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

[MundHarp@xxxxxxx]

Different strokes for different folks. A "Pignose" works for me!
 
The smallest "Pignose"... That I purchased back in the '90's, has  paid for 
itself again and again... I've used it to get a cool "electric"  distorted  
harmonica sound on hundreds of  recording sessions. IT  DOESN'T "hum" AT ALL!!!!  
 Unlike many tube amps, it's quiet. SO  recording engineers LOVE IT.
 
I use it with a Shure SM58, with a 1970's Shure Unisphere or  with an Astatic 
(modified) Crystal Balls... JT30..
 
A different sound every time.
 
Tube amps sometimes give a better "sag" to the tone. But they "hum," and  for 
recording studios, they are often too loud!  Most tube amps are  MUCH more 
difficult to record with, at low volume.
 
One of the beauties of playing harmonica is that there are simply so many  
options...
 
Mostly, on gigs I use a Fender tube amp, either DI to the house PA or mic'd  
to the PA using an SM 57 aimed at the loud speaker.
If it is a small gig in a bar, It does not go through the PA. 40 watts of  
"tube power" is quite loud enough mostly.
 
TUBE AMPS are (probably) best for live performance, Chicago style blues  
harp. However, solid state amps are often better for recording, because  they are 
so "quiet"!
 
NO HUM!
 
I know... "The tone comes from the harp player not the amp"...
 
Best wishes
 
John "Whiteboy" Walden
London
England
 
 
 
In a message dated 11/01/2009 23:41:41 GMT Standard Time,  
jameshoskinz@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:

I  respectfully, but strongly disagree with the small pignose having  great
tone for anyone, harp or  guitar