[Harp-L] What makes the SJ410 so amazing...

[Thomjon Borges <borgesdesign@xxxxxxx>]

Just got back from driving down to CT to see Gary and to pick up my  
new SJ410 amp. Thought I would drop you all a line and give you some  
first impressions.

Before I even got to Gary's home I could hear the 410, no kidding!  
More projection than I have ever heard in any amp. Sweet, clean highs  
and absolutely thunderous lows. Like walking up to an old juke joint  
in the middle of a killer set —‚ only no PA, no band, just the SJ410  
blasting away with a truly killer tone. (Not to mention what a treat  
to hear Gary's chops. I must have learned a dozen new tricks just  
sitting with him for the hour I was there.)

The 410 is a beauty to behold. Fit and finish is impeccable.  
Everything speaks to the quality and love that Gary puts into these  
babies. But this is no showpiece. Nor would it be happy sitting in  
some collector's room. This amp is born to rock hard without even  
breaking a sweat. Gary proceeded to give me just a little taste of  
what the 410 can do. Amazing! Thunderous! This amp must be felt to be  
believed! But this is not volume for loudness sake. The voicing here  
is very accurate. Everything you put into the baby comes out, but  
better. Stronger. Like it is on fire.

No amp will make a beginner sound like a pro, of course. And a great  
harp player (like the amazing Kim Wilson) would still sound amazing  
regardless of the amp they are playing through. I consider my self an  
intermediate player with about 10 years of searching for the "tone".  
I have been through countless amps on countless nights (with untold  
money spent) and have "heard that tone" on maybe a dozen of  
occasions. Within 10 minutes of playing the SJ40 I had the "tone",  
plus as much volume and projection as I (or anyone else) could ever  
need. In just 10 minutes! I can only imagine what this amp can do  
when I finally get familiar with it! My quest is over. Big sound,  
major tone, killer projection. NO FEEDBACK! This amp really does have  
it all.

But, what makes the SJ410 so amazing is Gary himself. Having spent  
only an hour with him, I already feel like I am a better harp player.  
He was a pleasure to deal with — an honest, straight-shooter who  
didn't try to sell me stuff I didn't need or bullshit me about why  
his amp is better. He's a craftsman who really cares about putting  
out the best he can. And he's a musician, like the rest of us. He's  
also an amazing wealth of knowledge and someone who you would do well  
to get to know.

Update: Just got in from playing at a late-night jam in Boston. The  
place was packed and by the time I got there the stage volume was  
already LOUD! Took one more set before I got up on stage — with two  
guitarists, keyboard, and three horns. (A harp player's nightmare for  
sure. Have been in this sort of situation before and normally would  
have been drowned out of the mix even with micing my amp.) From the  
first few notes I blew, everything was different. Not only could I  
hear myself — everyone else in the club could as well. I could see  
the guitarists looking at each other. (Guess they never actually  
"heard" a harp!) Even when they turned up (as they always do) the  
SJ410 cut thru; singing and rumbling like some evil angel. Even with  
the horns blasting on one side and both guitarists on the other I was  
able to stand my ground — hearing ever note: thunderous (to be sure)  
but never distorted! It was a singular experience. And after only  
owning the SJ410 for less than 12 hours. All I can say is: thank you,  
Gary!

Keep on harpin'

Thomjon (Tommy) Borges



........................................................................

Thomjon Borges

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