These are difficult times (old max 2XL)

Certified Odd Meter Master
Sale price$29.99
For rhythm wranglers and chart-readers who count 5/4, 7/8, and 11/16 without breaking a sweat. Soft, comfy 100% ring-spun cotton for music's trickiest moments. Difficult times, handled beautifully.
  • Everyday ComfortEveryday Comfort
  • Music Lover ApprovedMusic Lover Approved
  • Reliable QualityReliable Quality
Color: Black Heather
Size: S
Shirt Size Chart
Refer to images for visual sizing information.

LENGTH WIDTH CHEST
XS (inches) 27 16 31-34
S (inches) 28 18 34-37
M (inches) 29 20 38-41
L (inches) 30 22 42-45
XL (inches) 31 24 46-49
2XL (inches) 32 26 50-53
3XL (inches) 33 28 54-57
4XL (inches) 34 30 58-61
5XL (inches) 35 31 62-65

Shipped before the next verse

Ordered today, on the road within 48 hours.

Made by musicians

If it doesn't get a laugh at camp, it doesn't get printed.

Easy returns, no sad songs

7 days to send it back, no questions asked.

Subdivide your day with this deceptively simple Unisex Jersey T-Shirt featuring the "These are difficult times" design. The soft, lightweight combed cotton moves easily from practice rooms and lessons to rehearsals, music camps, or a casual day that stays firmly in common time. To most of the world it reads like a sigh. To you it reads like a warning printed at the top of a new chart: mixed meter ahead, count or perish. Five, then seven, then a lonely bar of three that exists purely to test your character. You have been through difficult times. You have played them cleanly, at tempo, while the trumpets guessed. Now you can wear the badge of honor. Great for gifting during holidays, birthdays, recitals, or drum corps season, this tee resonates with music lovers, percussionists, band directors, and anyone who appreciates both odd-meter humor and comfort in their everyday wear.

Product features

  • Made from 100% combed and ring-spun cotton for a soft, lightweight feel (Heather colors contain polyester).
  • Classic crew neckline with a ribbed collar that keeps its shape.
  • Side-seamed construction for a modern, flattering unisex fit.
  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping for extra durability at the seams.
  • Pre-shrunk fabric that holds its size and shape wash after wash.

Care instructions

  • Do not dryclean
  • Do not bleach
  • Tumble dry: low heat
  • Iron, steam or dry: low heat
  • Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F), with similar colors

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Fabric: 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)

Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)

Fit: Unisex classic fit, true to size

Neckline: Crew neck with ribbed collar

Sleeve: Short sleeve

Construction: Side-seamed, shoulder-to-shoulder taping

Fabric care: Pre-shrunk, machine washable

Print: Fade-resistant, permanent design print

Sizes: S – 2XL

Colors: 15 color options available

Note: Lighter colors are slightly sheer and may appear see-through under certain lighting

Everything is made to order, so here's exactly what to expect.

Processing: 2–5 business days to print and pack. Longer during camp season and holidays; we'll email you if anything slips.

Rates: calculated at checkout based on where you are. No surprises.

Upgrades: faster options appear at checkout where they're available in your region.

Tracking: emailed the moment your order ships.

Delays: weather, holidays and customs are beyond us. We'd hand-deliver with a bow if we could. We'll keep you posted.

International orders: customs fees, duties and import taxes are the buyer's responsibility and aren't included in our prices.

Returns, exchanges and cancellations on non-custom items:

Contact us within 7 days of delivery to start a return, then send it back within 14 days.

Changed your mind? Cancel within 12 hours of ordering.

Return shipping is on you. Items need to come back unworn and in original condition — full refund minus original shipping.

Arrived damaged? Email photos within 7 days and we'll send a replacement. Keep the original.

Custom pieces can't be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective.

Built by musicians. Counting the uncountable.

Designed for the chart-readers who handle music's trickiest bars beautifully. Every tee blends premium comfort with a personality all its own: soft, effortless, and made to move with you.

Why We Chose This Shirt

  • Premium Bella+Canvas 3001
  • Soft, lightweight, broken-in feel
  • Unisex modern fit
  • Gets even softer with every wash

We chose the Bella+Canvas 3001 because it’s the kind of shirt people reach for first. Soft, lightweight, and comfortably broken-in from day one. Think of your favorite T-shirt that’s been washed and loved for years. If you’re looking for a thick, heavyweight tee, this probably isn’t it… and that’s exactly why we chose it.

VERIFIED CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Real musicians. Real opinions. Zero mercy.

★★★★★

Amari F. ✓ Verified purchase

The pun landed instantly with my whole rhythm section. The tee is soft, breathable, and the fit is exactly what the size chart promised.

★★★★★

Corinne Daly ✓ Verified purchase

Ordered one for each of my kids' band directors as thank-you gifts. Both wore them the following week and sent me photos.

★★★★★

Felix M. ✓ Verified purchase

Understated design that only musicians fully get. Comfortable enough for all-day rehearsal, and it kept its shape after washing.

★★★★★

Lorri J. ✓ Verified purchase

Bought this for my son who marched snare for four years. He said it summed up his entire college experience. Great quality shirt.

★★★★★

Anna ✓ Verified purchase

The shirt looks nice and the design is clear, but the fabric feels a bit thinner than expected. The print looks good and the fit is decent, although I was hoping for a slightly better overall quality. It’s fine for casual wear, but nothing exceptional.