Anybody renting an apartment and find it a problem to practice with the volumn turned up a little ? I don`t mean on #10. I recently moved from a home into an apartment in a private house. I have good headphones but with wires hanging around I don`t find it enjoyable to play that way. Anybody here have the same problem ? I was wondering how you get around the noise issue. Any suggestions are welcomed and thanks in advance.

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Why don't you try having the volume pretty low but loud enough to hear yourself? You could try and arrange an appropriate time with your neighbours as to when you can play to the right volume.

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You could also try wireless headphones.

Yes, I have the same exact problem. I practice with my headphones and don't really enjoy it, exactly as you say. Because I'm tied to wires and sitting down right next to the amp. Every once in a while I turn it up a little bit ( without headphones) and risk incurring a noise complaint. I've only gotten three noise complaints in nearly 3 years, but the entire time I'm playing I'm nervous about it so it takes some of the fun away. It's not as loud as I want it to be, yet it's too loud for the neighbors. I would say it even affects my playing. Very timely thread. Thank you. In fact, I have been thinking about figuring out a way to rent or find a dedicated practice space where I can play at full volume. LOL I need to find a drummer or bass player who has a place and play there. The reason I said it affects my playing is that while I'm feeling guilty the entire time I play softer or less aggressively than I ordinarily would if I could really let loose. Also the only time I can practice is either early in the morning or late at night, so I can't even use playing at a good time of day as a way to change things.

Put your amp up on a stand or table a couple of feet. Make sure it is not near any walls, especially ones that connect apartments.

If you plan on staying there for a while, soundproof an area. Oh ya, and turn the bass down.

Man, I keep thinking of stuff: The foam and fabric stores throw out enough foam in a day or two to do the job.

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My ability to spell is in direct proportion to the amount of coffee I've had.

I have the same issues living in a 17 Unit Condo Bldg.

Fortunately, I office from home so I can play through my Amps when my neighbors are all out at work until about 4:30 in the afternoon.

After that, I use my Zoom G1N ext (http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-G1N-Guitar-M ... pd_cp_MI_0 ) without an amp.... just plug your headphones right into it. With this, you can select several different Amp sounds and can get all sort of effects with it too.



At just $50, it's a workable alternative.

cheers!

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I've seen wireless headphones at radio shack and the local music store. Play as loud as you want without restricting you from digging in. It's less expensive than soundproofing your apartment.

I practice with a Vox headphone amp. Works great.

If somebody has found a decent wireless headset for under $150 let me know. I really don't think there is one. They are also heavy due the batteries. Plus you are broadcasting that stuff.

If you avoid a curly cord and get one with a long enough straight cord I don't see how the cord can really be that much of a problem. That's how you do it in the studio anyhow.

I agree with the straight cord. It's what I use and it gives me zero grief. The wireless headphones at redio shack were about $80 and seemed light enough. Rechargeable, so maybe not as heavy as regular batteries? I don't know. My wife wanted me to buy them so I could move around more. I just ended up buying headphones with a 8 ft. straight cord instead and it never bothers me. Some people are different I guess. If you need more length, buy an extension cord for them. Radioshack again. (No I don't shop there often nor do I promote them).

If you guys are talking about 100-200 for wireless headphones, then I'm not sure that would be necessarily cheaper than soundproofing a small area. I got the impression that the OP wanted to use the amp for the sake of getting use to it. As far as a headphone solution, all the suggestions so far have been good ones. I think Korg makes an effects processor small enough to fit on your strap and you could plug in the phones from there. This way there are no wires in front of you. I have used less expensive wireless headphones and the sound was not good.
Here is the Korg.


My problem is my dog. She is about 90 lbs and loves to tangle herself up in the cords and take off. She does it for attention, and she is very spoiled. I am in a fog of her hot dog breath as we speak.

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My ability to spell is in direct proportion to the amount of coffee I've had.

I suggest an electric ukulele with some distortion added as a very effect cat repellant. Don't know about how to keep the dog out of your cables though.

All good suggestions. I`ve been using Bose headphones and the wire is straight and also thin but for some reason I still find it annoying, I guess its just me. I do put the amp on a table with a blanket under it, so I try to do whatever I can to cut the noise down. This is just going to be a major adjustment for me after owning my own home. Thanks again, you`ve all been helpful.

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