rowuk

As a matter of fact, I normally do not play amplified (even big band jazz). I did a couple gigs in August and September with a band and got the entire wind section to cooperate though.
During the sound check, the technician cranked the monitors. After asking him to turn the monitor down, the first thing he said was "it is no chamber concert on stage". That kind of got me interested in making a point. I removed the clip on mic, let it dangle from the back of my music stand close to the monitor and said that I would reattach it after he reduced the noise. I was standing next to the keyboard and the bass had a couple of 4x 15" on stage, drums are audible any way so all I needed was the vocals. Because I was only subbing, I had nothing to lose. The singer always had had an issue with the volume, but as you said was worried about losing a steady gig. He jumped on the bandwagon and about 10 minutes before the opening tune, I had a useful mix. During the first tune the idiot turned the monitor up again, I removed my clip on and he got the message. It was not "quiet" on stage, but much better and the horn section kicked ass. They were much tighter than before and we got complements for it.
My take: it is not a rock concert on stage and earplugs do not make any musical contributions. If the audience wants pain, that should not be my problem. A professional mix complements professional players and less is ALWAYS more. Why put up with health hazards? That idiot on the mix board won't give you your hearing back or pay disability. Just don't go it alone. A win/win situation is always best, but if someone has to lose, I don't want it to be me. Hearing loss is a one way street.

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

trpt2345

Huh? What?

Michael McLaughlin

__________________
Chicago MM

dlewis

Please remember there are some brain tumors caused my loud noises. I am deaf im my right ear because of it.

Bear

Folks,
This stuff is serious! Please, use ear plugs, check volumnes, etc! Hearing loss is not a joke. I'm a young guy but I play a lot of loud stuff (rock, lead jazz, etc) and my doc's gave me "the lecture" and showed me some examples of ruined ear drums etc. Please, take the neccessary precuations. Oh, and remember to clean your ears, you never know when someone will take a pic of 'em!

On the lighter side,

"Yes, it's clear" said the blind to the deaf man!

__________________
Of what value would it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?! - anon.

ccNochops

I find putting my fingers in my ears while playing works well, except when I do I notice I can't hear myself playing :)

__________________
"I don't take my music lightly, I want it crushed by the horn section."