[Harp-L] No Apologies Necessary! Let's Keep on Chuggin'!

["Ron Tuffel" <ron.tuffel@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Harpsters,

 

            We have now proven that we don't have trolls, at least in the
traditional sense. We've now given rise to freedom of speech and expression.
We've denied the fact that there was am amp war on the rise. And, some
people believe in tough neighborhoods and look down on those that would live
in the same neighbor hood as Mr. Rogers.

            This list is loaded with intelligence, sharing, and love. This
is the most outstanding list on the internet of devoted educators,
technicians, innovators, fact finders, and people who just love this
instrument. There is true genius amongst us as witnessed by the subject
matter, variety of styles. writing, playing, etc., and the in depth delivery
and execution of ideas. There are some incredible harmonica aficionados,
trail blazers, gurus, and disciples of harmonica on this list. Our primary
areas of contention are advancement and preservation, education, technology,
products, and supply.

            We recognize that SPAH, Harp-L, and FIH are the bastions of
advancement and preservation. (Hey, everybody have fun, boogie down, play
your butts off, but represent us responsibly in K.C.! Do it all night, do it
alright!) I recognize Dave Barrett as the leader in education and I'm sure
many will agree. The Master Class Co. is alive and well. Supply, an area of
doubt, but John Francis and the Best Li'l Harp House seem to lead the way by
diversity, rapid response, price, knowledge, and choice. (My stuff comes to
Europe in four days-Customs holds it up for two to tack on their thing).
Mics, Fritz you're cool! Tom Ellis you're the absolute man! If it's out
there you can get it and spruce it up with some Tommy Magic!

            Innovation, at this point, is vast and amazing. I will limit it
my comments to amps and to the two gentlemen that are the center of
attention. Steve, stand-up! We salute you! But, Gary, Sonny Jr., SONNYTONE
you should be Knighted, Canonized for your total achievement! Harp players
who have created amps for harp players! 

We with mics in hand and amps to the rear charge forward to deliver our
sound, tone, quality, and power. The myth of the "Bassman" is over! I had a
half dozen. The first was magnificent, but the vintage dropped off due to
cost cutting, the RI's were only adequate. Someone said don't mess with
them. Leave them stock. Don't experiment with the tubes. (They must work for
Fender.) Sonny Jr. maintained the box look, (we wanted vintage, we believed
we needed that look) but baby, everything else is truly different and
better. Steve made a slight departure from the look.

Now, we have choice when you're looking for crunch, overdrive, a fat sound.
There are a few other amps to throw in the frenzy, but why waste time now.
It's about choice, your individual taste, and your ability to understand
your own qualities of play and style, and even how deep your pocketbook is!
Versatility! That's what I'm looking for! I want to play small, medium and
large venues with the same sound and possibilities. Move it down for the
small sights and blow them to pieces elsewhere. I play in four distinctively
different bands with styles that are different and far reaching. I had
different amps for different situations. Now, I have one that covers them
all to the maximum! I merely change mics (Thanks Tom!), swiftly arrange
tubes. And, presto, on to the next gig!

Sonny Jr., you need not apologize to anyone or for anything. The apologies
should be made to you and Steve. You are a harp icon! Your musicianship is
your first major quality. Your connection to harp history is absolutely
astounding. We know how you got the name, Sonny Jr., but few know that you
are truly a talent of your own design. It is a fact, that you can roll off
those Sonny Terry riffs as good as he did them. But, few know that you have
developed you own incredible sound through the development of your awesome
background in the blues, with Sonny Terry, and your love for performance and
harp. Please, as well as those amps; make your music ride again!

And, secondly, the amp, the technology, the versatility, and the love all
rolled into the biggest amplification break through in modern times. Dave
Barrett, Tom Ellis, and John Francis are names and people I totally respect.
My research on you crossed their paths a number of times. It was their
articles, comments, and statements about you and your amps that lead me to
check for myself. I have made a decision based on many factors. The amp
extraordinaire! The man, a harmonica brother like no other! Take your time
healing! Stay up! You are the living proof, the light and the way!

I hope after this whole fiasco, that I was allowed to give my opinions,
thoughts, and ideas. Because I believe I was cleared to do so by what I
believe to be some of the most important, respected, knowledgeable, and
helpful people on this list. Long live the list, Harp-L, and "Harmoniacs"
all over the world. We are truly one of the outstanding musical communities
in existence! And, for the most part, Mr. Rogers would love to have us as
his neighbors!

 

Be excellent to yourselves!

 

Rockin' Ronny