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From: Jack Ely
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 1996 16:19:07 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: RE: blowing while blowing

On 27-Sep-1996 Nelson writes...

>I recently picked up a Peavey classic-20 Amp, and am pretty pleased
>with the sound I'm getting, however Between riffs or in the middle of
>riffs I get a sound like you get when you blow into a mic. ; And thats
>probably exactly whats happening.
>
>Does anyone have any hints on something like this. I have a Shaker mic.
>and the treble set way down, and the mic volume at 3/4.
>
>thanks- NELSON

Hi Nelson,

I doubt that the amp has anything to do with your problem - other than
amplifying it.

Sounds like Breath Control and/or mic technique.

a) Pete Pedersen says all of his breath goes ~through~ his harmonica
when he is playing.
This is from a master - I doubt many of us can do it. So...

b) If you can't do a) - then my suggestion is you work on your mic
holding technique / and breath control both. Sometimes I breath in,
and out through my nose. You have to learn to do this quietly. It may
help to deflect air past the mic by your hand position.

c) Practice with an amp, and record it so you can ~hear~ how your doing.
(also good for working on your sound or tone). You have to develop
skill in playing over a mic just as you do speaking or singing over a
mic. -- I don't mean to sound as though you've never used a mic
before, I don't know if you have or not. Maybe your new amp and
shaker combination is way more sensitive than previous set-ups you
have used. In any case - I think it is a matter of refining your mic
and breathing technique.

d) Develop other creative ways of getting rid of excess...
Naah, forget that! :-)

- --Jack