Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
- Thread starter sooperunkn
- Start date
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
Here's the deal the way I see it. If you are renting excessive noise may violate your lease. Excessive noise qualifies as anything that causes your lower neighbor to repeatedly call the landlord. If he is renting, boarding dogs is most likely lease violation as well.
If you own you can most likely do what you like until the police get involved and they, like you landlord (if you have one) will only want the problem to go away. That translates into you not playing at any level that bothers your neighbor.
Work out a deal with this guy because regardless of your "rights", feuding with neighbors sucks. I long ago learned that single family dwellings, industrial lofts and living in the sticks is the only way to play at level. I currently own a house in a city type neighborhood and even though none of my neighbors complain and many dig the tunes I still don't play past ten at level out of consideration.
I'm thinking a Pod 2.x and a set of headphones will save you alot of grief. Telling the neighbor to kiss your behind will only make matters worse. I learned that lesson the hard way.
Here's the deal the way I see it. If you are renting excessive noise may violate your lease. Excessive noise qualifies as anything that causes your lower neighbor to repeatedly call the landlord. If he is renting, boarding dogs is most likely lease violation as well.
If you own you can most likely do what you like until the police get involved and they, like you landlord (if you have one) will only want the problem to go away. That translates into you not playing at any level that bothers your neighbor.
Work out a deal with this guy because regardless of your "rights", feuding with neighbors sucks. I long ago learned that single family dwellings, industrial lofts and living in the sticks is the only way to play at level. I currently own a house in a city type neighborhood and even though none of my neighbors complain and many dig the tunes I still don't play past ten at level out of consideration.
I'm thinking a Pod 2.x and a set of headphones will save you alot of grief. Telling the neighbor to kiss your behind will only make matters worse. I learned that lesson the hard way.
RiffRaff
New member
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
I've gone through something similar - one neighbor never complained (and I asked more than once if my playing ever bothered them) they sold, moved, the next neighbor complained constantly - even when I plug my guitar through my headphone amp and run it through some small powered speakers. They said they could hear it through my bedroom window. I relocated my practice area to the far side of my house and I keep the window shut - I've asked them if they can still hear me practicing, they've said no and now we're all happy. Unfortunately your upstairs so finding a less obtrusive place to practice won't be as easy but give it a try - also get your amp up off the ground, that will help reduce some of the bass and high frequency sounds from penetrating through the walls. It sucks to have to deal with this but there are ways to improve the situation. Also, pick up an attenuator - I bought a used Dr. Z airbrake for less than two bills - works great - no loss of tone and I can practice with good overdrive sounds with the volume at normal talking volumes.
I've gone through something similar - one neighbor never complained (and I asked more than once if my playing ever bothered them) they sold, moved, the next neighbor complained constantly - even when I plug my guitar through my headphone amp and run it through some small powered speakers. They said they could hear it through my bedroom window. I relocated my practice area to the far side of my house and I keep the window shut - I've asked them if they can still hear me practicing, they've said no and now we're all happy. Unfortunately your upstairs so finding a less obtrusive place to practice won't be as easy but give it a try - also get your amp up off the ground, that will help reduce some of the bass and high frequency sounds from penetrating through the walls. It sucks to have to deal with this but there are ways to improve the situation. Also, pick up an attenuator - I bought a used Dr. Z airbrake for less than two bills - works great - no loss of tone and I can practice with good overdrive sounds with the volume at normal talking volumes.
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
Well, since he's got this dog-gig going on.
And you say sometimes you hear them, but usually their OK.
Just say "OH YEAH? THOSE F**KING DOGS OF YOURS WOKE ME AT 3AM THE OTHER DAY?"
When he says "What Day?"
Say "I don't F**KING KNOW! WTF LOOKS AT THE DATE AT 3AM???"
A level of 3 on a dual recto like yours is quite a bit of volume.
Well, since he's got this dog-gig going on.
And you say sometimes you hear them, but usually their OK.
Just say "OH YEAH? THOSE F**KING DOGS OF YOURS WOKE ME AT 3AM THE OTHER DAY?"
When he says "What Day?"
Say "I don't F**KING KNOW! WTF LOOKS AT THE DATE AT 3AM???"
