The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    (I suppose this falls within the "gizmos" category.) I've just recently started playing in a Wednesday night jazz jam with multiple saxes (a couple of tenors and a bari) and a trumpet, along with the rhythm section, and I'm thinking I'd like to preserve what's left of my hearing, given I'm now 62. (Miraculously, despite having spent a considerable amount of time as a teenager practicing with my rock band in a friend's low-overhead basement with our amps turned up to eleven, I don't seem to be suffering any hearing loss -- the sound of my wife's voice, as I'm often reminded, apparently excepted -- and I'd like to keep it that way.)

    Anybody use earplugs on the bandstand or in jazz jams? There are a bunch of commercially available types carried by Musicians Friend, etc., but I'm also considering going a bit higher-end and getting form-fitting types from a reputable hearing or audio company. All suggestions most welcomed. Thanks.

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  3. #2

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    I've got the "Musician's Earplugs" product by Etymotic. Great company. They have quite a bit to choose from in this area:
    Etymotic Research | Hearing Protection

    One of the best musical investments I have ever made. I use these whenever I play with a big band - the trumpets and drums can be ear killers! Frankly I can hear myself and everyone else better with them in because I'm not wincing during loud passages.

    I also use them whenever I go anywhere that will be loud - Concerts, stadiums, etc.

  4. #3

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    Back in my roadie day no one made hearing protection for musicians, so we got ear plugs for hunters and gun target shooters. The were nice because they reactated to volume so you could talk to people, but they would close down when volume shot up. Also they were small and came with a carrying case that could attach to a key ring so would always be handy.

    I would look for something that reacts to volume so you can still hear people talk between tunes. And sit as far away from the horn section as you can, except on breaks they usual have good beverages to share.

  5. #4

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    I went to a audiologist, got my hearing tested and got custom fitted plugs with -25 dB inserts (they can be changed for -9 or -15 or solid ones that transmit no sound). Sensaphonics is the name on the pouch. It took some getting used to, but when I take them out at the end of the gig or rehearsal I am amazed how much better my ears feel. I already have tinnitus and some mild high end loss, don't want it to get worse.

  6. #5

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    Thanks, folks. I appreciate the suggestions and will follow up on them. Cheers.

  7. #6

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    Please follow Cunamera's advice--see an audiologist and get custom-molded earplugs--the are substantially better than any over-the-counter solution and they are worth every penny. The $150 I spent for mine is probably the best investment I've made.

    Danny W.

  8. #7

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    Great thread.

  9. #8

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    Back when I was gigging rock and blues I used government-issue-style plugs, the ones with three baffles on the shaft.

    They weren't ideal -- a lot of treble drop-off -- but they sure kept my ears working.

  10. #9

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    Great advice on this thread. I would add: whatever you get, keep them (and any carrying case) scrupulously clean at all times. Ear infections are no fun, and airborne contaminants are everywhere. Best of luck.

  11. #10

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    I keep EAR ER-20 plugs handy at all times. They sound dramatically better than foam plugs, but still dull the highs a bit and aren't pleasant to sing with. For some bands I'm pull them halfway out for quiet tunes and fully in for loud ones.

    I'm told that expensive custom molded plugs have a more natural sound, but I haven't invested in them.

    I tried plugs that respond only to high volumes, but they didn't work out for me. The volume level where they kicked in (if they did at all) was much too loud for me. They may be better suited for impact noise than continuous music.
    Last edited by KirkP; 06-23-2016 at 09:58 PM.

  12. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by VinceMGuitar
    I've got the "Musician's Earplugs" product by Etymotic. Great company. They have quite a bit to choose from in this area:
    Etymotic Research | Hearing Protection

    One of the best musical investments I have ever made. I use these whenever I play with a big band - the trumpets and drums can be ear killers! Frankly I can hear myself and everyone else better with them in because I'm not wincing during loud passages.

    I also use them whenever I go anywhere that will be loud - Concerts, stadiums, etc.

    I love the Etymotic MP 9-15 Musicians Earplugs. These are active (electronic) ear plugs that reduce loud sound while allowing the music and any conversation to still sound like music and conversation (for me at least). For the 15 dB mode, sound reduction starts at 70 dB and gradually decreases to -15 dB at 100 dB SPL input. By 120 dB, the response is flat, and it stays flat until -35 dB reduction at 140 dB input.



