pedals and amp question
Hi David- love your site! I am a guitar player and have a Boss ME-70. I got it a while back to avoid hooking up a bunch of pedals. It's cool but kind of confusing because of all the features and options. I have a bullet mic and want to buy a simple pedal that will allow me to have the classic blues sound that echoes and is distorted and crunchy sounding. I really can't get that sound just hooking it up to my amp. What would you recommend I buy that is simple to use and sounds great. Feel free to offer brands you like. I don't need the best but I still want decent quality since I'll have it for life. Thanks! Brent
David,
So, based on your last response regarding pedals and amps... instead of looking for pedals should I simply be looking for a good amp specifically for my harmonica? The amp I currently have is not great and it does not have any settings for reverb or delay.
If so, what should I be lookng in an amp if I'm on a budget but want something that sounds decent for the money?
Thanks,
Brent
Hello Brent.
"So, based on your last response regarding pedals and amps... instead of looking for pedals should I simply be looking for a good amp specifically for my harmonica?" Yes, this is your best bet overall.
Check out the amp reviews (https://www.bluesharmonica.com/amp_reviews) and you can choose which amp suits your budget. The Fender Champion 20 is a great amp for the $ and it has effects. Is it as good a real tube amp with a 10" speaker... no, but it's a start. The Laney Cub and Windy Amps are pro-level quality at a budget price.
Most amps pro players have do not have effects built in (the Laney and Windy don't), so if you end up getting a more expensive amp, expect to budget for a reverb or delay pedal.
Hello Brent.
I don't use, or recommend, distortion pedals... blues harmonica players create that sound from a good mic, good tube amp, and good technique. You can get close with pedals, but the sound is flat (it doesn't respond like a tube amp, which changes in tone as you play louder or play two-note combinations).
As for effects, I like either reverb or delay... Lone Wolf makes a very good line for that. They also have a line of distortion pedals... you can ask them what they recommend if you go that rout.