HawkeyeKane
1641 posts
May 03, 2013
3:45 PM
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Yesterday I made a post about a SJ Cruncher up for bid on eBay. The post claimed it was THE LAST Cruncher built. Well....I just found this Super Cruncher....also claiming to be THE LAST one built. It's a different ebay username, so I highly doubt it's the same guy.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271200763247&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:3160
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Hawkeye Kane
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1847
704 posts
May 03, 2013
3:47 PM
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ALSO A HARP GEAR AMP ON THERE
SAME PRICE SO WHICH AMP IS BETTER?
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tipjar
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CarlA
330 posts
May 03, 2013
4:29 PM
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Oh boy, this ones going to be a fun one;)
Last Edited by CarlA on May 03, 2013 4:29 PM
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timeistight
1210 posts
May 03, 2013
4:34 PM
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"ALSO A HARP GEAR AMP ON THERE"
There is? Where?
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HawkeyeKane
1643 posts
May 03, 2013
4:35 PM
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Come on now guys ....let's not turn this one into another Nixon vs McGovern. Please?
@timeistight
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HarpGear-HG50-all-tube-harmonica-amp-CUSTOM-50-Watt-/161019038712?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257d7b8bf8
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Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by HawkeyeKane on May 03, 2013 4:37 PM
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tmf714
1739 posts
May 03, 2013
4:37 PM
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Custom HarpGear
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HarpGear-HG50-all-tube-harmonica-amp-CUSTOM-50-Watt-/161019038712?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257d7b8bf8#ht_500wt_919
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timeistight
1211 posts
May 03, 2013
7:08 PM
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$2100 for a used HG50. Brian sells them new for $1750.
Last Edited by timeistight on May 03, 2013 9:54 PM
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MJ
619 posts
May 03, 2013
9:34 PM
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The SJ listed in the most recent listing has a lower production number,231. The other one from the previous thread is number 233, which could possibly make it the last one, or at least newer by 2 amps. I really doubt that it matters to someone who wants the amp to actually play.
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6SN7
312 posts
May 04, 2013
4:10 AM
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When the numbers are that close, it means little. The amps are produced in batches. When I bought my SJ1, there were 5 in the room, #96-100.
I select #99, because I like the numbers. I'm with MJ, it means nothing.
Last Edited by 6SN7 on May 04, 2013 4:55 AM
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tmf714
1741 posts
May 04, 2013
6:13 AM
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I would hope everyone knows the Cruncher and Super Cruncher are two distinct and seprerate amps-
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Rick Davis
1727 posts
May 04, 2013
6:52 AM
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HTML is easy
Make a Link!
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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Rick Davis
1728 posts
May 04, 2013
7:01 AM
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Hey, If I had a SJ Super Cruncher amp and I thought some sucker would pay $2000 for it I'd have it on eBay in a hot second. These guys are good capitalists. I'm rooting for them.
1847, I don't think either amp is really "better." If I had to choose between the two I'd go for the HG amp only because it is a bigger Bassman style amp. But the price is ridiculous.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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Rick Davis
1729 posts
May 04, 2013
7:17 AM
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As a public service:
ESPN
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
Last Edited by Rick Davis on May 04, 2013 7:21 AM
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1847
706 posts
May 04, 2013
7:59 AM
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Hey, If I had a SJ Super Cruncher amp and I thought some sucker would pay $2000
all you have to do is buy the one for sale at $2100.00
and i'll give you 2 grand for it.
if you think that is a ridiculous price
a friend of mine sold his bassman for 5 grand
if i can get that for mine, i could buy both of those amps and have money left over. doesn't seem like such a bad deal when i look at it that way.
a friend of mine used a sj 2 for years
he sold it to another friend "$1000.00"
it is a good sounding amp. having said that
anytime he has a "real gig"
he always wants to borrow my amp!
what is the difference between the cruncher
and the super duper crunchier cruncher?
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tipjar
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Rick Davis
1731 posts
May 04, 2013
8:19 AM
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1847, I said the price for the HG was "ridiculous." You can still buy it new for less!
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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Kingley
2586 posts
May 04, 2013
8:44 AM
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All of those amps, the Cruncher, Super Cruncher and the HG50 are known quantities and very good for harp. I personally wouldn't lay out that kind of cash for them, but hey if someone can easily afford to then why not. Like Rick has pointed out though someone would be a bit silly to buy the HG50 at that price, when a brand new one can be bought for less money.
