Why Are we Playing So Loud?

[rossduclair]

That sounds fine for the 27th. What time will Rogue be playing?

[nickyn99]

All night, 9:00pm-1:00am.

[nickyn99]

I am guessing you did not make it out or we were too loud for you to stay??

[kenb]

Most of the stuff I play is acoustic, and I have found that turning down is the answer. Set everything up, and if something, (guitar, vocal, clarinet) is not loud enough, turn down everything else until it works. But in the end, just turn the mandolin up! Lol

[jlev]

More me, more me!!!!

[jtm]

Re: Why is the music so loud. If the bartender and the waitress have to shout in each others ears to make drink orders, then the sound pressure level in a bar is far too loud. If you can not hear the tune being called the same holds true. If you turn up because you can't hear yourself, the band is to loud or your not listening to everyone in the band. If you are louder than the juke box chances may be good that you are too loud for the room. Let the drumer set the sound level. Learn to use less volume and just maybe your band will develope into a class act in a bar situation. Remember dynamics are as big of a part of the presintation as a whole show.

[kenable]

I''m probably getting old, but when I saw Montrose out at the Boardwalk recently they were so loud I couldnt enjoy it. The other opening bands were at a decent level, but each one seemed to get louder. Because of how painful that was, I'm not sure I'll be back.

[theromp]

One of our guitar players came out with a HD Camera he bought and decided to mount it pretty close to one of the mains and directly in front of the band (Bout 20 feet away). I usually play the sound cop and keep the guitar players at bay while I run the PA. But last night I gave up that job for the night and allowed a cheep camera do the dirty work. Im positive that when our guitar player friend hears his recording he will be ashamed. If not it will just push my belief that all Guitar players are the same. They Will Be HEARD. So Im always on the look for a band with good players that want to make money. Loud bands make money but they call them Budget Bands. Doesnt pay all the bills.

[diamonddon]

We are expressing our selves "as we are." A blues jam in Sacramento has all of the same components of human expression as driving on the freeway, or going to a little league game, or a Kings game at Arco. Remember when the big thing to do was bring noise makers, horns, cowbells, to Kings games. Other teams in the NBA hated coming here because the noise was deafening.
The freeway is not a problem acoustically, but remember, being loud is aggression. Is there aggression on the freeway?(for those of you that don't drive: Yes) There are people on the freeway that will do mortal harm to you because of their unchecked anger.
Once in a while at an open mike or blues jam you will see a person that uses dynamics, and delights onlookers with charm and just gives you that vibe. (for those of you that don't vibe: it's Enlightenment) Just like when you drive and occasionally someone stands out because they do you right.
Basically we have progressed little since the rise of the roman empire in matters spiritual. People want to do harm to each other in order to get there piece, get there first, get the spotlight.
Hearing damage is real and it isn't fun. Hey, for those of you that don't know, you don't just lose your hearing and everything is all quiet. No. That would be kind of cool. What you lose in your hearing is replaced by a maddening horrible ringing that could turn the happiest person into a miserable S.O.B. And It NEVER goes away. It can keep you awake at night. It has a negative effect on even the best relationships. What...What...What...What did you say? My amp is too loud?

[jlev]

You must not be going to the jams I frequent.

[eddieloebs]

Yeah, it's fun for the guitar player to crank it up and feel that power and jump around thinking he's just blowing everyone away with his awesome power...But the truth is,is he's the only one having fun...i saw Johnny Winter at Winterland in about '72 or so and the sound men had him so loud you couldn't hear what he was playing unless you plugged both ears...it probably sounded fine on stage....i like a little volume and nice tone...and I've found out that playing at a decant or even low volume makes for an easier gig,your ears aren't ringing and you have control of the dynamics which is more fun,and in turn sounds way way better to the people listening...also don't use to much overdrive,....learn to be able to play cleaner..it cut's through the band way better and sounds better on stag and out front...if you have a song that needs feedback or just more drive,then add some for that song...or just continue to sound like all the rest of the little guitar Gods at the Guitar Center on a Saturday afternoon trying to impress everyone....back up and learn some blues and learn to play clean so you can correct flaws and play with more confidence....when you are starting out,learning to play with tons of overdrive is absolutely the worst thing you can do....so stop it! Uncle Eddie says so!

[gretschboy]

There are SO many variables at work. Experience is the best teacher: knowing your equipment, buying the sound guy a beer, listening to each other, getting fired a few times... and booking the proper venue. Metal bands, stay out of hotel lounges; goth kids, pass on the Elks Club; shitkickers, rethink your Chuck E Cheese gig. Turn off the monitors at a gig sometime and see how much volume you really need onstage.
ALWAYS wear ear protection. I've been lucky to avoid the worst effects of years of thumpin', but drummers especially need to keep all that noise aimed at the house and not your own ears.