Re: [Harp-L] 2 questions about amplification

["steve" <mudharp@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hammer,

I'll just add info about the Blues Jr amp you have as I had one about 10 years ago and did many things to it. 

Now, without taking the amp apart I'd do the following:
About the most tone worthy change is to remove that stock speaker because it's very harsh, especially on the higher notes and when the amp is cranked.  It would be hard to beat a Weber 12A125-0, 12F125-0, 12A150-0 or a 12F150-0.  The F's are Ceramics with great crunch and big fat tone while the A's are the Alnicos with pretty much the same characteristics.  Whatever one is cheaper in price will still blow your mind in tonal change.

Your volume and master should be played with to your desired tone and your ear will know what it is when you hear it.

Do what Scooter said regarding the treble and bass AND that is a must with this amp and stock speaker.  I remember wishing the treble knob went to -3 or more!

You could also change the preamp tubes for lower gain to warm it up some, BUT I wouldn't go out an buy a straight set of 12AU7's as it will take away the bite the amp has.  Try one 12AT7 and one AY7 for starters and just plug em in various sockets and see what sounds best.  Different crystal elements may sound bright, not so bright, hot mids, nice lows or who knows.  Elements react a bit different to each amp.  You just don't know until your ear say's, "Ahh, that sounds good."  Note: custom made amps like Scooters will sound good no matter what tubes are in there.

But if you're truly serious about a huge improvement and want to keep the Blues Jr. then get a new speaker that's tonally made for harp like the above mentioned.  

that should help some.

steve
www.thunderharpmics.com 

 --- On Fri 08/25, scooter < 10hole@xxxxxxxxxxx > wrote:
From: scooter [mailto: 10hole@xxxxxxxxxxx]
To: drori_hammer@xxxxxxxxx, harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 11:37:15 -0400
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] 2 questions about amplification

Hi Hammer. I build harp amps for a living but I'll be the first to tell you <br>that nothing you buy will give you that<br>Chicago tone you're looking for in an amp. However, you say that your tone <br>is good so I would suggest a bit<br>of practice with the mic without the amp first. Concentrate on getting a <br>good solid somewhat airtight grip on the mic.<br>When your playing is quite muffled your on the right track. I'm not too <br>farmiliar with the Blues Junior but typically<br>a bit more bass and a bit less treble is a good start. I like the mid's all <br>the way off on all amps (less feedback prone<br>and the harp is a pretty mid heavy instrument already). If the amp has a <br>presence control turn it up a bit. Add and subtrtact<br>to your liking to get what your after.<br><br>There are folks on this list that will give you better info for that amp and <br>other helpful tips. Try to work on a couple at a<br>time so you don't get overloaded. Before you know it you'll 
be hearing what <br>you want. Just remember that it takes time.<br><br>Scooter<br><br><br>> Hi -<br>>  I am a fairly experienced harp player (and have pretty good acoustic <br>> tone), but don`t consider myself an expert on amplification - here are two <br>> questions that I`d love some tips about from any of you harplers out <br>> there:<br>>  1- I currently own a JT30 mic (with volume control) and a Fender Blues <br>> Junior amp. Can any one give me tips on the best way to adjust the <br>> settings to get a nice fat mellow "classic Chicago blues" sound from it?<br>><br>>  2-I remember seeing people mention using pre-amps or amp -simulators <br>> plugged into the PA to get that tube-amp tone (without having to carry the <br>> amp) - any recommendations on devices like that?<br>><br>>  I know that these subjects have been discussed in the past, so I`ll be <br>> glad to get replies offlist, too<br>><br>>  Thanks!<br>><br>>  Hammer<br>><br>><br>> 
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