[Harp-L] Sonny Jr. Avenger Pt.2

[Michael Easton <diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've only been able to use the Avenger twice on gigs since purchasing  
it last month.  The first gig was an outdoor concert on a plaza.  I  
couldn't really review the amp since I had trouble hearing due to an  
allergy related ear infection.  What I can tell you is everyone was  
aware of the amp.  You could feel the heavy concrete blocks below our  
feet vibrate when I played. The amp provides serious bottom when you  
need it.
The 2nd guitarist on the other side of the stage felt it.  All the  
amps were miked thru the pa.  I positioned my SM57 behind the amp   
between the 2 8's.

The gig we had last night was somewhat better for me.  I usually keep  
my amps high on a stand pointing straight out. I position the amp to  
sit just a hair behind me to my left. This way I can hear the amp as  
well as the audience but I'm not drowning out my band mates on stage.  
There is also no feedback issues if I need to crank it. .  I didn't  
get to do that with the Avenger since my spot on stage was directly  
beside a set of tables.  I had to keep it on the floor behind me which  
is the worse placement for an unmiked harp amp IMHO.  You hear  
everybody but yourself on stage. Like any amp, the sound goes past  
your legs  and out. While the audience and band mates could hear me I  
couldn't hear very well and wasn't sure how it was projecting.

 During the second set a friend sat in so I got to hear it from out  
front.  The amp is like no other I've heard unmiked.   There was no  
hot spot to identify what amp the harp sound was coming from. It just  
fills the stage and blend beautifully with the band.  I should add I  
loaned one of the guitarist my reverb pedal since he forgot his. Even  
playing the amp dry the sound projected far and wide just as advertised.

I got several compliments from the guitarists in the band afterwards  
who love the raw vintage tone the amp can produce.  After the gig the  
band leader's wife came up to me  and said, "I love your playing, you  
play everything right and the way it should be played."  That made my  
day.

I wanted to add that even though the amp was still set up, tube wise,  
for lower volume gigs I had the volume cranked to 9 on the bright  
channel and 2 on the normal channel. With my hot CR mic that is the  
highest I could crank it and the mic vol. pot before feedback. This  
setup drives the amp to work hotter for better crunch or should I say  
avenging. :)

I talked to Gary a few weeks ago and I may be bringing my Avenger to  
the Garden St. Harmonica Fest on Saturday if any of you want to try it  
out. Gary is bringing a Cruncher. I'm not sure if time will allow for  
only him to test drive the amps or if others want to plug in.  If  
there is a Sat. afternoon electric blues jam I'd be willing to loan it  
out for that.  I didn't see any mention of the jam posted or who the  
backing band would be.

Can you fill us in Warren?


Michael Easton
www.harmonicarepair.com