A level of 3 on a dual recto like yours is quite a bit of volume.
butnut
New member
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
Some good advise and some will get ya nowhere or in trouble. I own my own house. Over a year ago, my son's band was practicing in our garage...12 noon. Cops come said someone complained of the 'noise'. I told the boys, close the garage door, turn down and I'll bring some fans in. I sat in on a song or two and it was not loud. Cops came again, said same caller complained. I went outside with the cop, told the boys to start playing so I could hear from outside with the cop. A muffled sound, like a home stereo, I ask the cop...is that loud. He said no. It's freakin' 12 noon on a Saturday. Weedwhackers make more noise. I told him, I'll have the boys drop even lower and hope the Ahole does'nt complain. The boys are playing soft, and my son, the drummer is pissed he can't hit the drums like he's used to... I mean, they are playing rock...not jazz. I tell him I don't want the cops back so better get used to it. I go in the house, and 10 minutes later, the cop comes back...with his sarge this time. He's almost embarrassed cause we're at my front door, and the band is still going, and it's not loud at all. BUT, he said they have to respond to EVERY complaint. The Ahole had called again. He said he HAD to write me up, taking information, and told me we had to shut down or his next visit will be to take me in. I asked about my rights to have the kids play music in my house, he said, I do have that right...as much as someone down the street to complain about it...it's blatant harassement. But nothing I could do about it...it came from an 'anonymous caller'. Best to work something out or if he calls the cops, you'll have to comply anyway. In your case of living next to this guy, headphones may be the only way to go. Good luck.
Some good advise and some will get ya nowhere or in trouble. I own my own house. Over a year ago, my son's band was practicing in our garage...12 noon. Cops come said someone complained of the 'noise'. I told the boys, close the garage door, turn down and I'll bring some fans in. I sat in on a song or two and it was not loud. Cops came again, said same caller complained. I went outside with the cop, told the boys to start playing so I could hear from outside with the cop. A muffled sound, like a home stereo, I ask the cop...is that loud. He said no. It's freakin' 12 noon on a Saturday. Weedwhackers make more noise. I told him, I'll have the boys drop even lower and hope the Ahole does'nt complain. The boys are playing soft, and my son, the drummer is pissed he can't hit the drums like he's used to... I mean, they are playing rock...not jazz. I tell him I don't want the cops back so better get used to it. I go in the house, and 10 minutes later, the cop comes back...with his sarge this time. He's almost embarrassed cause we're at my front door, and the band is still going, and it's not loud at all. BUT, he said they have to respond to EVERY complaint. The Ahole had called again. He said he HAD to write me up, taking information, and told me we had to shut down or his next visit will be to take me in. I asked about my rights to have the kids play music in my house, he said, I do have that right...as much as someone down the street to complain about it...it's blatant harassement. But nothing I could do about it...it came from an 'anonymous caller'. Best to work something out or if he calls the cops, you'll have to comply anyway. In your case of living next to this guy, headphones may be the only way to go. Good luck.
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strat_master
New member
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
I say play loud and proud during the day only! night time keep it down. There s no reason why they shoudl complain during the day, only at night when your amp becomes the loudest thing on the block.
I say play loud and proud during the day only! night time keep it down. There s no reason why they shoudl complain during the day, only at night when your amp becomes the loudest thing on the block.
Guitarsmasher911
New member
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
My band was practicing in my friends garage once.....we had the door open cause it was so hot that day. We started noticing something strange on the street. We saw a cop car go by....then another......then one comes back the other way again...then the other follows. Then 5 min later they pull in the drive...and tell us to stop playing when it was 1:00 P.M. We stopped playing that day...next week we play again, but with the door shut. This old guy comes over and starts banging on the door like crazy and starts cussing us out. Tells us to stop all of our racket(Music) that we are making or he will have us arrested. 5 min later we see the cops again...going back and forth across the street. We call the cops and wanted to talk about what the laws are for this situation. They came and told us it is under Disturbing the Peace....no matter what time of day it is. The other neighbors loved to hear us play..that is the funny thing. So the moral of the story is....if you are playing loud music and neighbors can hear it ....and it bothers them. It is disturbing the peace...and sadly it is a law. I guess i will stop playing my 5150 half-stack in my room now.......
My band was practicing in my friends garage once.....we had the door open cause it was so hot that day. We started noticing something strange on the street. We saw a cop car go by....then another......then one comes back the other way again...then the other follows. Then 5 min later they pull in the drive...and tell us to stop playing when it was 1:00 P.M. We stopped playing that day...next week we play again, but with the door shut. This old guy comes over and starts banging on the door like crazy and starts cussing us out. Tells us to stop all of our racket(Music) that we are making or he will have us arrested. 5 min later we see the cops again...going back and forth across the street. We call the cops and wanted to talk about what the laws are for this situation. They came and told us it is under Disturbing the Peace....no matter what time of day it is. The other neighbors loved to hear us play..that is the funny thing. So the moral of the story is....if you are playing loud music and neighbors can hear it ....and it bothers them. It is disturbing the peace...and sadly it is a law. I guess i will stop playing my 5150 half-stack in my room now.......
