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From: "John_Walden"
Date: Sun, 6 Jun 1999 20:42:19 +0100
Subject: Re: Amplified harp

Hi Harp-L!

Several people have asked me what rig I'm using at the moment. Well, I
really like my Crystal Balls modified Astatic JT-30vc mic. Just now I'm
using my "Crystal Balls" with a 40 watt 1 x 12" Fender Blues De Luxe
reissue tweed combo amp. (Valve/Tube amp!) It's small, but it's cool.....
:-)))

I bought this combo because it was in-expensive. However it is a good
harmonica amplifier.

Between 1965 and 1967 I used a Vox AC50 with two x 2x12"cabs. That was a
great harp amp! Probably the best I've ever had. I'd still be using that
amp, but some nasty person stole it. Then in 1967, I bought a Vox Supreme
100w transistor amp, also with two 2 x12" cabs. I liked this rig because it
had various built in effects, It also had lots of volume! It is transistor
(Solid State), but has a great tone!

However, after YEARS of use, , my Vox Supreme simply wore out.... Well, I
did use it for the best part of 30 years of giging! I then got a second
hand Fender
silver face Bassman 100w top, with two H&K 15" pa cabs. This gave a pretty
good harmonica sound at high volume, but is not so good at lower level
playing.

In the past, I've always found that big speakers give me the sound I like.
However, loudspeaker technology has moved on since the 60's; therefore
smaller speakers can nowadays deliver the goods at high volumes! Perhaps
they always could? I just didn't know that, then! (Thanks, Harp-L!)

Now I'm using a tweed re-issue 40watt Fender Blues De-Luxe, with one 12"
speaker. It's an OK harp amp, but Isn't IMHO the "Answer" for harp
amplification. It is, however both cheap and lightweight! It gives OK harp
amplification a medium volume levels. Fine for the average Pub/Club gig.

I'm still saving up for a Sonny Junior ll, or a Harp King......

Perhaps when I'm a little more famous.... Ive only been playing blues for
about 37 years; Therefore I'm expecting "overnight success" any day now!

Best wishes,
John"Whiteboy"Walden
London. England
CD available. Please Email for info!