Re: [Harp-L] Feedback

[fjm <mktspot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Acoustic guitar amplified has lots of problems, the same thing is true 
for stand up bass.  The minute you go open loop things get harder.  I 
don't find getting a good amplified tone without feedback particularly 
difficult.  I do use a rack mount Alesis in front of my amp and I 
sometimes have problems if I lose my settings.  The balance between the 
input level and the output level is critical for me.  Too much output 
and I'll feedback or lose the toine I'm after, too little and I can't 
get loud enough and I'll lose that compressed tone I'm after.  I'm sure 
you could just add a device to attenuate your mic signal going into the 
amp but I'd be afraid that the volume tone equation is too complicated 
for this to be a viable solution.  Reading harpmac's post about selling 
his Kinder anti feedback device was illuminating.  Nice tone if you're 
Rod Piazza.  The particular set of solutions you employ to get an 
amplified tone sans feedback out of your amp are critical to your 
overall sound.  I think one of the best things any band and harmonica 
player can do is just lower the overall levels you play at.  Almost 
universally it's easier to not feedback if you don't play as loudly.  fjm