[Harp-L] No Effects or Delay?

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

I don't like to play dry.  Among other things, I think reverb or  
delay evens out the timbre of a harp--smooths out the tonal  
differences between bent and unbent notes to a certain extent. Also  
provides a nice dimension and ambiance to the sound  which I like.  
For me, either reverb or delay will do and I'm ok with on board  
reverb in the amp itself.  I don't consider reverb or slap back delay  
as an effect--I look at it as part of the sound reinforcement/ 
amplification .

As far as other effects in general are concerned, I like 'em, but  
don't always use 'em.  Depends on the gig.  Lately, I've been gigging  
in a duo playing Delta and Piedmont and other basically acoustic  
style blues with a guitar player but we're both playing electric and  
with pedalboard electronics.  Pretty interesting way to present that  
sort of material--makes it sort of like trance blues and the  
audiences seem to like it. It's different, but we're getting pretty  
regular bookings which is cool.  We're not "in your face" electric  
and we don't do overkill with the effects, but it goes over really  
well and it's fun.

IMHO, the trick is to use effects pedals that respond to playing  
technique and aren't just sound effects.  I also think it's important  
to experiment enough with whatever electronic gizmos you decide to  
use in order to really understand what which effects and combination  
of effects do to your sound.  I also think it's important to pay  
attention to what the pedals you select will do to your tone when  
they are not engaged.  I'm an electric player and  it makes it easier  
to be musical with the electronics that way. Personally, I also pay  
attention to what gear whatever guitar player I'm playing with will  
be using since I think balance is an important consideration, too.

FWIW,

JP