Re: [Harp-L] First Time Performing Amplified

[David Brown <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have a note on open stages that can be a problem. It doesn't happen
often, but it does happen on occasion.

Usually the PA has the main speakers at the front of the stage to project
out to the audience. Sometimes, however, the mains sit at the back of the
stage (flanking the drummer) to leave room for the other players at the
front. This can be a real pain if your mic picks-up it your amplified
playing projected from the main PA speakers and creates a feedback loop.

My own solution is a Kinder AFB box which kills feedback in any situation I
have ever encountered (PA systems or amplifiers). Assuming you don"t have
some kind of feedback killer like the AFB, you can try having your EQ
adjusted through the PA (especially treble), re-positioning yourself to
another area of the stage less prone to feedback, or just cup the mic when
playing and cover it when you are not. Then again you could just tell the
other players to turn down......like THAT could ever happen LOL.


On Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 12:23 AM, Buck Worley <boogalloo@xxxxxxx> wrote:

> JR,
> Welcome to the list! I see you got some good advise. Here's what I bring
> and do if it's a blues jam:
> I bring my JT30 (it has a volume control), a small tube amp like a champ,
> an SM57 and cord, a couple of FX boxes, a long goosneck ) that has a mic
> clip/holder. The goosneck is about a foot long and is the kind that I can
> flex and bend.
> I try to get there early to claim my real estate on the stage, grab a
> chair to set my amp on and tilt it back to fit the stage setup in relation
> to where I think I will be standing. I have one end of my gooseneck wrapped
> in duct tape so that it does not scratch my amp and I place the duct taped
> end under the amp handle so I can position the mic to the edge of the
> speaker. Hand the sound person the end of the mic cord to be plugged into
> the PA. I ask the sound man to set my channel with a lot of bass and mids
> and not much highs.
> If I am lucky enough to get a sound check, I always find the point of
> feedback on my amp and back it down a notch or two and I also do the sound
> check with my mic volume at around 75%. The idea is to have plenty of
> headroom because if it's say a 5 watt champ, when everyone starts playing I
> know that I will have room to turn up as needed.
> I have a 7 band EQ stomp box and a delay set for just enough slap back to
> fatten up the tone. It's JT30 --> EQ --> delay --> amp. I run my boxes with
> 9volt batteries so I only need one AC plug. I place my boxes in the back of
> the amp so that I dont have to worry about having them and the cords all
> over the floor.
> Good luck,Buck
>
> > From: jr_parker_jr@xxxxxxxxxxx
> > To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> > Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:39:33 -0600
> > Subject: [Harp-L] First Time Performing Amplified
> >
> > I will be playing harmonica at an open mic night with my bandmate
> (guitar/vocals.)  I contacted the venue and they don't seem to know much
> about setting up for harmonicas.  My biggest concern is that the audience
> can hear me play.  I assume when I get there the sound guy will know what's
> what, but what do I need to bring with me to make sure it runs smoothly?
> Should I get my own harmonica mic?  Anything else?  This is our first
> performance and I don't want it to fall apart before it starts.  Thanks for
> any advice.
> >
> > (This is my first time posting here, so I'll introduce myself.  Born and
> raised Minnesota, 2/12 years playing harmonica by myself and in jam
> sessions.  Still trying to figure out my own style.)
> >
> > -JR
>
>