[Harp-L] Harp Rigs

["G. E. Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've read all kinds of great blogs about killer amps set up for  
playing' the blues. If I had the bucks, I would have a whole collection.

Since I have to be extremely flexible as a side man for singer  
songwriters, I  need a rig that can cover a whole range of styles at  
any volume .

I've long considered a mini PA approach. I've since run into some fine  
sax players who do the same thing.

The photo below is my evolving take on that Idea.

Equipment list:

JBL Eon 10 about $550( I've found it will punch through any wall of  
sound created by others. Add a second and you have a full PA. Set it  
on the floor and it is a personal monitor.)

Behinger Xenyx 1202  FX about $120 (affordable relatively clean and  
warm sounding mixer can handle a number of microphones for different  
styles. It has a pretty clean effects unit built in)

Yamaha SPX 90 (yeah I know, it's ancient but it still works fine for  
the occassional effect)

Presonus Comp 16 about $110 ( is an OK compressor that will do the job  
if you want to keep the price of the rig under $1,000. I put it  
between the mixer and the speaker)

Studio Projects VTB 1 V solidstate/tube preamp about $115 (just got it  
and I'm pleased. It will give a nice fat sound to a bullet mic when  
the tube portion is at full throttle. Dial it back to warm up your  
regular mics.For $20 you can buy a shelf that will hold 2 if you want  
more flexibilty. I plug the bullet mic straight into the front of the  
unit. It would make a good DI box on it's own. )

This rig would not be your first pick if your focus is to strictly  
play the blues on a bullet mic but if you play both chromatic and  
diatonic, something along these lines could do the trick. What I like  
is that it is endlessly upgradable as new technologies come out.


PS The drawer is the Raxxess economy drawer about $50. You might look  
at their velcro lined drawer for easy mounting of the mixer. It's  
about $30 more.

From Gary Popenoe