[Harp-L] In line volume control....or not?

[Greg Heumann <greg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Farkey

The MC-127 element is extremely load sensitive. If you could only  
play into a no-load circuit, it would sound better than you've ever  
heard it - but there is no such thing. Start with your amp - is its  
input 1Mohm or has it been modified for 5M ohm impedance? 5 is  
better, because any other devices that put a resistor across the  
inputs, including a volume control, will lower the overall impedance,  
and it is better to start from 5 than 1. To get the absolute best  
from your element, you want a 5Mohm input on your amp and NOTHING  
else in the chain. If you buy a control from me, I make an "extra-hi- 
impedance" version for crystal mics that will minimize this effect  
but it will not eliminate it. I don't know how the Danecho pedal is  
wired, but it may also rob some tone.

There is no free lunch, I'm afraid, but often you can compensate to  
some degree with changes in your tone settings - and for many this is  
an acceptable compromise because the increased control and  
convenience of a good volume control  is indeed valuable.

Hoπe that helps


/Greg Heumann

http://www.blowsmeaway.com
http://www.bluestateband.net