Re: [Harp-L] What to bring to a jam

[Robert Paparozzi <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Martin,

Sitting in as a harp player and being at the mercy of a sound system out of
your control or REACH can be very frustrating, I guess we've all been
there...if your just gonna have minimal gear like a few harps....consider
bringing one of these two VOLUME items I've listed below. You will have to
still get whoever is in charge of the PA to give you a level and get them to
'roll off the highs (treble).

But KEY here is setting YOUR volume control to a bit MORE than half then,
have them give you LEVEL from the PA. Now you can crank it to full from your
fingertips if your friend in the house sez.."I can't hear you". You have
some volume to spare!

http://www.audixusa.com/audix/Acrobat/FireBall-V_spec_sheet.pdf

I endorse the Fireball V I assisted Audix in designing and testing it, it's
a GREAT recording Mic as well and small enuff to throw in your harp case.

I also endorse and use Audix Vocal Mics (OM 6)

If you don't want to carry ANY mic than try this, which I use as well and
always keep it in mycase.....made by Greg Heumann and very nicely made!

http://blowsmeaway.com/switchcraft.html


Hope this was helpful..
Best,
Rob Paparozzi
Www.myspace.com/hudsonriverrats



On 5/16/08 7:38 PM, "martin oldsberg" <martinoldsberg@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>  
>   Here´s a question for those of you who attend jams, or just sit in every now
> and then.
>     Let me give you the context: A while ago I was invited to play on a couple
> of tunes with a jazz band. No big deal, been there, done that, even with this
> same band.
>     I got down to the club for their second set, as agreed, and when time was
> right I stepped up on the stage, which is roughly the size of a signet ring.
> Proceeded to one of two vocal mics, and nodded to the tuba player, who was
> standing closest to the house PA: "Please cut out all treble". He looked
> somewhat bewildered, then turned a knob, which eliminated all volume. "No,
> please, treble." I couldn´t physically without serious altercations get
> through to the board -- it was intensely crowded on the stage -- but of course
> perceived that he hadn´t the faintest what he was doing. "Can you turn that
> first knob back up to where it was?" "Ehh .."
>     At this point some slight commotion from rest of the band, c´mon guys,
> let´s get started.
>     I blew a note and realised that I was at least audible from the speaker
> closest to me, then cut my losses and just played when I was supposed to play.
>     Afterwards I received some accolades, "thank you, thank you, very kind",
> but a friend of mine in the audience hinted that I was "a bit low in the mix".
> Which meant really low.
>     Well of course I was, "but you could see for yourself, not a chance to do
> anything about it. Also, this crappy mic was ALL treble, and that´s the way --
> ah-ha ah-ha -- i DON´T like it."
>     So, what can a poor boy do?
>     Bring my own mic as well?
>     Do you do that?
>     Hanging around for the sound-check could seem like a brilliant idea, but
> in this case meaning I would have to sacrifice my dinner at home + a bunch of
> Margaritas that I was really looking forward to. And for what? Drooling at the
> bar a couple of hours, doing nothing productive, just because I´m playing --
> for free, mind you -- on a few songs.
>     Bringing your own mic, of a "neutral" type, means that you have to be able
> to get through to the PA, but I could have fitted that in in a pause or
> something.
>     However, this to some extent reduces the beauty of the diatonic harmonica:
> I put two or three in my jacket front pocket, "Ta honey, I´m leaving" and I´m
> all set, no hassle.
>     Of course this is also implies taking a splash into whatever equipment
> there is. There are some not very satisfactory ad hoc measures that I´ve tried
> now and then, pulling a hanky round the mic or whatever, not playing cupped on
> some mics (which I don´t like) etc.
>    
>     Any suggestions on a viable strategy for more or less impromptu
> situations?
>    
>    Cheers
>    Martin
> 
>        
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All the best,
Rob Paparozzi

email: 
chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rob¹s My Space (check for upcoming Gigs!)
http://www.myspace.com/hudsonriverrats

Rob¹s Session Sites:
http://www.esession.com
http://www.sessionplayers.com
http://www.nysingerscollective.com

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http://home.earthlink.net/~chromboy/