Syncopepper Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 (edited) I have come to that time in life when I have trouble hearing through the background level. This is causing me problems when playing in sessions or jams (or in bars). I cannot hear myself which is fatal for me on my 56 key EC. I hoped that an Android app might allow me to clip my cell phone to my belt as a hearing aid but all those I have tried had significant sound delay. I wonder if there might be any dedicated devices that are alternative options? Perhaps some sort of amplifier (hearing aid) that I could plug earbuds into with a volume control. Clipped to the shirt or the belt it would be near to the reeds whether standing and sitting. As most earbuds don't have a lot of sound isolation perhaps I could hear the other musicians and adjust the volume of my own instrument. I'm afraid that scheme that would have to be attempted to predict how all those variables shake out. Any advice on a more sane solution, or general comment, would be appreciated. ? Edited March 21, 2019 by Syncopepper correction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Molkentin Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 first advice (although admittedly not covering the issue in its entirety) is to position yourself in a corner, thus benefiting from the walls reflecting the sound of your instrument in multiple ways... best wishes - ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 (edited) I'd suggest getting a louder concertina. Being of a certain age myself I also have this problem. My Rosewood ended Wheatstone (model 5) was fine for Irish sessions in County Clare, but on moving to France and playing in dance bands with melodeons and various french bagpipes I just could not hear my EC. I tried clip-on microphones for each end ,plugged into a guitar amplifier placed just behind me... it sort of worked but was a cumbersome set up that interfered with the the rest of the band's amplification. So, I cast around for a louder box and I can now hear what I am playing in almost any situation. A good model 22 or 24 Wheatstone, or try a metal ended Lachenal New Model . There are types of ear plugs made for musicians, which will cut down excessive noise levels and may be of some use in your situation. I carry a small supply of cotton wool and use it to block the over loud sounds coming from other instruments...... this is sometimes effective. Edited March 21, 2019 by Geoff Wooff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 Do a search for industrial ear plugs. There are many versions that allow close conversational sound to be heard while blocking machine or factory noise. A quick glance showed a product called Plugfone that is blue tooth enabled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill N Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 (edited) I'm dealing with the same problem in a big noisy session, which includes a microphone and amp for singers and tune leaders, in a noisy bar. Although my Kensington is plenty loud for others to hear, I can't hear much, especially in the higher frequencies. I'm experimenting right now with a Vox Amplug. I have a set of Microvox M400 microphones and power supply. The Amplug is a very small unit (The power supply and Amplug clip to my belt) which plugs into the output jack of the Microvox system, and powers earbuds or headphones. It's originally intended for quiet electric guitar practice. I put one earbud in and turn up the volume just enough so that I can hear myself while still hearing everyone else. Still fooling around with volume levels, but seems promising. Edited March 21, 2019 by Bill N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich C R Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 Glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem.... Some of the solutions look interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Cowan Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 I'm curious about whether using the Amplug is working well with the Microvox system at loud sessions. Which Vox Amplug are using - there seem to a number of models of the Amplug. Thanks to Bill N for suggesting this for loud sessions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill N Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 (edited) 16 hours ago, Doug Cowan said: I'm curious about whether using the Amplug is working well with the Microvox system at loud sessions. Which Vox Amplug are using - there seem to a number of models of the Amplug. Thanks to Bill N for suggesting this for loud sessions. I tried to find the "Clean" model, but settled for the AC30. It has a variety of settings including reverb, delay and tremolo effect (which are fun to fool around with in the headphones) but has one setting which seems reasonably "clean" for my intended use. The unit itself works very well with the Microvox gear. I'm at the trial and error stage now with volume/gain, 1 vs. 2 earbuds and left vs. right ear trying to come up with the best combination whereby I can hear both myself and the session. It's working pretty well, but there's room for tweaking I think. I'm using a cheap pair of airline earbuds- I think I'll try to find a better quality, comfortable single bud. I should mention that I