Re: [Harp-L] Ear Plugs

[Daniel Gage <dan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear List,
 
I have to agree with all the posts on custom earplugs.  I've had mine for 3-4 years now.  I wear them to the movies, shows, "thump thump" clubs (when I'm dragged to them) and generally keep them handy all the time.  
 
To add my harp-specific experience:  The custom plugs generally do a great job of cutting volume while keeping frequencies level.  If you try foam plugs, they just cut out all the high end (great if you're a bass player, bad if you play harp).  
 
The customs do, however, cut out some of the tonal nuance associated with amplified harp playing.  I can't hear harp as rich as it should/must be sounding.  All the more reason to practice/work on tone.  That way you "know" even if you can't hear it perfectly.  I also record my shows to evaluate my amplified sound.  The stage volume issue is indeed tricky, but you develop a sense of your relative volume over time.  
 
As a singer, custom plugs are so much better than any other kind of earplug.  The customs are built with a channel into your ear canal, so they don't result in so much "skull noise" the way common earplugs can.  I also find it easier to have conversations in loud environments.
 
Finally, I have to point out that they take getting used to.  You have to commit to using them at first, but they will become routine/indispensable in no time. (Note fjm's post below)
 
It's worth the time and the money for ALL OF YOU to invest in these.  I have a constant ringing in my ears and it really sucks.  (I'm only 32).  I'm slowing the tide, but the damage is done.  A couple of blues jams with inconsiderate A-holes cranked to 11, or  proximity to cymbals. . . that's all it takes.
 
Dan G.
"12gagedan" on youtube

--- On Tue, 2/10/09, fjm <bad_hat@xxxxxxxx> wrote:


From: fjm <bad_hat@xxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Ear Plugs
To: "h-l" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 9:36 AM


I've had the custom molded type for about 20 years now.  They come with snap in filterers that range from a 9 dB, 15 dB or 25dB.  They're like Garry says.  The music is actually easier to hear and less distorted.  I have the 25dB and 15 dB filterers.  I pretty much always just use the 25's.  I'm kind of hooked on hearing protection now.  I fly with the 15's in.  Life is a lot less stressful when you can turn the volume down.  I don't ever get ringing in my ears when I use these plugs but I will walk out on a show that's so loud I'm uncomfortable with the plugs in.  Here's a link to the ones I use, http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/erme.aspx

Playing with ear plugs in is difficult.  Because the harmonica is in your mouth the sound it makes is coupled through bones to your ears. When you wear ear plugs and play the loudest sound you hear is the harmonica in your head.  Amp tone and volume relative to the band is tough to discern.  Ultimately the solution for me was to stop playing in acoustic environments that would damage my hearing.  I love my ear plugs.  They work really well.  You can play with them in but the learning curve is steep.  It's work to get used to them.  My band opened for Freddy Fender in the last years of his life.  He could not hear a thing.  His guitar amplifier was a Fender Twin and it was cranked on stage.  He had the treble way up.  He flat out could not hear in any noisy environment.  It's just a matter of time.  fjm
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