[Harp-L] Re: Questions/Suggestions for 410

[SONNYTONE@xxxxxxx]

I would like all responses to be made off list please, I am not going to be  
able to follow HarpL much in the upcoming times. What I have been experiencing 
 recently, and this is nothing new, as I am sure I have worked personally 
with  more harp players concerning gear than anyone on earth, is that a person's  
perception of their playing skills is not what is true reality if based on a  
rating system I have learned from David Barrett, and my own personal 
experience  over 30 years of performing. I got my awakenings when I started working 
with  Dave in 1998, thinking I had skills due to being a local force, but in 
reality  was a small fish in a big pond. Just because intoxicated people at a 
club tell  you how good you are, or you think you are playing just like Bill 
Clarke when  playing to his records, does not mean you are even an intermediate 
player, can  hold long vibratos, hold notes while hitting every bend, have 
control of the  harp. Selling my amp currently as it stands requires a player to 
have some air  to push through it, I never sidestep that philosophy. Many of my 
customers are  at a particular level where they understand where they are at, 
I point them in  the right direction for growth if they already don't have the 
right teaching  videos, and they want a great amp to last a lifetime, and 
grow with them as they  grow. It will not decrease greatly in value due to its 
uniqueness of parts which  are supplied extra for life, so why not go for what 
you want if that is what you  choose. Some amps allow more volume from the amp 
no matter what the player puts  into it, so when they get to an amp that is a 
true extension of their pure  ability, they are frustrated or say the amp 
cannot get That tone. Well, That  tone will always come from you first. Where I am 
going with this is to get your  suggestions on having a speaker setup that 
will break up easier, my big boys on  the bottom require thrust, so maybe 
lighter speakers on the bottom will allow a  player to get easier breakup, I will 
use clips instead of soldering so that  maybe in 5 years or so they want to 
switch to heavier speakers they can easily.  As it stands it is a tone monster, 
and I have had over 115 truly satisfied  customers. But recently this issue that 
I knew always was there has come to the  forefront even more. Another thing I 
am going to have in my hands is a prototype  for a two switch mod, one will 
give preamp distortion, the other a power cut for  possibly smaller venues. I 
have tried some before and it never gave a true  sound, but my tech Keith and I 
have been working on these thoughts as I have  been telling him what my 
dilemma is. Of course, true to always, the switch when  in the other position will 
bypass the mod and bring the amp to stock 410 setup.  So allowing one to truly 
work into the amp as they develop. I am not knocking  people for not being 
pro players, I got my reality check and it improved my  playing 1000% over the 
past 7 years, I think for some they also need a true  honest reality check. I 
never want to just SELL my amp to everyone with the  guise it will make them 
sound like Little Walter, I have unsold as many as I  have sold. Only if these 
mods work with a pleasing sound, or the speakers allow  the right sound, will I 
consider using them. My tube subs can get the amp to  easily distort, but 
again if you can't push the air into it we may need to go  another route until 
one can. What would this mean for current 410 owners, I  would have to figure 
that out. No one complains about having to buy a new  computer every year or 
upgrade on the same 2K computer when it helps the  existing model, hopefully you 
all will respect I am continually trying to think  of the bigger picture. To 
get as many fantastic reviews already most would  discount the very few that 
just couldn't get it and say user error. I listen to  what everyone has to say, 
but if one is stubborn on how they play, or  think a reissue sounds better, go 
for it. I want to help as many as I can, and  try and make this true 
business, that would be where you actually make a profit  at the end of the year:)  We 
all go through a process to get to the higher  levels, understanding your 
level is very important. Until you play alongside  Gary Smith, Primich, Oskar, 
Dave Barrett, Mitch, Sugar Ray,  and so many  other true tone monsters do you 
really understand what Tone is. I know it  changed my life and I have no fear of 
being alongside anyone tone for tone right  now, and I know everyone can get 
better with the right guidance, I am no  different than anyone else. Hearing 
me play the amp over the phone is one thing,  a thousand guys will make a 
thousand different tones from it, from all levels.  So please email me offlist so I 
can file all your comments and suggestions.  Nothing will change in my 
business or amp final testing, but in 6-7 weeks I  start a year long grueling 
process of having my knee opened several times,  hardware cut out, cement put in, 
new hardware, with the worst case scenario  being my leg will be fused forever 
if all these do not work. Hence just working  offlist, I have a lot on my plate 
for the next 6 weeks to fill orders, then our  bid ad hits the Harphouse in 
Feb., and I am working on keeping the flow going.  My Sonny Jr original tech 
Tom of Cotton Amps will handle what I used to do, and  I will still do my blow 
through quality control and oversea the packing  system. I wish all of you well 
and will accept any prayers you want to send. I  have no control over this, I 
hope if anyone learns anything from my experience  is that understand we are 
NOT in control, a higher power is, and don't let a  situation like this one 
have to come along until you realize that. Money, fame,  material things all 
mean squat without your health, family, friends, and faith.  Sonny jr.