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From: "Don D."
Date: Sat, 07 Feb 1998 16:54:32 -0800
Subject: RE: Harp Amps

Adam,
There is so much one can get into about the pros and cons of tubes vs.
solid state, class A vs. class AB, PCB's vs. point to point amps, etc.,
it could take days to try explain it all to you. First you should reply
with exactly what type of music you play or specifically what you want
the amp to do. If you're looking for that overdriven Chicago Blues
sound. You pretty much are gonna want to look at tube amps. If you're
a chromatic player and are looking to just amplify the natural sound of
the harp for jazz and/or classical playing, then you may want a small PA
or an acoustic type amp like the Trace Elliot you mentioned. Also, what
is your budget? That will have a lot to do with your decision. In the
over $500 under $1000 range, if your looking for a tube amp, the Fender
Reissue Bassman you mentioned certainly is a good choice. There is also
a lot of great used amps out there on the market. If you want to learn
more about making an informed decision about amps, go out there and try
every amp you can and ask questions to sales reps, other players you may
see, and of course to all of us here on Harp-L. Eventually you'll start
to find certain sounds and features that appeal to your tastes. When
you do, check back with some more specific questions of the hows and
whys of amps you may have liked.
For instance, the Trace Elliot you mentioned. I'm not sure exactly
which model you heard, but it sounds like one of the acoustic type
models. These are basically amps designed to behave like a small
portable PA sound system. That is just amplify the natural sound of the
instrument or vocals, with little or no coloring or altering of the
sound. These types of amps are popular with acoustic guitarists,
fiddlers, mandolin, banjo pickers, even some sax players like them, and
can also be used for vocals. They work fine for harmonica if your
looking for a clean natural sound such as country, bluegrass, jazz, or
classical playing. These amps will not sound good if you're loking to
do that dirty, amplified, blues sound.
As for that Zoom multi-effects pedal. For a $100 you really can't go
wrong. I personally don't like the sound of those cheaper digital
reverb/delay pedals but what that unit will do is provide you with a
good platform to experiment with different types of effects for you to
learn exactly what you like. Once you get a handle on the various types
of effects you would like to use, come back with some more specific
questions on how to optimize a certain effect you like. If you like a
small slap-back echo, then I would recommend looking into an analog
delay or if you like a nice lush, wet reverb, check out some of the
classic Fender Reverb amps. In other words, go out, experiment, and
have fun with all the gadgets out there and don't be afraid to check
back with some more questions if the need arises. Just watch your
pocketbook, don't be shy about checking back here before making a big
purchase.

Don D.