Favorite Harp Amps?
Hello Skip! You've been the go-to guy for a LONG time in regards to harmonica amplification. In your many years of experience with artists what are the most common/favored amps out there?
Also tell us a little about why tube PA systems (like the Masco) are so cool. Thanks!
Anyone had experience using this amp for harp????
Hello All- I'll take this opportunity to chime in again......
First, consider the venue. High-power amps like an RI Bassman are tough to play in a small room, and even the coolest Masco or Kalamazoo can't cut it on a big outdoor stage. This is one reason that touring players usually use a large amp...... they don't want to get drowned out in a big room and they can't always depend on a great PA system. Plus, they're so dang good that they can a great tone from say, a Super Reverb even in a 12X12 room! Mere mortals will have MUCH more success with a smaller amp, especially when you are still learning how to control the mike.
If you play large venues, get just ONE big amp. Then you can afford to buy a few cool little Valcos, Gibsons, and Silvertones!
Well, we could spend a long time covering that question but the bottom line is that until the advent of specially-designed "boutique" harp amps, the most used amps were the Fender Super Reverb, Concert, and tweed Bassman. Of course, these are powerful amps best suited for loud bands and require considerable skill to use without feedback. There were always innovators and players who experimented with their rigs, but I believe that most musicians just bought a good amp and used technique alone to get their sound. Nowadays, everybody wants to try another piece of gear, and another piece of gear, and another piece............
Vintage PA amps? Let's start with the fact that if you bought the "package" PA system back in the forties and fifties it would come with Jensen speakers and a JT-30! They were made for microphones, not for Stratocasters. However, don't expect any old PA amp to be great for harp. First they need proper restoration and servicing, (which I almost never see - even with common Fender amps) and second, a certain amount of the buzz for these amps was generated by the highly-modified units (Mascos, mostly) that I've been doing for years.
Skip Simmons
Skip Simmons Amp Repair