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
Sound-proofing. If the only time you really want to crank it up its to get a decent recording sound, can't you just put a soundproof cabinet around the amp? Then you can crank up, close the doors, and record away.
I'm lucky in that my neighbours have never really complained about noise - but the neighbour on one side is almost deaf. All the same, I play at sensible times of the day, and I don't often go up to 3.
Sound-proofing. If the only time you really want to crank it up its to get a decent recording sound, can't you just put a soundproof cabinet around the amp? Then you can crank up, close the doors, and record away.
I'm lucky in that my neighbours have never really complained about noise - but the neighbour on one side is almost deaf. All the same, I play at sensible times of the day, and I don't often go up to 3.
midnite_man
New member
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
I wouldn't drag the dog-issue into it as you'd only escalate the problem into a pissin-match with your neighbor. If the dogs are a problem, politely inform him of your concern. You can be fined for disturbing the peace, but usually that comes after a warning. If you make your neighbor mad enough he'll probably call your local's finest and then you'll be dealing with the law, AND, probably your landlord.
The POD 2.x and headphone scenario tha Robert suggested is an excellent possible solution, or, a small practice amp. I know when I play my Fender DRRI at 3 it's fairly loud in my house, and that's only 22 watts.
Why not try talking to him about what times of the day/week might be better for both of you so as not to get on each other's nerves, and if his dogs are buggin' you at all, it would be a good opportunity to bring that issue up as well. The sooner you get it all ironed out, the better. Don't let animousity build up between you two.
Just some friendly advice.
Good luck!
I wouldn't drag the dog-issue into it as you'd only escalate the problem into a pissin-match with your neighbor. If the dogs are a problem, politely inform him of your concern. You can be fined for disturbing the peace, but usually that comes after a warning. If you make your neighbor mad enough he'll probably call your local's finest and then you'll be dealing with the law, AND, probably your landlord.
The POD 2.x and headphone scenario tha Robert suggested is an excellent possible solution, or, a small practice amp. I know when I play my Fender DRRI at 3 it's fairly loud in my house, and that's only 22 watts.
Why not try talking to him about what times of the day/week might be better for both of you so as not to get on each other's nerves, and if his dogs are buggin' you at all, it would be a good opportunity to bring that issue up as well. The sooner you get it all ironed out, the better. Don't let animousity build up between you two.
Just some friendly advice.
Good luck!
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
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Does this mean I can call the cops for noise complaints every time my neighbor mows his lawn? Or starts up his harley? Or when the town has fireworks at 10PM and i have to get up for work the next morning? Or when the neighbors brat kids are outside playing/screaming in the yard? Why does it seem like music is the only type of noise pollution people feel compelled to stop?
All the suggestions to use a practice amp work for this particular situation but clearly this is not an option for all musicians - tuba players, drummers etc. (yeah i know its a stretch to lump in drummers with actual musicians but I think you get the point).
Turn it up loud and when the cops just dont let em in. If they kick down the door you can always say "sorry, didnt hear you knock the music was too loud!!!!!"
Guitarsmasher911 said:
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Does this mean I can call the cops for noise complaints every time my neighbor mows his lawn? Or starts up his harley? Or when the town has fireworks at 10PM and i have to get up for work the next morning? Or when the neighbors brat kids are outside playing/screaming in the yard? Why does it seem like music is the only type of noise pollution people feel compelled to stop?
All the suggestions to use a practice amp work for this particular situation but clearly this is not an option for all musicians - tuba players, drummers etc. (yeah i know its a stretch to lump in drummers with actual musicians but I think you get the point).
Turn it up loud and when the cops just dont let em in. If they kick down the door you can always say "sorry, didnt hear you knock the music was too loud!!!!!"
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
I've dealt with neighbors and cops for as long as I can remember, regarding
noise issues. It's one of the biggest obstacles for practicing or starting a band. Like most have said, it's best to work out an agreement with neighbors,
but sometimes there's nothing you can do but pay for a proper rehearsal space. Either that, or have two separate rigs...one for loud rehearsal, one for
low volume practice. At home, I use the Vox Valvetronix 60W head and
a Bogner 2-12 cab. The selectable wattage, down to 6W, and the headphone out, is the only rig I can use to avoid noise problems.
