[Harp-L] FIreball and a Teacher Question

[Grant Kester <gkester@xxxxxxxx>]

Dear List,

As a user of both the old and new Audix Fireballs, as well as various 
vintage mics (Bullet, Turner, etc.), I thought I'd jump in. I play in a 
band which requires both overdriven/crunchy (for some songs) and clean 
(for others). I run the Fireball through a Harp Commander with a line 
out to my amp (tube) which is mic'd into the PA. It's quite possible to 
get a reasonably good crunch out of the Fireball (especially with the 
upgraded "V" capsule) with this configuration (even without the HC 
compression), using amp gain and cupping. It's NOT the same as playing 
through one of my vintage mics, but it can be quite effective. For me 
the advantages of the Fireball are:

1. Versatility. I can get clean and crunchy tone out of a single mic 
(with some amp and pre-amp tweaking). This matters to me due to the 
band I play with but wouldn't be an issue for someone who is only 
playing blues.

2. Extremely low feedback. This makes a huge difference for me, as I 
have to deal with widely varying PAs, acoustics, etc. The feedback 
problems with a vintage mic and tube amp only (the constant fight to 
actually HEAR myself play) really wore me out. Now I can hear myself 
clearly in gigs in all kings of settings, even if everyone else starts 
creeping up with the volume (as they inevitably do). I hate playing a 
gig (and feeling that I've played poorly), simply because I couldn't 
hear what the X&%#$ I was doing (I need all the help I can get!).

I mostly use the Fireball now and occasionally will bring a vintage mic 
(run through an A/B box with a foot switch), if I want a Chicago sound 
for some numbers.

Also, does anyone have recommendations for harp teachers in the San 
Diego (or lower Orange County) area? I've been playing for some time 
but am entirely self-taught. I know very little music theory and play 
by ear. I'd like some help getting to the next level and breaking out 
of my comfort zone (via more tongue blocking, help with fluency at the 
upper end of the diatonic, help with different positions, maybe OBs).

Best wishes,
Grant

BTW, I've really enjoyed hearing the SPAH reports. I hope to attend one 
day if it's held closer to the west coast.