Garage Band Seeks Soundproof Shed

Here's one from the geekbooks.com mailbag that could've landed in Steve Van Zandt's Underground Garage ... backyard sheds can take many forms and fill many purposes, but one of the most uncommon is surely the rehearsal space ...

Liz wrote:

Well, I'm really looking for how to build a garage. I don't know if you'd also know how to sound proof one as I'm building one for my band to practice in. Kind of out-there, but we don't have the money to buy a storage shed and maybe it'd make more sense just to save up for that but maybe if we buy the wood and stuff cheap enough, it'll be worth it. Can you help?

If you build it, Liz ... they will come. And jam ...

The right size backyard shed could be a dandy rehearsal space. Headroom and soundproofing are key.

If you're handy with tools, building your own rehearsal shed will shave a significant chunk of costs when compared to buying a ready-made shed.

The first step is to determine how much space you'll need. Try setting your band up in a rectangular area with imaginary walls. Start with everyone as tightly packed as possible, then expand in two foot increments in width and length. For example, if 8x10 is impossibly cramped, try expanding to 8 x 12, then to 10 x 12, and on upward. Once you find a comfortable space, you can start looking for a set of shed plans. Be sure to find a set of plans that's tall enough to prevent your mates from banging their heads on the rafters.

While you can get creative with sourcing the standard building materials, the soundproofing materials are likely to be your biggest single cost ... with the possible exception of having electric run out to the shed.

Acoustic or electric? Can you get by with battery power?

Soundproofing is the trick. Conventional insulation will only get you so far. Take a look at foambymail.com for soundproofing foam. While I haven't ordered from them (yet), they seem to have a nice selection, their prices are competitive, and they sell foam in a dozen different colors.