[Harp-L] Electric Harp Versus Guitar

[Mike Fugazzi <mfugazzi67@xxxxxxxxx>]

What is the difference between the sound of an
electric harp vs that of a guitar?  How are the
signals into the amps different?

I tried searching for the answer, but didn't know how
to phrase my questions effective enough for a search
engine.  

I've heard of harp players sounding like guitars
before, but haven't found the similarities.

This notion popped into my head after talking with a
guitar player and listening to Derek Trucks...My band
is off for the month, but I had two groups ask me to
play with them in the next couple of weeks.  One
offered to bring an amp (tweed deluxe) so I wouldn't
have to lug a bunch of gear or be there early for set
up.  So not only don't I have to rehearse, I am
getting paid to jam and even have a roadie of sorts ;)

This will work fine since I have the Kinder AFB+ and
Harp Commander and am comfortable setting up on the
fly and getting a sound I don't hate (and I don't want
to crowd the stage or leave an amp there all night). 
So I started thinking about how a good guitar amp and
harp amp are different, but beyond feedback control I
don't know why, or why the two insturments sound
different to begin with. 

Then at lunch today I was listening to Derek Trucks
and realized that the sound in my head is much closer
to his tone then that of the stereotypical harp sound.
 So while I don't need to sound just like Trucks,
there has to be a way to get closer to that tone.

Maybe I should just start playing guitar.  I love the
shape of the sounds slide players throw out there and
how the can have such presence without sounding shrill
or thrill.  It is so warm, yet more focused then
typcial harp.  Maybe it has to do with tongue blocking
or something.

Any weird thoughts like mine are welcomed.  

Mike Fugazzi
vocals/harmonica

http://www.myspace.com/mikefugazzi
http://www.niterail.com

"Capitalize on your own strengths; develop your own style.
The world needs another harp player doing Little Walter licks
as much as it needs another Elvis impersonator."
-Paul deLay


 
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