Re: [Harp-L] Distorted harmonica versus Clean harmonica sound question

[Joel Fritz <williemctell@xxxxxxxxx>]

It's not completely an either/or question.  Howlin' Wolf and James 
Cotton are examples of people who play(ed) through the vocal mic.  If 
you cup a vocal mic well you can get a pretty darned distorted sound.  
It's true that with a mic with a limited frequency response that's easy 
to overload combined with an amp that's easy to overload you can get a 
variety of different sounds.  As others have pointed out,  amplified 
harp is a different instrument, just like acoustic guitar is a different 
instrument from electric.

Footnote:  Masco PA amps command a premium over other PA amps from the 
same period because they're among the gear Little Walter used.  Are they 
the gateway to the Little Walter sound?  Probably not.

Footnote 2:  Rhythm Willie probably would have been interesting to hear 
playing through a guitar amp.

On 8/7/2012 10:29 AM, Randy Singer wrote:
> I play both amplifed distorted style AND clean harmonica style into a mike and PA.
>
> Of course, it seems much more fun to play blues, etc with a distorted harmonica amped sound.
>
> But here is my question......
>
> Some of the greatest blues solos are done with the amped style.
>
> I wonder if if some of the greatest amped blues soloists like little walter, jason ricci, william clarke, etc, would have played their signature songs as well if they played them without distortion?
>
> Anyone wish to chime in????
>
> Do YOU feel you can play hard core blues all night armed with only a mike? Isn't that the true test of a legitimate blues harp player? Not to use effects or distortion as "crutch".
>
> best,
>
>
> randy singer