[Harp-L] Re: got amp, now what?

[BluzeHarp@xxxxxxx]

John wrote:  got amp, now what?
 
You'll get 100 different people saying that one thing or  another is the 
right ticket.  This info will be useful in  narrowing things down, but truth 
be told it's all very personal, one mans  diamond will be another's lump of 
coal.  One way to help sort it  out, without breaking the bank, is to visit a 
large music store such as Guitar  Center, there are also some very good 
independents that stock a good  variety.  Bring your amp and ask to demo some 
pedals, health codes  generally will not allow for you to use their mic's so 
remember to  bring your own.  GC has several brands and types of pedals set 
up  and ready to go for this exact purpose.  Those stores can be loud, I  
suggest to call first and ask when the place is typically the least  busy.
 
After going through a slew of different effects pedals, over a period  of 
many years, a lot of players come back to using just  a mic and an amp.  I 
think that has a lot to do with a persons chops and  listening ability getting 
better over time, as you develop a natural  vibrato and tremolo the pedals 
that imitate those effects become less  useful.  Others find something they 
really like, such as a delay or  reverb effect which can't be duplicated by 
a human, often they  stick with it.  Then there's guys like Jason Ricci who 
bring a whole  arsenal of effects, some like it, some don't... just keep in 
mind that  Jason is one of the best diatonic players who ever walked the 
earth, an  exact duplicate of his gear will not in any way make you sound like  
him.
 
You didn't mention microphones, if you have one you like then you may be  
set.  Lots of choices out there, I'd get that part settled before moving on  
to pedals.  The best pedal in the world -for you- won't make up for a lousy  
amp or mic.  And of course, you have to have good tone to begin with, no  
amount of gear -see above- will help if you don't develop those  things.
 
If you want some info on mic's & cables, go to my Harmonica Planet  website 
send a request to receive the free Harp Mic Buyers  Guide.  Just mouse over 
the Harp Mic's tab and click on the  appropriate drop down box.  
harmonicaplanet .com 
 
 
Regards,
Christopher Richards
 

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