[Harp-L] Amp Comparisons - Are there any?

[Michael Posey <harrpoe@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>  Hi Don,
 
I would be more concerned with why the band leader does not want any harp in the PA. Before I would even consider dropping significant coin on any of the amps you have listed below, I would need to hear some "realistic" reasons to determine if he even wants a harp player in the band.  A good PA system can handle ALL instrumentation AND vocals. It's what it is designed to do. There are many players who do not use an amp at all. They use the PA through external devices exclusively for multiple reasons with the biggest probably being able to sonically keep up with loud bands.
 
Aside from that, there are great harp amp comparisons on youtube. Search for "Harpsucker".  I dont know if any of the killer amps you have listed below are included but I'm pretty sure most of them are made with a line out...so you can run them to the PA!
 
Other solutions are running your Smicz to a 100 watt or more SS keyboard amp, powered PA speaker or investing in a small PA yourself. If you like the sound of your current rig and all you need to do is to increase the volume, either of these will work nicely.
 
Best o' luck!
 

> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 8
> Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2011 13:28:12 -0800 (PST)
> From: Don Alexander <drabluesman@xxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [Harp-L] Amp Comparisons - Are there any?
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Message-ID: <426726.88337.qm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
> 
> I recently starting giging with a band which plays mostly "loud" rock and blues in clubs and bars.  My small 5 watt Smicz Portablues Amp just does not have enough volume (awesome small amp by the way).  I have used the line out as well as mic'ing the amp , but cutting through the band becomes some what problematic.  In addition, the band leader would prefer that the harp does not come out through the PA.  Consequently, I have been researching and trying to educate myself on various larger "Harp Amps" mostly boutique amps specially constructed for harp. (Sonny Jr., Metor, Harp Gear, Mission, Wezo, etc.) all of which look to be very good amps and endorsed by various "pro" harp players and reviews by existing customers.  However, I have been unable to locate any "unbias" comparisons of these amps to each other regarding specs, tone, etc..  Maybe there are none out there?  Since all of these amps are a major investment and are not really available
> to "Try before Buy" , I was hoping to get any feedback, advice or locate comparisons that are out there.   Any advice and or input is appreciated.
>  
> thanks
> 
> Don Alexander
> drabluesman@xxxxxxxxx
> 
> 
> 
>