RE: [Harp-L] Advice for a rookie - sort of

["John Balding" <John.Balding@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

For a good, basic introduction to the world of amplified harp, I would
suggest the Epiphone Valve Junior combo. It has an on/off switch and a
volume control. This is good. It allows you to concentrate on YOUR tone
and technique and not be constantly fiddling with a plethora of knobs
trying to get the AMP to define your tone. 
Swap out the preamp tube with a 12AU7 or a 12AY7 and you've got an amp
that will: (1) help you learn the basics of playing through an amp, (2)
allow you to play parties and small jams, (3) give a good tone that you
can be proud of and (4) always be there for you as a practice amp,
backup amp or small gig amp.
You could buy this amp new and under warranty cheaper than you could buy
most used tube amps. Plus, because this amp is new, it needs no repairs
or upgrades other than the tube swap. You don't have to worry about the
curious kid who had the amp before you and what he might have changed to
hot-rod it. I got a sweet used 2X12 Silvertone amp once. I played it and
it fried my lips! Seems the guy who had it before me opened it up to
"fix" it and never put the clamps back on the filter capacitors.
Consequently, they were rolling around in the chassis and grounding out
at random. Nothing like 450V to the lips (metal harp, metal microphone)
to wake you up!

In the beginning, I would suggest going small and new. No headaches, no
huge capital outlay. Plus there will always be a need for a small amp in
your arsenal. I'm sure that if you polled Harp-L, you would find that
most on the list own either only a small amp or a small amp AND other
amps. Rare is the player who owns ONLY a big gigging amp and nothing
else.

John Balding
Tallahassee, FL

-----Original Message-----
From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx [mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Tom Halchak
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:55 AM
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Harp-L] Advice for a rookie - sort of

Hello,

 

As a recent subscriber to harp-l, I am amazed at the frequency and
content
being posted.  

 

I have been playing the harmonica since 1972 and without boring you with
details consider myself to be a decent player.  Historically, I have
always
played for my own pleasure, never doing much with other musicians.  I
would
hear something on the radio and learn to duplicate the sounds I heard
and so
build my repertoire.  I had never bothered to research the information
about
how to properly cross harp.  I never knew which key went with a given
song
and I had never heard of 2nd position (although I guess cross harp is
another name for 2nd position).  Recently, however, I was at a party
with
some friends and a couple of the guys pulled out their guitars and
started
jamming and they happened to have a couple of harps so I joined in and
had a
blast.  I did not enjoy being confused about which harp to play and how
to
blend in with the guitars, so I started doing some research.  I
shouldn't
have been surprised because I spend a fair amount of time on the
internet,
but I am amazed at (and grateful for) the resources I have found.   As a
result, my passion for the harp has taken on a new level and I have been
busy feeding my addiction.  I have invested in a whole new set of harps,
some good books and instructional CD's, some great blues music and a
harmonic mike.  It is obvious that I need to get up to speed on music
theory.  I have contacted some local harp clubs looking for some
guidance
and camaraderie.  I'm on my way to harmonica heaven!

 

So here's my question.  I see all this discussion about amps and of
course,
being a novice, it's all Greek to me.  How is an amp that is designed
for a
harmonica different from other amps?  As I mentioned, I have purchased a
mike (a green bullet) and am now in the market for an amp.  Being a
bargain
hunter, I like to haunt the pawn shops in my area and have found many a
great deal whether you are talking about hand tools, fishing equipment,
golf
clubs - whatever.  And in case you don't already know it, apparently
there
are a lot of down and out musicians who have had to pawn their guitars,
drums, amps, mikes, etc. so the pawn shops are just loaded with
(seemingly)
good stuff at below market prices.  So if someone can reach out to me
and
perhaps provide some guidance as to what to look for and what to stay
away
from, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks,

 

Tom H.

Clearwater, FL





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