Re: [Harp-L] "starter" amp recommendations

[Timothy Kane <hawkeyekane@xxxxxxxxx>]

 "I've been playing harp for a few years, I'm not very good, but I am having fun.  I am wondering what inexpensive amp the collective wisdom of the group recommends for someone wanting to try electric harp.  I'm able to spend up to about $200, knowing for that price I won't get anything that will fill an arena with sound, but hoping for decent sound."


All the previous recommendations I've read so far are sound, quality suggestions. But here's my personal take on it. 

First amplifier I used for harp was my friend's 1964 Gretsch 6150 Compact. It was a bit bright, but I still liked it. I couldn't splurge for anything tubed, so I snagged a 10W solid state Marshall MG10CD. Not a good choice on my part. If I had to start over, I'd have gone with a small, Class-A tube amp. There's just so much more warmth and balls in the tone of a set of tubes than there is in a set of transistors.

That being said...if you're looking for new, I'd go for a Fender Champion 600, a Gretsch Electromatic G5222, a Bugera V5, or the aforementioned Epiphone Valve Junior, although the VJ is getting harder to find. I believe Epiphone discontinued it. Another new one that no one I know of has yet tried with harp is the new Fender Pawn Shop Special "Greta", but for its class it looks promising.

If you don't mind a used amp, try looking for a VHT Special 6, or a Kalamazoo Model One or Model Two. They can sometimes be found on craigslist or eBay for under $200. 
                          Hawkeye Kane
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