[Harp-L] Open Mic

[David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Randy, 

Assuming this was more of a jam (varied players together on same basic backline gear, etc.) than an open mic (serial set acts with mostly their own gear): While the other players were obviously a bit rude and quite unsharing, it sounds like you might've been too polite.  Ya don't get what ya don't ask for!  

Many a time I've waited, watching people switch out/line-up too many amps on stage,  then I've asked to share someone's amp and been told AOK, even by players who didn't know me.  Helps if you have your own mic, in any case.   And if you're any good, they'll offer you their own mic, ask to borrow yours, etc.  

If not, well, go to the p.a. and blow your socks off.

When I go out expecting to play I almost always carry a mic & cable (in my cheap plastic fishing tackle box with 35 harps), also a 1/4-xlr converter so I can switch in my 707A for the pa mic.

Anyway, pa mics are fine since if you can't bring it "acoustically," well, you ain't got the groceries!  At least so I've been led to believe . . . 

Now, I LOVE my Harpgear 30 and 59RI and Alamo Fiesta, Kinder afb+ and Tom Ostin mic, but, if all I got's a harp in my pocket (as always), I'm set to boogie!

-Dave "Fishing for Tone" Fertig

> From: "Randy Power" <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 11:12:20 AM GMT +08:00 Beijing / Chongqing
/ Hong Kong / Urumqi
> Subject: [Harp-L] Open mic
> 
> I just went to an open mic night, hoping to sit in on a couple songs. I
> asked the first harp player if I needed an amp and mike to sit in. He said
> that he and the other 2 harp players always bring their own equipment. Is
> that common practice? Could he have let me sit in using his mike and amp?
Or
> should I just bring a mic and amp next time?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Unhappy I didn¹t get to play tonight....