Last Edited by Kingley on May 04, 2013 8:44 AM
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tmf714
1742 posts
May 04, 2013
8:45 AM
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Sonny Jr Cruncher:
Output: bench tested at 35 Watts
Dimensions: 22.5?(W) x 20?(H) x 9.5?(D)
Weight: 42 lbs.
Included: one extra preamp tube, patch cable for bridging, comprehensive color-illustrated manual
The Cruncher prompted the great Charlie Musselwhite to say, “This is the best amplifier I have ever played in my life”. High praise indeed from one of the most highly decorated bluesmen in the business!
At only 42 lbs. and a compact 22.5?(W) x 20?(H) x 9.5?(D), the Cruncher just explodes with raw tone and projection at the lightest touch of the harp. Or, you can lean into it without fear of it feeding back and have the true Little Walter dynamics he was so famous for. The tone controls are user friendly which allows even more projection into the house, and you will definitely hear yourself on stage. The amp is set up stock with the option of going up or down one tube gain with only the tube on the far right to swap. It literally plays itself right out of the box. That hair is there if you want it along with a clean crisp note or a chord. It has maximum tone and projection with options for more gain or more distortion by just changing one tube. With the line out feature, you could literally fill a large venue with sound.
There are bass, middle and treble controls. The presence frequency was internally set at “4? in the circuit to shorten the chassis for this compact amplifier. The ability to bridge both channels, normal and bright, gives the amp a whole unique quality of its own. This now allows both the Normal and Bright volume controls to be interactive, with the Bright 2 input having a larger resistor across the input to give it that nastier sound for crystals, or really any mic. All of these tweaks are described in a detailed color manual along with personal customer service as a part of the package.
Last Edited by tmf714 on May 04, 2013 8:56 AM
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tmf714
1743 posts
May 04, 2013
8:57 AM
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The Sonny Jr Super Cruncher:
The incredible Super Cruncher is HERE! You asked for it and we listened. The new Super Cruncher has tons of bottom end, yet with a bite that will take your leg off, and extends to all corners of any room. And, yes, there is an upgrade package available for all Cruncher owners.
By all accounts, the Cruncher with over 220 extremely satisfied customers, including the likes of Charlie Musselwhite and Mark Hummel, is the best 35 watt mid-size amplifier on the market today. It literally has more pro endorsers than any other amp. Yes, you loved the Cruncher, but we kept hearing the desire to have the same superb Chicago tone but with 25% more overall volume.
I‘ve gone farther than that with a Super Cruncher that sounds like a 40 watt amp with 25% more volume and projection. We used a proprietary 50 watt output transformer which pushes the 28 inches of speaker air like a giant bomb of tone. One look at that output transformer and you will know this amp is unique. Using the same fat tone speaker configuration, we supercharged the circuit and have created the all time best mid-size monster in the Super Cruncher. We have variable settings with a much more user-friendly tone circuit where you can push the bass to 4-10 and the treble from 4-6.
We were the first company using the tone-monster NOS paper-in-oil capacitors in our circuit…….far better than the stock orange drops and mallories used by almost every other builder. Every aspect of packing a punch into a smaller frame went into this amplifier. Our unique custom lacquer coating with four coats of a deep tint finished with four coats of a glossy hard shell clear coat separates the quality of our amps from any other company.
As with any Sonny Jr. amplifier, you have the variety, options, and ability to dial in any microphone or room configuration. With the uniquely designed true speaker-sounding line out, you can achieve the sound you want in the house. For large venues, use the line-out in one channel AND mic the 12” speaker through another channel for a tremendous, full, thick tone that works with you, not against you. The oversized beefy output transformer plus a blend of one heavy duty Weber 12” P12Q speaker and two different custom 8” speakers gives this amp a unique blend of frequencies that come together with monster tone.
When other builders force an amp into distortion, you are stuck with a false tone and not the pure, rich, natural tone of a Sonny Jr. amp. Sacrifice tone just to get louder? Not with our amps. You will be amazed at just how much tone can be coaxed out of the incredible Super Cruncher. It is truly an extension of the player’s expression and technique.
There are bass, middle and treble controls. The presence frequency was internally set at “4? in the circuit to shorten the chassis for this compact amplifier. The Bright Two input has been modified to boost crystal and ceramic elements. You can plug directly into the Normal One input and follow the tone guidelines in the manual, or you can adjust the tone controls and plug directly into the Bright one for more bite.
