Re: [Harp-L] Johnson Laredo

[Special20 <special20harp@xxxxxxxxx>]

Walter-

If you are not a gear-tinkering kind of guy, the vintage Masco might be
frustrating for you.  I'd give it a good home for you!  ;-)

Okay, the Laredo... it comes with two 12AX7s in the preamp section.  Are
they still in there?  If so, you need to try lower-gain versions of the
12A?? to calm the amp and get feedback a little more under control.  If the
original 12AX7 tubes are both still in there, go buy one 12AY7 tube (I like
Tung Sol new production tubes) and put it in the first preamp socket, V1
(usually the one closest to where you plug in your microphone) .  See how
that works.  You might need a 12AT7 or 5751 in V2.  You just gotta tinker
and let your ears decide.

Check this out:  http://thetubestore.com/gainfactor.html

[Uh.. Be careful when jacking around with tubes.  Amps have lethal voltatges
even when unplugged.]

The Meteor is a tremendous amp.  If you liked it perhaps you should buy one
to add to your amp herd.  But I KNOW the little Laredo can be a suitable
small amp for harp.  I've heard it in action and it was impressive.

-Spec20



On Feb 18, 2008 10:48 AM, Walter Joyce <wtjoyce45@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
> I am hoping someone with a more technical background will step up and help
> me with this inquiry.
>
> I got my Johnson Laredo back yesterday and when I got home and started
> adjusting the knobs to try and dial in the tone I am after I was reminded
> why I had given up on this amp.
>
> I am able to get almost exactly the tone I am looking for, but the volume
> level won't hold up in a live play setting, and feedback becomes an issue.
> When I set the gain level to 2, and the master volume to 3, bass at 10, mid
> at 5 and treble at 0 I get the sound I want, but I know that the volume
> level isn't enough to cut through the mix live. I have tried micing the amp
> through the PA in a live setting at these settings and ran I ran into
> feedback issues again.
>
> I would like to be able to turn up the master volume and still get the
> same tone but run into feedback issues.
>
> I tried this with a Shure 520 dx microphone with the volume control open
> all the way.
>
> Is there an equalizer pedal or feedback destroyer I could add to the setup
> that would enable me to get the volume level and tone that I want or should
> I just bite the bullet and buy one of the boutique amps designed for harp?
>
> As an aside, I played through a Meteor last night that a friend has, and
> it had great tone, and several different settings based on which tubes are
> being used on that setting offering a variety of cool tones.
>
> I also have the chance to but a vintage Masco at a good price.
>
> Thank you again to all who have helped in the past and any who may want to
> offer some advice now.
>
> Walter Joyce
>
>
>
>
>
>
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