Re: [Harp-L] Ear Plugs

[Rick Davis <bluesharpamps@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for all the great advice on earplugs.

Has anybody tried these?  The are recommended by a guitar player friend of
mine:

Alpine MusicSafe Natural Sound Ear Plugs
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/alnasoearpl.html
-Rick Davis



On Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 10:07 AM, Daniel Gage <dan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> 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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