[Harp-L] best amp, mic etc

[jim.alciere@xxxxxxxxx]

Do you want an amp just to fool around with at home, or do you want
something you can take on stage? If you want a stage amp you have to balance
two key elements, volume and weight. I'm not carrying a Twin Reverb onstage
anymore.  Too heavy. Also if you want a tube amp for the stage, either have
someone show you how to replace the tubes, or have someone in the band know
how to replace them. Tube amps are real high voltage with capaciters that
store that voltage even when the amp is unplugged, so talk to someone before
messing with them. I can play bars w/ between 50-100 people in a five piece
band with a 9 watt amp with no difficulty being heard. Beginners often need
a louder amp. Hard time getting things loud. I'm not sure why.

I like low watt amps with el 84 tubes and a bullet mic. The problem with low
watt amps is they often have small speakers. I personally prefer a 2x12
speaker cab to those old 1x8" speakers. More bass. This is a nice set up for
heavily distorted rock riffs with the lower tongue octaves.  I got a chance
to play through a friend's home made 4x8 cab, with 50s Jensen speakers. Oh
my...If I could have a dream amp, that's what I'd have for speakers.

I also like those big heavy Fender blackface amps with the 6l6 tubes and a
shure wand mic. Very nice for soloing. Pretty. Old Fenders had such a nice
reverb. Gorgeous sound.

Nothing more fun than going into a music store and testing out their amps.
Don't just try the traditional favorites. John Popper uses Mesa Boogie.
Check out the modeling amps with all the bells and whistles. Just because
Little Walter never used a through zero flanging with chorus and multi tap
delay in his solos doesn't mean you can't. Try a bunch of amps, go with what
sounds good.

For microphones, I like Shure because they don't break when you drop them
from six feet on to a cement floor.
-- 
Rainbow Jimmy
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1372404/dhoozh_chapter_1.html
http://www.myspace.com/theelectricstarlightspaceanimals