Robben Ford Discussion

Phil T

Hi Daved
I'm interested to know if Robben still uses his ear plugs consistently when performing live.
thanks
(P.S. w/summer here, I hope you're staying "cool" while out there on the road Smile

)
phil

Buffaloe · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:57 am Post subject:

I asked Robben this question at a clinic in May '04. He said it depends on the venue and some other circumstances, but that he prefers not to wear them. He feels, as I do, that it takes away some of the sensation of "feeling" the music. I have custom fit 15dB earplugs, and I usually only wear one on whichever side the drummer is on. The cymbal crashes and hard snare hits are the killers.
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frank0936 · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:54 am Post subject: Hearing protection

I can understand that. Those hard snare hits can be tough even away from the drums. Are you gigging much in N.O. Buffaloe?
Frank

Daved · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 8:49 am Post subject:

Phil,

Yes, Robben has and uses a set of molded earplugs. I always set them on top of his FX rack along with his Riccola throat lozenges.

He never uses both plugs at the same time and only uses one (usually his left ear) ocassionally when drums and/or bass get a little overwhelming. Usually he just repositions himself onstage to get the ambient mix that he wants.
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( }:-Daved
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Bill Morgan · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:26 pm Post subject:

JackD · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:41 pm Post subject:

I've always resisted using ear plugs (although I know I should). Does anyone recommend any type or brand that provide a good level of protection while, at the same time, not being too "muffled"

Buffaloe · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:54 am Post subject: Re: Hearing protection

Buffaloe · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:01 am Post subject:

Phil T · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:43 pm Post subject:

EastMark · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 3:20 pm Post subject:

>>I don't know what brand mine are, but any audiologist can make them for you. They pour this goop down your ear then send it off for the mold to be made.

I happen to be a freind of Buck Dharma who some of you guitar nuts may be familiar with. He's still 'on tour forever' after about 30 years and we talked about this not long ago. He wears a pair of 'Westone' (sp.) custom molded plugs from an audiologist and says the same thing as far as they come different -db ratings.
He claims they reduce the volume while still maintaining clean listening.
He said 'Some of the best money I ever spent' and thats battle tested.;-)
EastMark

Aeolian · Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 9:45 pm Post subject:

There's a thread on TheGearPage about this. I have Westone's with ER15 filters and they bother me playing. Great for loud concerts, but they alter the tone of the guitar in a weird way and make it difficult to play. Looking at the responses to that other thread, it looks like the ER9 filters, while not offering as much protection, are much better sounding.

I also think that the Etymotic plugs are molded of a softer compound than the Westones, which also can irritate after awhile.

Either is much better though than the solid foam plugs that muffle everything.

I've taken heat from my audiologist and folks who swear by the ER-X molded plugs for doing this, but I typically put pieces of cotton ball in my ears at gigs and clubs that aren't too loud. It doesn't cut the highs so badly that your brain can't compensate, you can even talk to people during breaks without noticing it, but it does keep my tinitus from getting worse.
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Red Suede · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:45 pm Post subject:

Now there's an idea I can get behind, Aeolian. Brilliant!!!!