RE: [Harp-L] First Time Performing Amplified

[Buck Worley <boogalloo@xxxxxxx>]

JR,
Welcome to the list! I see you got some good advise. Here's what I bring and do if it's a blues jam:
I bring my JT30 (it has a volume control), a small tube amp like a champ, an SM57 and cord, a couple of FX boxes, a long goosneck ) that has a mic clip/holder. The goosneck is about a foot long and is the kind that I can flex and bend.
I try to get there early to claim my real estate on the stage, grab a chair to set my amp on and tilt it back to fit the stage setup in relation to where I think I will be standing. I have one end of my gooseneck wrapped in duct tape so that it does not scratch my amp and I place the duct taped end under the amp handle so I can position the mic to the edge of the speaker. Hand the sound person the end of the mic cord to be plugged into the PA. I ask the sound man to set my channel with a lot of bass and mids and not much highs.
If I am lucky enough to get a sound check, I always find the point of feedback on my amp and back it down a notch or two and I also do the sound check with my mic volume at around 75%. The idea is to have plenty of headroom because if it's say a 5 watt champ, when everyone starts playing I know that I will have room to turn up as needed.
I have a 7 band EQ stomp box and a delay set for just enough slap back to fatten up the tone. It's JT30 --> EQ --> delay --> amp. I run my boxes with 9volt batteries so I only need one AC plug. I place my boxes in the back of the amp so that I dont have to worry about having them and the cords all over the floor.
Good luck,Buck  

> From: jr_parker_jr@xxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:39:33 -0600
> Subject: [Harp-L] First Time Performing Amplified
> 
> I will be playing harmonica at an open mic night with my bandmate (guitar/vocals.)  I contacted the venue and they don't seem to know much about setting up for harmonicas.  My biggest concern is that the audience can hear me play.  I assume when I get there the sound guy will know what's what, but what do I need to bring with me to make sure it runs smoothly?   Should I get my own harmonica mic?  Anything else?  This is our first performance and I don't want it to fall apart before it starts.  Thanks for any advice.
> 
> (This is my first time posting here, so I'll introduce myself.  Born and raised Minnesota, 2/12 years playing harmonica by myself and in jam sessions.  Still trying to figure out my own style.)
> 
> -JR