Luckily, that rig sounds good, so I don't feel like I'm making a huge sacrifice.
Most laws state that pro audio sound equipment, including a guitar amp,
falls into the category of industrial zoning. That means, anything loud enough
to garner a complaint, needs to be used in an area zoned for industrial use.
It's sucks, especially today, since I'm collecting rent money from band members and co-renters, to pay for my $500 mo. lockout.
Gone are the days of cops sticking a billy club throught my garage door,
one neighbor cutting my phone line, and another neighbor that actually threw
a coconut through my truck's back window! That was back in the day's of
rehearsing at a bandmember's guesthouse.
I've dealt with neighbors and cops for as long as I can remember, regarding
noise issues. It's one of the biggest obstacles for practicing or starting a band. Like most have said, it's best to work out an agreement with neighbors,
but sometimes there's nothing you can do but pay for a proper rehearsal space. Either that, or have two separate rigs...one for loud rehearsal, one for
low volume practice. At home, I use the Vox Valvetronix 60W head and
a Bogner 2-12 cab. The selectable wattage, down to 6W, and the headphone out, is the only rig I can use to avoid noise problems.
Luckily, that rig sounds good, so I don't feel like I'm making a huge sacrifice.
Most laws state that pro audio sound equipment, including a guitar amp,
falls into the category of industrial zoning. That means, anything loud enough
to garner a complaint, needs to be used in an area zoned for industrial use.
It's sucks, especially today, since I'm collecting rent money from band members and co-renters, to pay for my $500 mo. lockout.
Gone are the days of cops sticking a billy club throught my garage door,
one neighbor cutting my phone line, and another neighbor that actually threw
a coconut through my truck's back window! That was back in the day's of
rehearsing at a bandmember's guesthouse.
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Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
(sorry this sint really to do with the thread)
:saeek: :32: woooah, just looked at gearjoneser 's gear website, i am so jelous! man you have such a collection, its not the amount you have that amazes me, but the pure quality of every single piece. wow......
(sorry this sint really to do with the thread)
:saeek: :32: woooah, just looked at gearjoneser 's gear website, i am so jelous! man you have such a collection, its not the amount you have that amazes me, but the pure quality of every single piece. wow......
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
Hey thanks a lot for the compliment. I pretty much own that stuff as a result of constantly trading and selling upward. The more I did it, the more picky
I became. Now, it's to the point where I just choose my least favorite piece
of gear, sell it, add a bit of money to it, and buy another exquisite piece at another seller's loss. If you always repeat that pattern, you start ending up with the things you really want. The only pieces not photographed yet
are my G&L Asat Z-3 and Vox Valvetronix AD60 head.
Hey thanks a lot for the compliment. I pretty much own that stuff as a result of constantly trading and selling upward. The more I did it, the more picky
I became. Now, it's to the point where I just choose my least favorite piece
of gear, sell it, add a bit of money to it, and buy another exquisite piece at another seller's loss. If you always repeat that pattern, you start ending up with the things you really want. The only pieces not photographed yet
are my G&L Asat Z-3 and Vox Valvetronix AD60 head.
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
I know what you are talking about...I had the same problem so I got an extra 2 15" cabs connected with an extra 120/120 amp and blow up the walls and the FXXX ears until they bleed, then the neighbor came and bagged me to go down with the level to the first level I was playing (which was cool by me )
Taught that MXXX FXXXX a lesson that's for sure :fing25:
I know what you are talking about...I had the same problem so I got an extra 2 15" cabs connected with an extra 120/120 amp and blow up the walls and the FXXX ears until they bleed, then the neighbor came and bagged me to go down with the level to the first level I was playing (which was cool by me )
Taught that MXXX FXXXX a lesson that's for sure :fing25:
texasguitarslinger
Mo Cow Bellologist
Re: Do we have "legal" rights to practice instruments?
I live in a one bedroom apartment and I jam with my buddies on Friday and Saturday nights till about 3AM. Luckily, my apartment has sealed walls because of the asbestos contained therein. You could set a bomb off in my place and no one would know 'cept for the smoke. Good thing too, 'cause "my amp goes to eleven..."
I live in a one bedroom apartment and I jam with my buddies on Friday and Saturday nights till about 3AM. Luckily, my apartment has sealed walls because of the asbestos contained therein. You could set a bomb off in my place and no one would know 'cept for the smoke. Good thing too, 'cause "my amp goes to eleven..."
