Bulletini, with or without volume control?

Hi, Ace

My sales data tells me that about 95% of harp players use voume controls. I find them very useful for a large number of reasons. We DO have our dynamic control - and a volume control takes nothing away from that. But there are still many reasons to use one. Conditions on stage change as we play. The band gets louder (or a lot quieter), the crowd gets bigger, you choose a C harp (louder) or a low F harp (not so loud). We solo, we play accompaniment.  The better we get as harp players, the more able we're able to play well while playing softly - but beginners often have trouble bending notes quietly. 

When feedback happens on stage, everyone is going to look at you because "it's usually the harp player." It is awfully nice to turn the volume control on your mic down. If the feedback stops,, it WAS you and you immediately controlled it. No problem. If it DOESN'T stop, then you know IT ISN'T you - and you can shake your head and smirk, point to the knob and shrug your shoulders so every knows "IT ISN'T ME."  :) 

A volume control lets you set up your amp a little louder, and then "dial it back" at the mic, leaving you with some additionla "headroom" when you need it. You certainly can't go diving back to your amp's volume control when you're 15 feet away from your amp on a crowded stage. If you need the maximum volume possible, you will certainly get feedback if you're standing right next to your amp as you raise its volume knob. With a volume control on the mic, you turn it way down as you approach your amp.

Accidental adjustment is a common concern, but in my experience is only a problem with mics where the knob is mounted underneath the mic, toward the front (like a Shure green bullet or hohner blues blaster). You SHOULD hold a mic under the last 2 fingers, spacing the harp away from the mic with the middle finger, and holding the harp itself between forefinger and thumb. When held like this, rear-mounted volume knobs stick way out past your grip - even with a mic as small as the Bulletini - and inadvertant adjustment isn't really a problem. 

In other words, I heartily recommend volume controls! I know a couple of pros who "poo poo" volume controls. Some of them believe it robs a little tone and output - and that IS true - there's no free lunch. But it is ONLY a factor (and, with a properly matched voume control - a very minor one) with crystal elements, NOT with dynamic elements or vintage Shure CM or CR elements.  Also - a pro class player  has more control over stage volume than you will, because they belong to a pro band who has better discipline than the jammers you'll probably play with when you first perform. But many pros do, and as a "weekend warrior" who plays at jams, I can tell you I really prefer to have one. 

Hello Ace, I purchased a Bulletini with volume control.  I think it is a great mic.  I placed an elastic band around the front since it slipped out of my hands a few times.  The rubber band solved the problem.  Dave recommended the Laney Club 10 amp for my needs and budget.  Great choice for me.    Write to David  for his recommendation describing your particular needs etc.