Specifications:
Output: bench tested at 38 Watts
Dimensions: 22.5? (W) x 20? (H) x 9.5? (D)
Weight: 44 lbs
Included: comprehensive color-illustrated manual
Initial Price – $1650 plus shipping
Options: padded Tuki cover, matched Groove tubes, custom mics
Note that I sell fantastic mics (at reasonable prices) that match the tone of my amplifiers. Check the Hot Mics page for details.
Amp Details
•More than 25% increase in overall projection
•Thirty-eight rich explosive watts. Take that, guitar players!
•First to use military grade paper-in-oil capacitors in the tone circuit – Astron, Vitamin Q
•Only builder to use NOS preamp tubes
•Copper can rectifier with the sag of a tube – built to last a lifetime
•Groove Tube GED/GC style tubes – no rebiasing necessary when tubes are replaced
•Garelite circuit board – no Fender wave
•Stainless steel chassis – no Chinese knockoff parts
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Rick Davis
1734 posts
May 04, 2013
8:58 AM
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"I‘ve gone farther than that with a Super Cruncher that sounds like a 40 watt amp with 25% more volume and projection."
tmf, is Gary Onofrio claiming that a 40 watt amp sounds 25% louder than a 35 watt amp?
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
Last Edited by Rick Davis on May 04, 2013 9:01 AM
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tmf714
1744 posts
May 04, 2013
9:00 AM
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Super Cruncher cont:
•Point-to-point wiring of circuit – meticulous attention to detail
•Massive 50 watt proprietary output transformer
•Solid 35 watts of available volume – bench tested with maximum tube capability
•Unique speaker configuration – P12Q, heavy duty 8:, lighter 8? to blend for 28? of pure Chicago tone
•Bias set for smooth, rich tone
•Fat channel for crystal and ceramic mics – added boost for any mic
•True speaker sound line out – use a standard guitar cord to go direct to PA
•Ten-page manual – settings explained from a pro’s experience
•Unparalleled customer service from a 35 yr. pro player
In Summary
Now is the time to buy the best mid-size amplifier on earth. While others chase old Masco heads or offer features that I was using 20 years ago, I have created an amplifier that will last a lifetime and will give you the tone, power and punch that you are seeking.
My endorsers are just some of the more than TWO THOUSAND satisfied customers in the past 16 years of business. Zero issues with any of the original amp owners in all these years, thanks to great engineers and builders. My reputation for personal customer service speaks for itself in the reviews.
As a professional harp player for over 35 years, I understand that each of you has your favorite microphone and the way you like to set your tone controls. Part of my customer service is to help you get the best tone possible, whether it means playing over the phone for a tip or two, how to mic the amp live, or to supply you with the best possible vintage microphone.
I use Groove Tube matched and graded GE-style power tubes (in stock). Should you need to change power tubes, you can order a new pair with the same grade and not have to worry about rebiasing the amp.
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Rick Davis
1735 posts
May 04, 2013
9:10 AM
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Okay, Here is the quote: "I‘ve gone farther than that with a Super Cruncher that sounds like a 40 watt amp with 25% more volume and projection."
Please parse that and tell me what it means.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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tmf714
1746 posts
May 04, 2013
9:17 AM
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Ok- let me break it down for you-
The Super Cruncher sounds like a 40 watt amp-got it?
Ok-that is it for that part-it sounds LIKE a 40 watt amp-
ok-next-with 25% more volume and projection-
25% more volume and projection than the stock Cruncher.
End of lesson-thanks for reading-.
Funny Rick-you say you have buried the hatchet,blah,blah,blah. But yet you can't resist jumping into these threads making negative comments i.e
"Hey, If I had a SJ Super Cruncher amp and I thought some sucker would pay $2000 for it I'd have it on eBay in a hot second. "
Last Edited by tmf714 on May 04, 2013 9:36 AM
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tmf714
1747 posts
May 04, 2013
9:19 AM
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Hey-as a matter of fact,I'm coming to Colorado to move my girlfriends mother-I will bring my Super Cruncher to the jam at Ziggies-you tell me if it's 25% louder than a stock Cruncher-
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Rick Davis
1738 posts
May 04, 2013
9:27 AM
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tmf, excellent! You would be more than welcome at the jam and you can bring any amp you like. Let me know when you will be here! We'll get some video of it.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
Last Edited by Rick Davis on May 04, 2013 9:28 AM
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Rick Davis
1739 posts
May 04, 2013
9:33 AM
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"25% more voulme and projection than the Super Cruncher."
So, the Super Cruncher sounds 25% louder than the Super Cruncher? I'm not sure I am following you. Are we talking about a different amp now?
