Flamenco and Radiant Heat? : Casa Flamenca

by **Bob** » 25 Jan 2012, 22:28

What is the relationship between flamenco and radiant heat? A few months ago I would have said none whatsoever. Now I know better.

I remember Doog posted something a long time ago about getting up and playing flamenco during the night when he wasn't able to sleep. I have had more than my share of insomnia as I have become older and many nights have wished I could do that without waking my wife. Now I can!

One day soon after we moved here to Oregon I was downstairs working on a server while my wife was upstairs arranging some things in a bedroom. She tried to move a heavy cherrywood cabinet by herself, it was slipping from her grip, about to tip over and do lots of damage, and she was screaming for me to come and help her. That continued for a while and I didn't hear a thing. Eventually I went upstairs to get something, heard her screaming, and found her angry with me for not coming to help her sooner. That was how we discovered the extraordinary (at least in our experience) soundproofing between floors in this house.

She didn't believe I wasn't able to hear her until we ran some tests (we now communicate between floors using Motorola walkie talkies). We were puzzled about how the soundproofing could be so good until we realized that it is at least in part due to radiant electric heat. Most homes in Utah are heated by hot air blown through metal ducts from a central furnace. The air ducts not only provide transmission paths for hot air, but also for sound between rooms. I had known that, but hadn't realized what big difference the air ducts make.

I still find it almost impossible to believe, but I can play flamenco on the lower level of our Oregon home so loud that I feel like I probably should have ear plugs to protect my hearing and she hears nothing on the level above. Last night I was playing a loud bulerías well after midnight when she startled me by entered the room. I thought I certainly must have awakened her, but she said no, keep playing. I can't hear it at all upstairs. I just came down to see if you are OK.

It is wonderful to be able to play 24/7 whenever I want without worry about bothering her or anyone else who may be here. Now, after having that situation, I would be reluctant to give it up. When we get around to building or buying another home here on the Coast, radiant heat will be a high priority issue.

-Bob

by **SamC** » 26 Jan 2012, 18:42

Bob wrote:.

. When we get around to building or buying another home here on the Coast, radiant heat will be a high priority issue.

-Bob

Heat/AC ducts really do carry sound amazingly well. I practice in the early morning and put pillows over the 2 ducts in the room I play. Really cuts it down, but still can be heard even with the bedroom door shut. Practice room doesn't have a door on it. Good you can practice using concert volume without disturbing others.

by **lucas** » 28 Jan 2012, 15:19

I live alone and don't have to worry about disturbing a wife. My problem is that I live in an apartment complex that has very little soundproofing between units. I hear TV's, stereos and kids in other units, so I am sure neighbors hear my guitar. Whether I play during the day or night I always feel like others are listening which makes it difficult to practice new things that I don't play very well. I constantly worry about disturbing others and feel like I have to play softly regardless of the time of day. It isn't a very good situation, but right now there doesn't seem to be much that I can do about it.

Lucas

by **byron** » 28 Jan 2012, 16:58

One thing that could get you half-way to practicing without sound worry, is a silent guitar. There are several that are well thought of. I have the Yamaha version. I got it to travel with, but it has more than just a break-down capability. The sound is quite good over earphones. Sure, it's a bit off the tones we really want, but it's an electric. The neck, strings and setup are all fine.

I use it in hotels or in the living room at home to practice without annoying my wife.

by **lucas** » 29 Jan 2012, 14:51

I did a little searching and found that Yamaha has a nylon string version. The only one I had seen before had steel strings. However, isn't the lack of a golpeador a problem? It seems like it would be awkward trying to practice flamenco without a tap plate.

Lucas

by **byron** » 30 Jan 2012, 00:17

Yes, there are two nylon versions. One is a wide neck, which is a 52mm. There is a small "pick guard" screw-mounted on the guitar body. I haven't done it yet, but it should be a simple job for a luthier to remove the plastic guard and mount a wooden tap pad.

You wouldn't want to use it as your primary flamenco guitar, but for a few days it's great. I used mine for two weeks on the road recently and it was just fine.

by **Brendan** » 30 Jan 2012, 23:09

lucas wrote:I live alone and don't have to worry about disturbing a wife. My problem is that I live in an apartment complex that has very little soundproofing between units. I hear TV's, stereos and kids in other units, so I am sure neighbors hear my guitar. Whether I play during the day or night I always feel like others are listening which makes it difficult to practice new things that I don't play very well. I constantly worry about disturbing others and feel like I have to play softly regardless of the time of day. It isn't a very good situation, but right now there doesn't seem to be much that I can do about it.

Lucas

Just go for it full whack. Your neighbours won't listen, they'll just turn up their TVs and stereos. Besides, what do you care for their opinions? One day a young Segovia was playing some of his favourite stuff. A neighbour shouted "When will you finish tuning that guitar and play something?"

by **alvarez** » 06 Feb 2012, 00:46

lucas wrote:I live alone and don't have to worry about disturbing a wife. My problem is that I live in an apartment complex that has very little soundproofing between units. I hear TV's, stereos and kids in other units, so I am sure neighbors hear my guitar. Whether I play during the day or night I always feel like others are listening which makes it difficult to practice new things that I don't play very well. I constantly worry about disturbing others and feel like I have to play softly regardless of the time of day. It isn't a very good situation, but right now there doesn't seem to be much that I can do about it.

Lucas

NO - you are looking at it all wrong. You don't have a problem. You have an opportunity. All you need is a girlfriend with a house who loves flamenco.

Alvarez

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