Hello Jerry or Rick (or others),
Could either of you offer some general guidance for setting up and amp? I have a Vox modeling amp and I've played around with it a little, but would enjoy a discussion on amp settings. I have an out of the box red howler mic FYI. Thanks so much.
Best advice is for you to tweak away...all knobs are meant to be turned from 0 to 10 (or 11, if you like Spinal Tap).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xgx4k83zzc
It's better to spend the time yourself experimenting than asking others what they do. This way, you will evolve into a more personalized amplified tone.
However, for harmonica, I might suggest setting tone controls straight up at first, and then backing off on the highs as you play. This is a good starting approach.
What a great reply Larry! Thank you so much. I imagine the amp and mic can be like instruments in and of themselves, so I imagine they require similar time and attention. And I like the approach of Jerry and Rick, in that they want you to develop your ear so they don't give you tabs.
With that in mind, I haven't given playing with an amp much time at all. I figure my playing the harp should be developed first. But Rick's performance with this number includes the amp/mic, so I've begun to think about giving it a try.
For now, I will spend some time tweaking away:) Thanks again.
Hi Daniel - I just happenned to find this question as I checked my messages on here and I hope you don't mind me chiming in.
I have spent many years working with mics and amps for harmonica, and aside from being an amplified harmonica performer, I have been re-building vintage harmonica microphones for over 20 years and love to continue to do so (and played through hundreds of amps and literally thousands of microphones). One thing to remember is that every microphone/amplifier combination will soundand act differently. Unfortunately this means that there is really no "standard" of how to set up amps for harp, also because each players' microphone cupping technique is different, and the cupping also makes a huge impact on the amplified sound (and how you should possibly change the settings).
As a starting point, I usually start with the volume on 0 (always a good place to start, haha!)...if there are separate tone controls I will set the treble somehwere between 3-4, and bass between 6-7 and go from there. If there is just one "tone" setting, I would set it at around 3-4. All the other controls (there may be no more, or possibly up to 10 more depending on the amp) can start to confuse things or may not be all that important just to get a setting to start at. For example, "reverb" or any effects will not be needed just for a good tone/volume. However any "master volume" or "gain" controls (if there are any) may interact with the normal "volume" setting depending on the amp, and in turn make things a little more confusing.
When using a microphone with a volume control, I would make sure to set it all the way up (or close to all the way up, if you want a little room to crank it full blast for a boost here & there).
This comment is already loger than I originally intended (sorrry!), but maybe it gives you a little help in understanding my thoughts and understanding the overal amplified harmonica thing. Remember that each mic/amp combo will act differently, but the above is basically my recommended starting point. I also agree with Larry that spending time yourself with the equipment will help you get a handle on working with it, and to find the correct setting for yourself and your equipment.
Wow Dennis! Thank you so much for the response. That is some amazing guidance and a very helpful direction for me to take. Thank you so much!
Hello everybody,
I've just bought a fender super champ X2 and I use it with a green bullet. For the moment, I have a nice clear and amplified sound but there is no distorsion. Is it possible to obtain distorsion without using a pedal effect?
I know distorsion exists with a 5w amp and high volume (saturated). I play at house and I can't put volume to the max!
If pedal is required, what do you think about lone wolf harp break or octave?
Thank you for your advices,
Thomas
I'm sure everyone will have their own opinion in this mater, however I never use any pedal or preamp to get distortion that any amp doesn’t naturally give on it's own. Your playing technique, microphone, and microphone gripping technique will also all help with getting distortion when you want it, but this is a developed skill that can be worked on. PLUS, playing without any added distortion helps you get a better handle on your own natural sound and tone, which enables to to work on it to always improve where your technique may be lacking.
Mr Gruenling, thank you for quickly answering me.
Now I understand that distortion is not only a question of amp but also (maybe firstly?) a question of technique. Like I have learned how to bend (and i'm still learning of course), I'm ready to pass time to learn the technic to create distortion. I have to count in months if it's the same difficulty! But it doesn't matter, I have time.
After your answer, I looked again on youtube changing "words research", and I found details on the technic!
"TONE", that was the word missing to my knowledge. I thought Tone was about making a clear note, total mistake.
David Barrett (with a mic!), Lee sankey, and many others speak about it. Now I know the direction I have to look, cause you kindly showed it to me... Thank you very much. And I'll can keep my money for christmas presents, it's cool...
So these are some of the links if it can help someone and if it's permitted:
https://youtu.be/R6XrqsLHnLs
https://youtu.be/s08HUfIPIqE
Again, Thank you Master.
Thomas
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. It is more of an advanced technique, but more importantly, it varies with the equipment you use (harmonica/mic/amp) and also has to do with how you breathe, play and hold them together, and how they all respond together. There is no clear-cut answer on how to do this....asdie from developing good harmonica technique (understanding how to get clean AND distorted notes), good cupping technique (being able to get a full grip of harmonica and microphone - able to get an airtight seal but not use it all the time), and using an amp/mic combination that responds well together. The way to do this is different with every combination, and even at volume differeneces.
