[Harp-L] Effects for harp: Using a computer particularly to play live

[Richard Hammersley <rhhammersley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've been following the many threads on effects for harp. Some people  
clearly use complex chains of effects. I read recently that the  
guitarist John McLaughlin has switched to running his guitar through a  
laptop (a mac I think) even in live performance. I have been using  
Garageband (on a mac) quite a lot and you can certainly get some nice  
digital effects while recording. Another advantage to my ears is that  
it is possible to get around most of the problems of signal  
degredation that come with effects pedals etc, even when you put lots  
of effects in.

Has anyone experience of using a computer for effects to play harp live?

This used to be hazardous because even 10 years ago computers were  
more fragile and sensitive than today and would pack in under heat  
stress etc. Also, the processing power meant that effects could not  
play live without a troublesome delay. I don't think this is true  
anymore.

Thanks

Richard


Richard Hammersley
Grantshouse, Scottish Borders
http://www.last.fm/music/Richard+Hammersley
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