I know a number of people who have damaged their hearing through insisting on playing their guitars loud. (they have to "feel the music".) The damage becomes cumulative and they lose the sense of how loud they actually are, because they are going deaf. Inevitably, they don't realize how deaf they are becoming and they lose various hearing frequencies. A number have simply had to quit playing because of what they have done to themselves. They also lose friends to play with as then have lost the ability to fit in with the music level balance of other. Loud does not make it better.
Headphones limit the interraction between the amplifier to next to zero. There is a signal communication between speakers and strings that add a "live" dimention to your playing, as well as a feedback benefit. Controlled feedback is a skill also in guitar playing.
For about a year, I did 99% of my playing through headphones, and I almost forgot how much I enjoyed this aspect of a live amp. When I was reminded... let it suffice to say that I sold almost every bit of that headphone rig 😂
Be Careful man, I'm a 62 year old rocker. I had the same problem, as you . I didn't think my guitar was too loud, then realized that maybe I'd spent just a little too much time in front of loud amps, because last summer I started wearing hearing aids... 30% hearing loss, in both ears. 🤔
I’m sorry to hear that, and really appreciate your advice. This experience made me much more aware of exactly how much volume I was entering. Now I need to pick a workaround!
My situation is similar. Had to learn to turn it down. Also, many of the places I've played in the last few years want me to run direct without amps on the stage. The amps I have now are 15 -30 watt tube amps. I insulated the walls and ceiling and keep the overall volume under 90db. I'm friends with my neighbors and talked with them about it. One neighbor said they were sitting out back one evening and could hear my playing over a backing track. They said they were enjoying it. My other neighbor said they wished I would turn it up because they like my playing. Do be careful with your hearing. I played in bands weekly for 45 years. I have a low level of ringing in my ears. I've tried to be careful. But I've been exposed to some loud stuff.
Really great advice. I think I’ll be implementing some similar solutions, for my sake and for my neighbors. If I stumbled on a winning lottery ticket, I’d soundproof the space and then worry only about my hearing… but until then, I do want to be mindful and respectful of my neighbors.
Let me tell you something. Kids parrot their mother. She has complained in front of them. If your kids learn to control you, they too are being denied their rights to enjoy your music. Dads often get criticized for their redreation by their spouses. Just consider that. Check with your wife and ask her to respect you in front of your children.
I appreciate your concern, but I doubt he heard this from his mom. This is pretty low on the list of Things About Jordan That Drive Mom Crazy. ... now, if he told me I needed to tidy my side of the office, or to get rid of a few of my old t-shirts... then I'd be suspicious haha.
I know a number of people who have damaged their hearing through insisting on playing their guitars loud. (they have to "feel the music".) The damage becomes cumulative and they lose the sense of how loud they actually are, because they are going deaf. Inevitably, they don't realize how deaf they are becoming and they lose various hearing frequencies. A number have simply had to quit playing because of what they have done to themselves. They also lose friends to play with as then have lost the ability to fit in with the music level balance of other. Loud does not make it better.
Great advice, and an important caution for everyone (including me, of course).
Headphones limit the interraction between the amplifier to next to zero. There is a signal communication between speakers and strings that add a "live" dimention to your playing, as well as a feedback benefit. Controlled feedback is a skill also in guitar playing.
For about a year, I did 99% of my playing through headphones, and I almost forgot how much I enjoyed this aspect of a live amp. When I was reminded... let it suffice to say that I sold almost every bit of that headphone rig 😂
If your ears aren't ringing at the end of your jam, you're good 😜
Be Careful man, I'm a 62 year old rocker.
I had the same problem, as you .
I didn't think my guitar was too loud, then realized that maybe
I'd spent just a little too much time in front of loud amps,
because last summer I started wearing hearing aids...
30% hearing loss, in both ears. 🤔
I’m sorry to hear that, and really appreciate your advice. This experience made me much more aware of exactly how much volume I was entering.
Now I need to pick a workaround!
My situation is similar. Had to learn to turn it down. Also, many of the places I've played in the last few years want me to run direct without amps on the stage. The amps I have now are 15 -30 watt tube amps. I insulated the walls and ceiling and keep the overall volume under 90db. I'm friends with my neighbors and talked with them about it. One neighbor said they were sitting out back one evening and could hear my playing over a backing track. They said they were enjoying it. My other neighbor said they wished I would turn it up because they like my playing. Do be careful with your hearing. I played in bands weekly for 45 years. I have a low level of ringing in my ears. I've tried to be careful. But I've been exposed to some loud stuff.
Really great advice. I think I’ll be implementing some similar solutions, for my sake and for my neighbors. If I stumbled on a winning lottery ticket, I’d soundproof the space and then worry only about my hearing… but until then, I do want to be mindful and respectful of my neighbors.
use headphones
I've been there before, and I may end up there again. It's not my preferred way to play, but there are obvious advantages.
Let me tell you something. Kids parrot their mother. She has complained in front of them. If your kids learn to control you, they too are being denied their rights to enjoy your music.
Dads often get criticized for their redreation by their spouses. Just consider that.
Check with your wife and ask her to respect you in front of your children.
I appreciate your concern, but I doubt he heard this from his mom. This is pretty low on the list of Things About Jordan That Drive Mom Crazy.
... now, if he told me I needed to tidy my side of the office, or to get rid of a few of my old t-shirts... then I'd be suspicious haha.