to hear myself...
Click to expand...

Tamz said:
...what are they like for cutting down the sound level I hope they don't sound unclear and muffled.
Click to expand...

Seems it really doesn't matter if you can't hear yourself anyways. :D

If everything is so loud, all the mistakes will be covered up so you'll never get better. When you gig, you really won't know if you're playing well or not.

IMO, practicing as quietly as possible is a sign of mature musicians. Dynamics in a band also a sign of good musicianship.

Practicing so loud that your hearing is being damaged, IMO, is stupid. Once your hearing goes, it's gone, for good.

I'd come out and ask them "what's the point of practicing so loud you can't hear any
thing?". Whatever nonsense they come up with, if they won't turn down permanently, I'd walk.

Here's a link you might want to check out: Protect your hearing! Wear ear plugs!
 
#16
MNAirHead said:
We have a band rule - nothing bigger than 50 watts at practice.

Cymbals are all muted.

If I had my way we'd all be going DI into a mixer with electronic drums and headphones.

T.
Click to expand...

I like this rule but unfortunately with my guitar players and myself being so young and having a lack of money we can't afford something besides what we've saved up for to gig with.

But fortunately the only real volume problem comes from the drummer who is ten and is still learning the whole controlling his volume thing but he is amazing and we practice in his dad's building so his dad built him a plywood box to play in, with a plexy glass drum shield for the front of it so we can see/talk to him and take the shield with us to gigs.

Our lead player 14 years old is really good about pulling himself to the front when he needs to and has an ibanez half stack that serves him well but he can also fall back in the mix when he's not as important.

Rythm guitar (15) plays through a fender hot rod deluxe and is always at a nice solid volume for us and really is probably the best musician we have as far as knowing what needs to happen and volume level.

Me i (19) play through a swr workingman's 300 with a GK 15" cabinet but only at gigs i use the drummers dad's fender bassman 100 for practice just for ease.

We're all young and having fun and love playing and can't stand when it's to loud....except the drummer but what drummer can hear anyways..... point is find a band that you can have fun with and make music not loud noises......unless your in a screamo/thrash/metal band then they're close enough you're probably gonna want ear plugs.

also maybe you need to find out how to "turn" the drummer down that would allow the guitars to go down. or they're just stupid and if you must stay with them try sitting on your amp it will allow you to feel what your playing atleast. or in my dream world i'd bring my 800watt head with 8x10 cabinet (and ear plugs) and show them how loud it can be. but i'm just dreaming i've only played those a guitar center.
 
#17
First step is getting your drummer to play with hot rods or something.

Sincerely - the best of the best dudes I've ever played with always forced it to a moderate radio level.

Couple of reasons - you can hear mistakes.. you are forced to dial down to a balanced level... your number one lesson to leave with your drummer is volume dynamics.
 
#18
As already mentioned above: earplugs!

I had the same problem with our guitar player, but since he is playing in another band who rehearse on an insane volume, he turns down :p

The fact that my amp can blow everybody home in our place also helps ... retaliation is swift and just when he dares to crank up!

Maybe you just can talk with them and try to explain your point of view (learning the songs by hearing what you play during rehearsal is paramount ... a wall of sound won't helpl you)

so that would be +1 for what everybody said :D
 
#19
Tamz said:
hey I've seen these ear plugs before, what are they like for cutting down the sound level I hope they don't sound unclear and muffled. I was going to save up and get some custom musicians ear plugs, but if these give you decent protection and don't make the sound muffled I'll give them a go till I can get some customs. It doesn't really say that much about them on the link you gave me, do you think you could tell me what you think of them, please give as much detail as possible.:)
Click to expand...

They are pretty nice, actually. For only $12 a pair I didn't think they sounded much different than the molded model. I had a set of those and I would say the biggest difference is in comfort. I could wear a set of molded plugs all day, where the generic style will bother my ears after a while. The molded model also have changeable filters, which allow you to change the amount of sound reduction from 9, 15, or 25db. Either o f them are way better than the foam style.
 

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