Would love to hear recommendations for easily purchasable generators that are reasonably quiet. I got one from HomeDepot that wakes the neighbors and causes babies to start screaming, all for want of a decent muffler.
(Yes I could get one welded on. I have a need for additional generators, and for some reason noise level seems to be a state secret with those things.)
For small, consumer-facing generators, the quietest model I am aware of is the Honda EU6500. These, and the rest of the Honda EU line, have the added advantage of being inverter generators that output a very clean sine wave.
In both the live concert and movie production worlds the Eu6500 is a frequent fixture on site as the small generator of choice. I also have good experience with the smaller EU3000. The line can be found here: http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/inverter-generato...
Please note that both the Honda and Yamaha lines are much more expensive, and put out much cleaner power, than the typical construction generators prominently featured for cheap at the big box retailer. Buy once, cry once.
Since you indicate you are considering multiple generators, you could move up the food chain to one larger enclosure-mounted installed generator. There are many choices, but my personal recommendation are the ones from Onan, who dominate the recreational vehicle (RV) generator market:
http://cumminsonan.com/residential/
For perspective, a common "small" portable generator for technical show power is the Multiquip (MQ) DCA45. It is a 45KVA-class generator with equivalently sized diesel prime mover:
http://www.multiquip.com/multiquip/DCA45SSKU.htm
Many thanks. My plural-of-generator comment meant only that I am investigating for parents and friends too.
The smaller Honda 3000 (wheels are good) seems about right. 57 dB (A) is 1. advertised (hooray!) and 2. very acceptable. Ordering such beasts from the web gives me a case of the willies, hopefully I can find distribution nearby.
The Honda generators are as nice as the price would indicate :) In general be wary of generators that give sound levels with out a distance and weighting curve specification.
(Yes I could get one welded on. I have a need for additional generators, and for some reason noise level seems to be a state secret with those things.)