[Harp-L] Read if you're bored!

[Nick Walsh <niko8484@xxxxxxx>]

Here is an email exchange I recently had with a band leader who asked me to come play him and his band.  It's long but I just wanted to know the groups thoughts about this exchange. Here is some background on the email: this band played at a very loud level. This level always increased during set to the point that everything including vocal was muddy and distorted.
Let me know If I out of line at all.
I actually found his respond ridiculously entertaining. 
Nick "Chowda"
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Nick..  I hope all is well with you, I am in search of a good harp player for the new reformed XXXXXXX, and it now consists of some great players.    I really liked playing with you and what you brought to the stage when you jammed with us.. and I know you must be even better now.    If you are interested in playing with us again please let me know...  
 
Thanks, Tom
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Hey Tom,
 Thanks for the email.  I have been really busy with school and work. That being said I am looking to play more harp. I really like the song choice of the XXXXXXX has and the style youâre playing.  I think my harp sounds good with it. 
I have a few suggests if you're interested.  I don't mean this in any disrespectful way what so ever, but I found it hard to play with the XXXXXX because of the overall volume level.  I felt like I got lost in the mix with my medium sized amp (12" speaker, 25 watt amp).  Even when I brought out my Bassman I felt able to compete but then I felt like I was perpetuating the issue and forcing others to turn up. The last time I played with the XXXXXX I left feeling a little discouraged and like it wasn't my place to ask everyone to turn down. 
Again, I mean this with total respect.  I think you're a great guitarist and the other guys in the band were really cool as well.  
Thanks,
 Nick
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Great to hear from you Nick....     and oh yes, the volume issue...   There are some people that really have a hard time dealing with it and I, and that is fine for them, but not me.   At the smaller venues I do try to keep a lid on it as best I can but I have to tell you I will not play at lounge levels, never happen.    When I play I want to play for real... I take my playing seriously just like all my hero's I grew up listing to...  I want the  XXXXXXX to be the real deal, and to get tone... great tone I need to be at a level that will allow me to get there pure and simple, no bink tone or fake sounding distortion pedals at low levels...  can't and won't do it.     
 I am not going to turn down any lower than I already play, nor is the band as a whole.   If you think you can handle that and want to give it a go then let me know and you should come to our next rehearsal.   If not.. I fully understand.
 
Either way...  good to hear from you, always liked you and your playing and thought you had great potential.
Tom
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