Electric Guitar in an apartment???

XBallardite · #1 January 29th, 2008

Hi,

I'm getting a larger-than-expected tax refund this year and have been toying with the idea of getting an electric guitar (I have my eye on an inexpensive Agile telecaster copy). But here's the problem: I live in an older apartment building where the walls aren't soundproof and was wondering if it's a) even worth considering. I already have a nice classical guitar that I practice on; and b) feasible to set up a system where I play through headphones or my laptop or some other ultra-low-output way.

I like the idea of playing with an electric, but I really don't want to bother anyone else.

Ideas? Am I wasting my time? Should I stop being so greedy and be happy with the nice acoustic guitar that I have?

Thanks,

Adam

justinthyme · #2 January 29th, 2008

Hi Adam

Some ideas - get a PODXT or similar. That way you will be able to plug in headphones and play in a variety of styles - from heavy distortion, through jazz, blues, surf and clean etc without disturbing the neighbours. (see the Line6 website)

Also, I believe the 'Roland microcube' is a great little amp that will distort at low volumes and by all accounts sounds great for very little money. That way you could hear yourself play without headphones and the neighbours should still be happy!

Now - please send me your accountant's details

Just kidding.

Cheers.

eCowboy · #3 January 29th, 2008

You can also find a variety of pocket amplifiers such as the C Tech Pocket Rockit V2 at Musicians Friend and other music stores.

krissovo · #4 January 29th, 2008

+1 to the pod, I have a Pod 2 that I jam with when I have to be quiet. I often plug my computer speakers into it if I dont want to use headphones.

To make life easier I use wireless headphones and that works well for me.

stratplayer · #5 January 29th, 2008

go with a podxt and some good head phones

allthumbs · #6 January 29th, 2008

There are many choices for headphone amps.

XBallardite · #7 January 29th, 2008

Good advice, all. I like the headphones idea.

And I also like how no one suggested (yet), "Are you crazy? Electric guitar in an apartment? Wait until you can play in a soundproof room, far, far away from civilization! Let me warn your neighbors so they can move!"

D-Dawn · #8 January 29th, 2008

LoL I got my son a Squire Strat for his birthday in an October and by Christmas he had a killer new set of headphones!

Stratrat · #9 January 30th, 2008

I like the Roland Micro Cube better than the various Pods, headphone amps, etc. because you can use headphones and play totally silent when you need to, but you also have a fun little amp for the times when you can actually unplug the headphones and make some noise. It can get surprisingly loud for such a small amp.

Another neat alternative is the Boss Micro BR. It can be used as a headphone amp and has onboard effects, amp/cab simulations, etc., but it's also a very capable little 4-track recorder. It has programmable drum sounds, a phrase trainer which allows you to slow music down to learn licks, etc.

TigerKraw · #10 January 31st, 2008

One of the interesting and handy things on the Vox Valvetronix

is the ability to adjust the power output of your amp

30W Models and up, not available on the 15W valvetronics.

so you can push out that tube like sound but without the loud

volume. on top of that, like most practice amps you have the

headphone option as well.

.

Music Man · #11 January 31st, 2008

As much as going with some headphones is a great way to lower your volume, It would be in your best interest to ROCK! Now I know that most places you can be as loud as you want during a certain timeframe, but HERE is a great item that will allow you to play anytime at all! Trust me, it aint worth your time playing if you can feel your music.

XBallardite · #12 February 1st, 2008

Well, this has certainly been a useful discussion -- not to mention sealing my decision on whether or not to leap into electric-land. Thanks, everyone! After a lot of looking around, I think I'll go for a regular ol' practice amp that has a headphone jack. That seems to be the best option. I've found a few nice headphones that I like. If anyone's interested I'll post more information about my upcoming purchase when the time comes.

Thanks!

Adam

Stratrat · #13 February 2nd, 2008

Do let us know what you end up with, Adam!

Huge · #14 February 2nd, 2008

I would suggest getting an amp with a volume knob.

Then, turn it down.

EDIT: Oops, I didn't read all the posts. Congrats, I can't wait to see what you get.

XBallardite · #15 February 2nd, 2008

A volume knob ... interesting.

What is this "knob" you speak of?