Rehearsal Space - Tips To Turn Your Basement Into A Good Rehearsal Studio
A basement can make a great rehearsal space with a few medications, suitable for both band practice and just to learn how to play electric guitar.
Generally, it will be more expensive at first than renting a rehearsal studio, but once the basement is modified, it will eventually pay for itself. It is also nice because it can double as a storage space for all of a band’s equipment, and still be readily accessible to the band members.
Not having to take the time to reset up all the equipment means a band can get right to practicing without wasting time.
Soundproofing
The first modification needed is to soundproof the room. There are a variety of ways to do it, and this is likely to be the biggest cost of the project.
Unless someone in the band has experience with this kind of work, it may be worthwhile to hire someone to develop a plan for soundproofing the basement, even if the band plans to do all the actual modifications themselves. It might cost a bit of money, but it will be far cheaper than realizing something was done wrong, and having to redo all the soundproofing.
Also keep in mind that the windows, doors, and ceiling also need to be soundproofed, not just the walls. There are a variety of different soundproofing techniques and materials, and depending on the basement construction and whether or not this is a permanent installation or a temporary one will determine what will be the best for that particular basement.
Wiring
Odds are there won’t be too much wiring that needs to be done. Running a network line might be convenient, so that things like online guitar lessons can be accessed from the rehearsal space, in the event that a wireless network might not be able to cover the basement well enough. This allows the basement to be an all in one place to practice and further learn how to play the guitar.
In addition, depending on the number and location of electrical sockets, power strips might be necessary. Spending the extra money to get a power conditioner instead, may be a good investment, since that is a piece of equipment most gigging bands would want anyways.
It is unlikely that extra electrical sockets will need to be installed, but if the band has an excessive amount of electrical equipment, it is better to get some more installed, rather than running excessive amounts of extension chords and power strips around the space. At a minimum, all those extra chords create a tripping hazard in a space where people are using fairly expensive and sensitive equipment, which is not a good idea.
Circular Arrangement of Equipment
Arranging the band’s practice equipment in a circle around the space is going to be the best arrangement for most bands. This keeps as many cables and wires, as possible along the wall, which minimizes tripping hazards, and keeps the center of the room fairly free of equipment.
In addition, it removes the need of a monitor, since everyone will be in front of their own amp. One thing to bear in mind though is that since the amp is that close, it should be turned down to avoid hearing damage. As long as the playing is audible, it is loud enough, even if in an actual performance situation it will be turned up higher.
With a few modifications, a basement can be turned into a great rehearsal space for both band practice and just for someone who is still in the process to learn how to play guitar. Everything from a full dress rehearsal to just practicing basic guitar chords can be done in one easy, convenient location.
