 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Claireinet
Date: 2009-08-15 15:10
So, would I be building myself a death trap if I bought one of those foam bed pads, cut it in pieces and attached them to my walls—in an attempt to make my practice less heard by the neighbors?
I just moved into an apartment with linoleum tile floors and cinder block walls (or maybe they are just concrete– I'm not a block expert. Is there even a difference?).
In any case, it is a lot more live than where I use to live. I *think* it is pretty well sound insulated. I haven't heard sounds coming from my neighbors but I think that instruments might be louder than people...lol. My drapes won't be in until next week – but I'm sure they would take some of the ring out. I'm also thinking it would be a good idea to get some carpets/rugs. I have some paintings that aren't hung yet – not sure if they would cut down at all. They are on canvas so perhaps they would.
I did read about putting egg cartons up – and also that that the foam ones in particular are extremely flammable. Would swatches of foam bed pads also be a bad idea?
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-08-15 15:41
"also that that the foam ones in particular are extremely flammable."
I don't see that they would "flam" unless they are near a flame or something very hot.
The best thing is to ask your neighbors if they can hear it and if it bothers them. If your walls are cement, then they probably can't hear much.
If it does bother them, there is a DIY option-
If you have basic skill with a drill, you can build a "false wall" that will give your neighbors the sound proofing, but give you a normal looking wall. You should check with the manager that you are allowed to drill holes in the walls before you start. It is no more invasive than drilling holes to put shelves on the walls.
Take several 2 x 4 blocks and attach them to the walls with long screws for support. This part might be hard since you have cinder block walls- you will need a strong drill and special bits for drilling cement.
Then, take a large piece of ply-wood and attach foam or Styrofoam to only one side. Then screw the ply-wood onto the blocks with the foam facing AWAY from you. The foam will be in the space between the ply-wood and the wall. Do this to the entire wall and paint it any color you like.
Now your room is a few inches smaller, the neighbors can't hear nearly as much, but your wall doesn't make you look like you are in an asylum. Also, you still get some reverb so it doesn't sound like a recording studio. Since you have used screws that are strong, you can still hang pictures from the wall and everything will be stable.
Just about all hardware stores will cut the wood to your measurements so the only work you need to do is the drilling.
Or, you can build a wall that rests on the floor with triangular support legs. The support legs will be visible (if you care) and they will have to stick out a little on the floor.
[Edit] This idea should be safe as long as there is no heat near the foam. Some homes have radiator heating systems that run along the base of the walls- this wall idea would probably be very bad for that kind of home because you are trapping the heat and the heat is going up into the foam. Styrofoam could also be used- that might be less flammable.
Post Edited (2009-08-16 22:03)
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-08-15 21:34
Okay, building a whole new wall just sounds like overkill, especially in a rented apartment. Got a closet you can fit in? Maybe a Velvet Elvis you can hang?
Seriously, I am a real estate agent, and there is a big difference in the sound of a house with furniture and an empty house. Carpet is the main thing that makes a difference. If your walls are cinderblock, then they are probably pretty good sound barriers, unlike walls that are framed with wood and drywall. Therefore, your neighbors are probably somewhat insulated from the sounds of your practicing.
To keep the space from sounding so "live," you may be able to find a pretty cheap carpet remnant that's approximately the size of your room, or get some throw rugs. Drapes will definitely help, and I'm only semi-joking about the Velvet Elvis. Maybe they now have Velvet Michael Jacksons now? Even hanging a pretty, lap sized wall quilt or something will help.
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Author: Michael E. Shultz
Date: 2009-08-16 11:21
I would not recommend using foam. See the Wikipedia article about the Rhode Island Great White concert fire:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Station_nightclub_fire
"The fax, sent anonymously to prosecutors by American Foam Corp. salesman Barry Warner, told of his company's policy of withholding from customers the hazards of its foam products, including flammability."
Anyway, compared to brass instruments, or even saxophones, clarinets are rather quiet.
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx
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