    I use them with a stock eartip, but a custom fit is best if you can find it. You can find a list of custom mold providers on Etymotic's site (here). If a custom fit isn't in the picture, Etymotic makes a variety of stock tips, and Comply makes a variety of compatible aftermarket tips - basically anything that fits an ETY ER4 (currently Comply's Sport 100, Comfort 100, Isolation 100). The last time I looked, most of the Comply tips and some of the ETY tips were also sold on Amazon.

    Good luck whatever you decide.

  13. #12

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    I grabbed a pair of these at NAMM a couple years ago: https://www.getdubs.com/ They had young, attractive models passing them out, so I highly recommend them!

    [Actually, they are fairly comfortable!]

  14. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by HighSpeedSpoon
    I use them with a stock eartip, but a custom fit is best if you can find it. You can find a list of custom mold providers on Etymotic's site (here). If a custom fit isn't in the picture, Etymotic makes a variety of stock tips, and Comply makes a variety of compatible aftermarket tips - basically anything that fits an ETY ER4 (currently Comply's Sport 100, Comfort 100, Isolation 100). The last time I looked, most of the Comply tips and some of the ETY tips were also sold on Amazon.
    tangentially, i use etyomtic earbuds with the smallest tips they make, because the regular ones don't fit in my stupid ear holes. i'm always listening to music, but they are defacto earplugs. i wear them at work, where i'm surrounded by loud machinery, on subways and on planes. they block out enough noise that i can turn the volume down to a safer level and the sound quality is pretty great at the price point.

    i much prefer the etymotic tips to the comply memory foam ones. i used those for years and they would disintegrate over time and, though providing a custom fit, didn't block out as much as the etymotic, which last me a lot longer.

    of course, seeing and audiologist would be best. but really, anything is better than nothing. even a few dollar cheapies from the hardware store would be a step in the right direction. i used those back in my drumming days and they made a world of difference.

  15. #14

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    Once again, thanks for all this excellent advice. I'll most likely end up with a visit to an audiologist. As Danny W. stated, I can't imagine it won't be worth the investment. We only get one pair of ears in this lifetime.

  16. #15

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    I went the custom molded route about 12 years ago. they are hard plastic and fit my ears like a glove. I think since I had mine done they have a more semi-hard rubbery material that they use. If you have the choice get the rubbery plugs. The hard plastic gets sore in the ears after about 1/2 hour. I'm thinking of searching out another pair. I have tinnitus so good ear protection is a priority for me.

  17. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by marcwhy
    I grabbed a pair of these at NAMM a couple years ago: https://www.getdubs.com/ They had young, attractive models passing them out, so I highly recommend them!

    [Actually, they are fairly comfortable!]
    My hearing has been compromised since last Sunday due to some sort of inflammation that seems to have improved with my first dose of prednisone last night. I have had tinnitus for quite a while and should have done something sooner, but better late than never. I wanted to get something before my next rehearsal on Monday, so ordering anything online was not an option. I have a Guitar Center and a Music Go Round near me. GC had a few options, with Earasers being their recommendation at $45. MGR only had DUBS for $25. I went with the DUBS as both received comparable reviews. I have nothing to compare them to, but my initial test in my car with the stereo was pretty good. Volume was noticeably reduced, yet the music remained pretty clear. Monday night will be the real test.

    Ultimately, I will probably get something higher-end from the audiologist, but these DUBS should do the job for now.

  18. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by feet
    ... i much prefer the etymotic tips to the comply memory foam ones. i used those for years and they would disintegrate over time and, though providing a custom fit, didn't block out as much as the etymotic, which last me a lot longer. ...
    I go back and forth between the Etymotic foam tips and the Comply P100 series Isolation tips, which are a different kind of foam. I actually find that of these two specific models, the Comply tips hold up much better than the Etys (for me). The Comply tips also resist loosening and whistling much better than the Etys. The downside for me is that the Complys are not quite as comfortable as the Etys for all-day use, but for a few hours only, I'll take the Complys.

    To repeat though, that is just what is true for my ears.