RE: [Harp-L] That great "Bluesy" stage sound

[chicago bluesman <chicagobluesman@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've been following this thread and have been reluctant to weigh-in.  In the past I've been rather harshly taken to task when I expressed the opinion that a small wattage amp like a 'Zoo is a better way to go than using digital effects equipment.  But I agree with everything Pete wrote--he's written a really thoughtful set of comments and suggestions and he's clearly a guy with a lot of playing and listening experience.  I strongly agree with the 'Zoo suggestion--especially the line-out option and Greg Heumann mod's.  There are other amps to consider such as a small HarpGear but we're getting into more serious money there.  Anything solid state leaves me cold and I have yet to play something that samples various amp rigs which sounds organic, natural and convincing.  But that could be just me.  I've owned a dozen tube amps over the years, both big and small, and the Kalamazoo's and the HarpGears stand out for me as the best-sounding of the bunch.  There are plenty of amps I haven't played-through which are probably great, but I've stopped searching for the perfect amp at this point.  There are also other mics to consider--I play mostly modified Astatics with a ceramic or magnetic element--but Pete's ideas are good here, too.  I like my audix fireball for its feedback resistance and clarity but I miss the opportunity to do hand effects and the lack of distortion.  But...amplifying upon ideas already discussed here (if you'll pardon an awful pun), I'd place equipment issues lower on the list of factors necessary for a fat, desirable tone than some other considerations.  For me, one of the most important things is to really take the time to listen to the sound you think you are seeking.  It's like approaches to foreign language acquisition which emphasize immersion--you won't sound like a native speaker unless you've exposed yourself to the nuances.  Discover what sound really appeals to you--for me it's guys like Big Walter, SBWII, Cotton--and immerse yourself in those sounds.  Drive your dog crazy by listening to nothing else.  Play along with the songs ad nauseum till you can always anticipate phrasing, even if you can't do it yourself spontaneously all of the time.  Gradually, over time, with repeated exposure, you'll may find that you shape your embouchure and arrive at a fuller, fatter tone through deep listening.  Sure, technique is important, too--if a fat Chicago tone is what you seek then the tight cup enclosure is a necessary part of the deal and tongue-blocking capacity is useful, maybe even required so you can at least hit the octave chords.  A tube amp that warmly breaks up just when you want it to really helps.  But your most important piece of equipment might be your ipod.  Just my humble 2 cents.

John

> From: p.stris@xxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: RE: [Harp-L] That great "Bluesy" stage sound
> Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:28:56 -0900
> 
> Hi Jeff,
> 
> I personally find that the digital effects boxes add a subtle sterility to
> the sound.  I've not tried tube based or designed-for-harp (lone wolf)
> pedals for delay, distortion, or other effects.
> 
> I agree with others that the primary route to good tone is
> technique/embouchure (haven't heard that word here in a while!) and cupping
> technique.  Equipment is second.  Some of the mics recommended (SM57/58,
> fireball) are clean and won't add to your desired "fatness," though they are
> excellent mics. The bullet mics, bottle o' blues, SM545, and others will add
> some of the distortion you seek. You can get the current model Shure "Green
> Bullet" for $120 (http://tinyurl.com/47m488r).  I was fortunate to buy my
> USA made Shure 520 in 1982 ($74.50 - which was a lot back then) and still
> use it.  You didn't say what mic you are using.
> 
> A good tube amp with as little as 5 watts can also help dramatically.  There
> are a couple of current models that have been discussed here (like the VHT
> special 6) for under $200.  One of the classics, and what I have, is the
> Kalamazoo Model 1 or 2, a 5 watt tube amp from the 60's.  I bought one on
> ebay for about $175 and had Greg H work it over making sure all components
> were adequate, added three prong power cord, and added a line out for $110
> (http://www.blowsmeaway.com/kalamazoo.html).  There is a Zoo on eBay right
> now that claims to be all of the above except for the line out for $225:
> http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-KALAMAZOO-Gibson-MODEL-1-GUITAR-AMP-/26072777049
> 4?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb4960d7e (http://tinyurl.com/4hd7yx6).
> 
> I can't say enough about the Zoo.  Along with the bullet and the degree of
> technique I have developed thus far, I am pleased with the sound.  The line
> out allows me to plug into the PA at jams and be loud enough even with
> deafening bands.  The line out is post amp, so it carries the same sound you
> hear through the amp itself.  And the amp is not muted, so you have your own
> stage monitor. In smaller venues, the amp is plenty loud enough by itself.
> 
> %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
> 
> Having said all that, if you really want to stay under $100 for now, I would
> pick up a used Digitech or Zoom G2Nu multi-effects box to play with.  It may
> not be what you stay with, but it will help you get familiar with all of the
> effects and make the most of your existing amp without spending too much for
> now.  If you are serious about harp long term, some early investments will
> pay off.  That $74.50 I spent in '82 when I was a grad student hurt a bit,
> but it was one of the best investments I ever made.  Something like a Zoo
> amp will not lose its value.  $200-$300 now resulting in one in good shape
> and taken care of will be worth at least that in 10 years.  In fact, you
> probably could have gotten setup with a good Zoo for 1/2 that five years
> ago.
> 
> .....Pete in AK
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> -----------
> This may be a simple question, but I'd like to know through experience how
> that "bluesy" rash sound over an amp can be attained.  I know lots of people
> use it (not sure of the term)- recently heard Sonny Terry of Houston use it.
> Since I have been playing for 1 ½ years now, I want to try working with
> different sounds.  I have a small Peavey amp that only has volume, gain, and
> simple settings, but no reverb or delay on it.  Therefore, I'm looking at
> getting the Behringer DR400 or DD600 (the DR has delay and reverb) to
> connect it to.  Any comparable products out there that being used?  Anyone
> have any ideas what to do/get or setups for around $50-100.
> 
>