I guess it also depends of what type of music
you performing at the time, and the audience
you're playing for etc.
Talking of speakers, i.e. look at Pink Floyd's
gigging, A whole wall of it, and I few watt's I
guess
But you're right, it's the bass who make you feel
the "boost".
GJ

My Wife and I on hols in Galway say 5 yrs ago and we went to adance 5 piece band --huge mixer approx 15 ft wide and a huge inflexibe guy operating it.It was abusively loud and I "survived" but my wife has the noise in her ears thing ever since. All members of the band had two ear plugs in to ensure that they didnt suffer. While I try to live in peace I was dissapointed that my wife didnt take legal action. It may have helped some others (and herself financially).
I try to get vol low usually but yes I love the lift we all get when its at a level that drives audience and myself into action. Myears are affected in that I dont hear as well as I would wish. Pierce

I'm sorry - there is simply NO reason to play loud enough to hurt your hearing. That is my most precious gift, and I'd be lost without it. I'd rather be blind.

Gentlemen, Gentlemen, .........I know is fun to play loud and "move the air" all we can; but aren't we beeing a little selfish here? Have you ever been on the other side of the picture, you know, in the audience, trying to convey a thought to someone else, but you can't because you can't hear yourself think, all due to the sound being "painfuly" loud? How about trying to enjoy your meal with just some music in the background?
Sometimes "air moves" for 4 straight hours during a time when people are not necesarily at a concert but to enjoy all the other things beside music that make an affair a fun place to be; things like the food, the ambiance, friends, telling some jokes they can hear. Hate to sound like a "party pooper" here but we, as musicians, can be a bit more considerate by being more sensitive of people's needs when they are out to have fun. This does not mean that, at sometime during the affair, musicians shouldn't play "loud"; but this should be done more selectivly towards the end of the affair, after everone is done eating, and done enough talking. So many times when I am a guest to an affair I here peoples' most frequent comment:....."everything was great, but the music was sooooo loud!" oops! I think I just revealed my age!
Mario

UD, Gunnar, Chico, Eric, Don.... I hope you still like me! ....Pleeeease.

Here Here Mario...
My sentiments exactly. A lot of the regular places I play say they hire a LOUD band only once. Just like tempos should ebb and flow, same with volumes.
Eddie

Mario: Excellent point. There is a time and place for softer/louder music. As entertainers, it is our responsibility to gauge the volume level as well as music style appropriate for the occasion.

My rule of thumb is to always start out playing 'quieter' than what I initially think the audience expects. Contrary to what many people think, playing softer can sometimes be an effective way to 'draw' the audience in. This can suddenly quiet the room down so they can hear you. Nothing's worse than playing louder and louder to compete with a boisterist crowd. It doesn't work !

A key to a successful musician/entertainer is the ability to gauge the mood of the audience and use our music to transform the mood of the room. What song set works one night may be inappropriate for another. Every night is different so it's important to stay in touch with the audience's mood & energy level. The key is to maintain spontaneity & flexibility. As musicians, we really do have awesome powers.

Good point Mario,

that's why I think an arranger has a great advantage over a band. You can turn the WHOLE thing down and still sound great, depending on your surroundings.
We can squeeze into any little corner of a coffe shop or fill out a large party room.

I always make sure my audience is comfortable and has fun, that's why I wrote that I haven't played loud in a long time.

On our last christmas party (about 700 present) we had a DJ. Dinner music OK, but than started the dance....
The subwoofer way to loud/strong.
I like to move my lungs through my own breathing efforts and not by a subwoofer.
OK I too like to feel the base, but that was way to much and a lot of people left after a short while, including myself.
The year before they had a live band. It was much better. Loud, but good loud without pain.

I sliped Human rsources a demo tape. Who knows... Next year?

Eric

Volume Tip when performing:

If YOU can't hear the Hum of the audience while playing ..... Your too Loud. Works for me after 30+ yrs still performing live.

Don't misunderstand, I always monitor the audience. This was just a huge place and big crowd and it was necessary to play louder than I normally do.
DonM

Don,

ya sure you wer'nt Flashbackin to your 60's Rock days that night!!? :>)