[Harp-L] Amp vs. Acoustic (off-shoot of "Gear" thread)

[Dan <billybudd1313@xxxxxxxxx>]

I just read through all the digests from the past weekend.  (Sometimes I like to "un-plug from the matrix"  for a few days.)  Catching up, I noticed a "Gear" thread.  I'm a bit of a gear head, and I may comment on gear a little later.  First, however, I'd like to persue a different angle of discussion.  It's one I think folks overlook from time to time.
 
Gear discussions always seem to go the same way.  Tone of player, types of amps, "that little extra warmth" . . . .  read back a few days, or even a few years....  I'll wait.....   It's a pretty standard discussion.  I enjoy the discussion, but what about Approach?
 
By approach, I'm talking about the way you choose your notes or techniques.  This is hard for me to put into words, but I'll try with personal examples.  
 
When I play "acoustic"  I think of the microphone as a means for sound reinforcement.  The P.A. should make the sounds louder, yet minimally distorted.  I play towards greater projection/volume.  I also utilize my hands a great deal more.  Big octaves and, say, "chugging"  sounds good, but thin compared to amp (see below).   Clear single notes, shaped by hand, sound great to me, acoustically.
 
When I play "amplified"  (currently through crystal elements/ Fender Brown Concert sometimes w/ a touch of digital reverb)  I tend to think more about what the amp CAN add, and using it.  For example, pushing a little harder on the 2,5 draw "chord" produces great overtones.  Opening up on all holes 1-4d can sound thunderous.  Overall, I tend to shoot for more fluidity when amped, as well.   I'm talking about actually using the distortion as a part of the technique.
 
 How cool are "kiss pops" when the amp is set right? 
Are these silly little things all that usefull around the camp-fire?  They're kinda cool, but not AS cool without that bark from the amp, and the little shudder of delay/echo.  (my opinion of course)
 
I'm at the point where I just can't get my thoughts to work on email.  I'll close with one last thought.  
 
Listen to "Juke"  and then listen to "1/4 to 12"   That's the easiest way for me to think of amp vs. acoustic appoach.  Same guy, same harps, plenty of similar licks too.  But there's something about the WAY he plays each that is more than just amp vs.no amp.
 
Dan G.  


		
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