The world is getting quieter , my friends . Even on the most expansive stages , the mighty stacks of our predecessors have largely become a thing of the past , and live sound professionals striving for a more controlled stage environment regularly frown upon excess volume . In the residential areas where we spend most of our lives physical space and real estate are at a premium ( especially for those of us that reside in cities ) and as we begin to live in ever closer proximity to our neighbors , the life of the electric guitarist becomes ever more bound up in regulations , city ordinances , and limitations . Even a five-watt practice amp is plenty loud enough to piss off the tenants next door or across the hall , and if you ’ ve got roommates ( especially non-musician roommates ) or small children that need to get to bed early , then forget about it . Trying to get a little rocking done while your neighbors and flat mates are home will get you kicked off the lease in a heartbeat , and waking the kiddies is never a good idea .
So , what to do in times likes these ? You could stand your ground , fight back , and turn up the amps loud and proud , but a more reasonable and neighborly response probably lies elsewhere . Some of us have dedicated practice spaces , for instance . These are nice , but can be very expensive , located at such a distance from home that impromptu jamming is not convenient , and there are usually other people practicing loudly in these spaces as well , which can certainly cramp one ’ s style .
The best solution for those with limited financial means and a desire for an isolated place to rock in private is the lowly headphone amplifier . Headphone amps are invaluable tools for practicing when the mood strikes , without damaging any personal relationships , and with minimal cash investment . They ’ re also a lot of fun . Playing with a good headphone amp and a proper set of closed-back headphones can be a truly enveloping experience . Here are our top picks for those times when you must shred in isolation .
The world is getting quieter , my friends . Even on the most expansive stages , the mighty stacks of our predecessors have largely become a thing of the past , and live sound professionals striving for a more controlled stage environment regularly frown upon excess volume . In the residential areas where we spend most of our lives physical space and real estate are at a premium ( especially for those of us that reside in cities ) and as we begin to live in ever closer proximity to our neighbors , the life of the electric guitarist becomes ever more bound up in regulations , city ordinances , and limitations . Even a five-watt practice amp is plenty loud enough to piss off the tenants next door or across the hall , and if you ’ ve got roommates ( especially non-musician roommates ) or small children that need to get to bed early , then forget about it . Trying to get a little rocking done while your neighbors and flat mates are home will get you kicked off the lease in a heartbeat , and waking the kiddies is never a good idea .
So , what to do in times likes these ? You could stand your ground , fight back , and turn up the amps loud and proud , but a more reasonable and neighborly response probably lies elsewhere . Some of us have dedicated practice spaces , for instance . These are nice , but can be very expensive , located at such a distance from home that impromptu jamming is not convenient , and there are usually other people practicing loudly in these spaces as well , which can certainly cramp one ’ s style .
“ Even a fivewatt practice amp is plenty loud enough to piss off the tenants next door or across the hall ...”
The best solution for those with limited financial means and a desire for an isolated place to rock in private is the lowly headphone amplifier . Headphone amps are invaluable tools for practicing when the mood strikes , without damaging any personal relationships , and with minimal cash investment . They ’ re also a lot of fun . Playing with a good headphone amp and a proper set of closed-back headphones can be a truly enveloping experience . Here are our top picks for those times when you must shred in isolation .