[Harp-L] RE: Review Danelectro Fab Echo

["A. CATASUS" <acatasus@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

RE: the Danelectro Fab Echo.
I have to agree with both sides of the Danelectro Fab Echo argument. 
(Rick Davis pro, Jonathan Ross con) I agree that it does what it does 
for a minimal price, and I agree that for many harp players it does 
exactly what we want. I also agree that for other harp players much 
more is wanted. Hey, this is America! At least until they finish 
seeding the Supreme Court. But I digress-

I personally prefer a fairly straightforward approach. I want that 
breakup that is prized in the Chicago style sound. I want a creamy, fat 
tone that comes with relatively small vintage tube amps. I recently 
added a Toadworks Meat Jr. to my setup. It gives me a boost, to help me 
compete with those big guitar amps, and adds a nice creamy thickness to 
the tone without creating muddyness. I want a clarity that comes from 
keeping the distortion within bounds. But I also know that the fabulous 
Chicago sound is not limited to one approach. Just listen to Little 
Walter. On different songs he sounds like a different guy.

So yes, there is room for ten, twenty, thirty pedals if that is what 
helps you create the sound you prize. In the end it is your results 
that matter. Have you expressed something that gives us an opening into 
your soul? How many pedals and what kind are irrelevant.

But I do like that Danelectro. I just bought one and have started 
experimenting with it. But why must I turn the repeat all the way down, 
Rick? I use this pedal very sparingly, but for some songs...

For instance, listen to Muddy Waters doing "I Just Want to Make Love to 
You" or "I'm Ready." That harp sounds like it's playing in a high 
school boys' bathroom! (Yes, I am old enough to remember the guys who 
could sing going to the boys' room to do their acappella harmonies 
where the reverb was most powerful.) Well, in this version of "same 
Thing" the echo is powerful and the result is magnificent!

I have only one complaint- It would be nice if it were made of metal. 
But the price was more than right and they're doing fantastic things 
with plastic nowadays.

So, Rick, consider really exploring the possibilities of this pedal on 
different songs with different band configurations, different singers, 
different moods etc. And Jonathan, don't sell this little thing short. 
No, it will not make us the Jimmi Hendrix of the harp, but it can help 
some players create a very effective sound. Go on and electrify the 
hall with wild and crazy effects, but be open to simpler things as 
well. You may find that they will inform and strengthen your wilder 
efforts and provide some balance and pacing to your repertoire.