Re: [Harp-L] Ear Plugs

[Richard Hammersley <rhhammersley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Does anyone know why some bands and audiences want music to be so  
loud? Clearly stadiums etc need a certain volume but surplus volume is  
not limited to those events.
On 10 Feb 2009, at 14:36, fjm wrote:

> I've had the custom moulded type for about 20 years now.  They come  
> with snap in filtres 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 filtres.  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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Richard Hammersley
Grantshouse, Scottish Borders
http://www.last.fm/music/Richard+Hammersley
http://www.myspace.com/rhammersley
http://www.myspace.com/magpiesittingdown