Re: [Harp-L] (no subject)

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Davymax" wrote:

<Tone is where you find it. I don't need an amp
<to make my tone or my ideas, which I feel many derive by technical means. 

Of course good players make good sounds with nothing but a harmonica.  That's not the point.  An amp gives the harp a certain kind of sound.  If you want to make that sound, you need an amp or an electronic device that mimics an amp, the same way you need an amp to make an electric guitar sound.  Jimi Hendrix and Little Walter were both great players, but a lot of their best-known pieces would sound completely different--and probably not as good in many cases, certainly not as emotional in many respects--without an amp. The instrument defines what's possible in many ways.  Having an amp opens up more possibilities, and not just because it's louder. 

I've released 2 CDs of solo acoustic harmonica pieces, which I think demonstrates a pretty strong commitment to the sound of the harmonica with no frills attached. But I certainly like the sound of a good amp, whether I "need" it or not, just the way I like having more than one flavor of ice cream available if I want it. 

Sound timbre aside, in general, it doesn't matter how good a player is--if you're standing in front of an amped band, you'd better have a decent amp of your own if you want to be heard.    

Regarding your own sound, is there anywhere the rest of us can hear it, amped or otherwise?  A URL pointing to your band, perhaps?  

In the meantime, can we please not have another tone-vs.-amp flame war?  Unless everyone favoring acoustic tone to the absolute exclusion of amps agrees to give their amps to me as a sign of their commitment to pure harp tone and sincerity?  In the latter case, you can send your amp USPS with shipping prepaid, and I will take your pity for free.  

Regards, Richard Hunter
latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://myspace.com/richardhunterharp