Re: [Harp-L] the small amp for beginners controversy

[Rick Davis <bluesharpamps@xxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with you, but I would note that compression, sag, and even-order
harmonics are all distortion.  That is the distortion I look for in a good
harp amp.

-Rick Davis


On Sun, Jan 11, 2009 at 4:40 PM, James D Hoskins
<jameshoskinz@xxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

> I respectfully, but strongly disagree with the small pignose having great
> tone for anyone, harp or guitar. I think far too much emphasis is placed on
> the amp DISTORTION, and not enough on the sweetness of a great tube rig.
> Personally if I can't blow through a great sounding tube amp, I prefer to
> play acoustically (or through a vocal mic).  For me the beauty in playing
> through a tube guitar amp has more to do with the compression or sag of the
> rectifier, and the even order harmonics we get from vaccum tubes(or valves,
> if you prefer) I think there are just as many great "CHICAGO" (or Memphis,
> or LA, or ?) players that play somewhat cleaner than the majority of the
> posters I've read on this thread seem to think/hear. Either one of the
> Walters or Sonny Boy recorded plenty of cleaner sounding harp, it wasn't
> all
> tight cup maxed out small tube amp sound. And I personally would like to
> leave that solid state amp distortion for the young rock guitarists.
>
> All that said, I have one of those little Pignose amps, bought it at my
> neighbors yard sale 2 years ago. She bought that and a cheap electric
> guitar, but never learned to play, so it's almost new. The first $50 takes
> it, if not I'll eventually get it on Ebay. Another 2cents JD
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Harp-L is sponsored by SPAH, http://www.spah.org
> Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
> http://harp-l.org/mailman/listinfo/harp-l
>



-- 
-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
http://www.bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/