I'm going to quit the band, they keep playing too loud..

triviani

triviani

Oct 23, 2010
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#1
At today's rehearsal I had an Ampeg with an 8x10 almost cranked, I just can't play that way, it was too loud, even with ear plugs. Why am I the only one that notices it??

Ok, I get we play metal, but it sounds just bad that loud, with everyone playing in his own sonic world. Guitar turning up the volume of that damn Marshall half stack, and the drummer hitting the drums like there is no tomorrow.

I told them last week about it, it didn't change today. My hearing survived the Grunge years in the 90s, not going to risk it now. I'm letting them know I quit. Damn..
 
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#2
I too play and listen to metal.
It is supposed to be loud,
but not stupid loud.

Volume control is an technical art,
just like hitting the right note at the right time.
Too many metal (and other types) of bands just don't get it.

Louder isn't better,
it's just louder.

Maybe you can give them a brief volume clinic.
See if they understand the concept of 'sharing' sonic space,
instead of dominating it.
 
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#3
First off - if you are really worried about damaging your hearing, tell them straight up and give them some info - it is pretty convincing.

From the music development side, ask them to humor you and have a quiet rehearsal - not just turned down a little, but quiet enough that you can speak to each other during a song. They are likely to be amazed at how much you can get done in that setting.

The key is to convince them by showing them. If they don't get it, move on.
 
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#4
triviani said:
At today's rehearsal I had an Ampeg with an 8x10 almost cranked, I just can't play that way, it was too loud, even with ear plugs. Why am I the only one that notices it??

Ok, I get we play metal, but it sounds just bad that loud, with everyone playing in his own sonic world. Guitar turning up the volume of that damn Marshall half stack, and the drummer hitting the drums like there is no tomorrow.

I told them last week about it, it didn't change today. My hearing survived the Grunge years in the 90s, not going to risk it now. I'm letting them know I quit. Damn..
Click to expand...

Irreparable defect. You may gig but doubtful as to whether you'll be asked back. Wish I could give you better news.

Riis
 
#6
Indeed.. thanks for the advice.

Wrote them explaining all my concerns, again, buy I tried to be positive and offered some ideas about it.

I will try to lower the band volume down at next rehearsal, which should be useful to work on the sound of the band as a whole. Not that I should do that all by myself..

If the volume wars stat again, I'll quit right there. Man, we sounded today like a bunch of teenagers! :laugh:
 
#9
I don't play in a metal band, but my band sometimes can get out of control with volume. So to counteract this problem, I turn my volume down, and continue to do so until someone notices. Hopefully you're in band situation where the musicians listen to each other, because thats what music is really about and where those special moments happen on stage when performing. Usually this works for me and they get the message.

I guess if it doesn't work, at that point I would just start packing my gear up and leave. Perhaps they would get the message then. :)
 
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#10
triviani said:
At today's rehearsal I had an Ampeg with an 8x10 almost cranked, I just can't play that way, it was too loud, even with ear plugs. Why am I the only one that notices it??

Ok, I get we play metal, but it sounds just bad that loud, with everyone playing in his own sonic world. Guitar turning up the volume of that damn Marshall half stack, and the drummer hitting the drums like there is no tomorrow.

I told them last week about it, it didn't change today. My hearing survived the Grunge years in the 90s, not going to risk it now. I'm letting them know I quit. Damn..
Click to expand...
If you were in NH (USA) I'd have asked you if you guys rehearsed at Morgan's in Manchester, 'cause the whole basement full of rehearsal rooms is like that -- all metal players with amps on 10, and all suck seriously.

But anyway, I have a two-strikes-and-you're-out policy these days. Maybe three, if someone's simply having a bad day and there's good reason for it. That's because I try to link up only with players who've been at it a while and ought, in a general sense, to "know better."

Laziness, stupidity, failure to do homework, failure to strive for personal excellence in one's craft (and having that show in rehearsals and performances as a steadily upward trend over time) -- sorry, I've got absolutely zero tolerance: Gone.
 
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#14
I get that it's Metal and it's supposed to be loud. But playing loud just to be loud is just asinine, IMHO! Risking irreapairable ear damage for the sake of a genre.....I don't get it. Guess I never will. Won't someone create a new genre....Soft Metal??



Carry on..............
 
#15
Yeah, if youre crankin an 810 and its too loud WITH plugs, there is a problem. There isnt even a point in playing if the musics that loud. Once it gets to a certain level, you cant decern one part from another, no melody, nothing, its just ridiculaously loud noise. Has this been an issue before?? Have you talked to them abou it? I would at least talk to them and tell them youre going to drop out if they dont tone it down to a resonable level. I mean, I love my music loud too, but there is a line IMO. I will say this, for guys that are used to playing that loud all the time, its an uphill battle. They will start out lower, but halway through, theyll be cranked up again. Its a bad habit to get into. But it doesnt mean it cant be broken. I would talk with them, see if you can sort it out. The best of luck to you!
 
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