normally wear hearing aids, but the din of this session overwhelms them on all settings. Those with unimpaired hearing might experience this differently. Ironically, I got the idea from a a friend who plays an English guitar at a session I go to that regularly features 5 or 6 concertinas and 2 melodeons! Edited March 22, 2019 by Bill N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill N Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 Here's what it looks like: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LateToTheGame Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 I have no idea if this would work for you. I have recently taken to wearing earplugs designed to cut out super loud noises in concert situations. The brand I found were called Eargasms, but there are many other brands. It seems to cut down the amplified sounds, but I can still hear myself and conversations. Some of the sessions I play in have begun to mike and occasionally I find myself sitting next to a particularly loud banjo, accordion or bohran. It may not be enough for you, but I recommend wearing them in any really loud situation like an amplified concert or working with power tools, so having a pair on hand might be good anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Syncopepper Posted March 24, 2019 Author Share Posted March 24, 2019 Many thanks for several interesting avenues to pursue. To define my issue more precisely performing with a stage monitor isn’t a problem. My problem occurs in informal groups with no amplification. I have found it helpful to use the space around me to amplify but often can’t control that variable. I do find myself cupping my ears these days. (but not while playing) The earplug approach is one I can attempt. I have a pair of those for loud music environments. I will have to dig around for them and report back. Also the Amplug option seems to be close to what I was envisioning. I have a rosewood New Model but have been able to try several metal-ended Aeolas in one sitting recently. Generally their handling and reed quality were similar to the New Model but the usual differences of volume and brightness sets the new model off. For accompaniment it’s a better match for me. In a senor epiphany moment I just realized I have an accordion reeded instrument that is playable. I wonder if that would cut through the auditory fog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Thorne Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 Where do you hold your instrument while playing? If it's close to you lap you could try holding it higher. If you bend your elbows it should come up almost level with your face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf Molkentin Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 6 hours ago, Clive Thorne said: Where do you hold your instrument while playing? If it's close to you lap you could try holding it higher. If you bend your elbows it should come up almost level with your face. That‘s what I‘m doing sometimes for a brief moment in order to make certain what I‘m actually playing. Extending that approach over an entire session or so might prompt a conflict with your neighbours as the concertina will be even louder for them... Best wishes - ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lofty Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 (edited) 12 hours ago, Syncopepper said: several metal-ended Aeolas I agree with what Geoff said earlier. If you can, try a Wheatstone Model 22 or 24. I find Aeolas to be quite “polite” tonally, on the whole. Model 22s or 24s can sound significantly more “pushy”. Steve Edited March 25, 2019 by Lofty Punctuation correction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Wooff Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, Lofty said: I agree with what Geoff said earlier. If you can, try a Wheatstone Model 22 or 24. I find Aeolas to be quite “polite” tonally, on the whole. Model 22s or 24s can sound significantly more “pushy”. Steve Indeed Steve ,you beat me to it. The design of the Aeola is more genteel, that all notes should have similar tonal qualities and equal carrying power. Whilst a metal ended Aeola will hold its own against a Rosewood New Model Lachenal, a metal ended New Model or a Wheatstone model 22 or 24 can shine through a lot more background noise. Recently I had a very good Rosewood New Model and it sat in my double concertina box as a back up just in case my model 22 broke a spring in the middle of a gig, but it never got used in anger because it is not as loud. For playing at home or for a quieter session the wooden ended New Model is ideal... in fact my LOUD Model 22 is almost never played in the house, unless I want to duet with our dog. Not all Model 22's /24's are the same. In the early days they had very shallow 'flat' reedpans, which gave the instrument speed and volume... Later the tapered reedpan was adopted which helps to balance out the sounds in a similar way to the Aeola. At what date the design was changed I'm not sure but I do know that my flat reedpan type was made about 1898 and Alistair Anderson's concertina is the same vintage. Edited March 25, 2019 by Geoff Wooff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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