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
Last Edited by Rick Davis on May 04, 2013 9:36 AM
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tmf714
1749 posts
May 04, 2013
9:35 AM
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Edited-stock Cruncher
Last Edited by tmf714 on May 04, 2013 9:36 AM
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Rick Davis
1740 posts
May 04, 2013
9:42 AM
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tmf, do you have a "stock" Cruncher amp, too? Bring them both to my jam. I always have a few interesting amps there for players to try.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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tmf714
1751 posts
May 04, 2013
9:46 AM
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And my Serial number 1 Sonny Jr with 6x8
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tmf714
1752 posts
May 04, 2013
9:56 AM
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Yes-and we may stay for a few months-I am leaving the HarpKings there for Dennis Gruenling to use when he heads West later this year.
Last Edited by tmf714 on May 04, 2013 9:57 AM
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Rick Davis
1741 posts
May 04, 2013
10:00 AM
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Bring 'em all to the jam! That would be awesome. When do you expect to be here? Let me know and we will arrange to get there early and get them all set up. The stage is pretty big so it should be no problem.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
Last Edited by Rick Davis on May 04, 2013 10:03 AM
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HawkeyeKane
1645 posts
May 04, 2013
11:43 AM
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tmf - So you're saying you've got S/N "1" of the SJ2A?
And regarding that HG50...I agree. I wouldn't pay $350 over the current MSRP from Brian. However, in the seller's defense, the amp appears to be in mint condition, and he details all the aftermarket custom work done on his in the listing. Could be worth the extra $350 in his eyes. I'm skeptical, but then again, I'd have to look and listen to it.
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Hawkeye Kane
Last Edited by HawkeyeKane on May 04, 2013 11:43 AM
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tmf714
1754 posts
May 04, 2013
12:22 PM
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"tmf - So you're saying you've got S/N "1" of the SJ2A?"
Yes-had to drive to pick it up here in Florida-about 30 mins.
I replied to an expired harp-l ad for it-got some other harp related gear along with the #1 Sonny Jr 2. Full documentation. Bill of sale,spare tubes,and the original owners manual.And I made agood friend along the way-don't get much better than that-
P.S.-if I told you the price of the amp,it might kill you.
Last Edited by tmf714 on May 04, 2013 12:23 PM
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6SN7
313 posts
May 04, 2013
1:02 PM
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whoa tmf714, you have some serious iron in your basement. You should considering daisy chaining those tone monsters together.
I remember seeing a couple of the first 6x8 SJ2's at Tom's house when I picked up my SJ1 a million years ago. I recall him telling me that Professor Harp was getting one of them.
Last Edited by 6SN7 on May 04, 2013 1:10 PM
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Rick Davis
1752 posts
May 05, 2013
7:20 AM
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The auction ended with no bids for that first SJ Super Cruncher... I am surprised.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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Kingley
2606 posts
May 05, 2013
7:26 AM
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tmf714 - Tom that's quite a collection of big gun amps. Makes me wish I had the money for a plane ticket to Denver to witness the event. I hope that plenty of good quality video gets taken, so that we'll all get to hear the amps in action.
Rick - No bids. Wow, that does surprise me a lot.
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CarlA
332 posts
May 05, 2013
10:16 AM
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I think the "no bids" is proof that as much as we all love our harp gear, it's hard to fathom mustering that kind of money for an amp, even a SJ.
Times are tough, this demonstrates that fact!
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Rick Davis
1754 posts
May 05, 2013
11:25 AM
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Kingley, I will video every minute. Lots of photos, too. Looking forward to it.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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Kingley
2610 posts
May 05, 2013
11:27 AM
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Cool Rick. Thanks. I'm looking forward to hearing/watching it as well.
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Rick Davis
1759 posts
May 05, 2013
12:00 PM
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I am just sick that I didn't win this auction.
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-Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Tip Jar
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HawkeyeKane
1648 posts
May 05, 2013
4:27 PM
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@Rick
How would one go about turning that into an amp? ;-)
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Hawkeye Kane
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HawkeyeKane
1675 posts
May 09, 2013
1:44 PM
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Heh...it relisted today.
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Hawkeye Kane
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bloozefish
94 posts
May 09, 2013
2:00 PM
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tmf,
were those your HarpKings that Dennis G and Piazza were playing in Orlando recently. Sweet amps!
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tmf714
1771 posts
May 09, 2013
2:18 PM
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Yes-I let Rod use my red 6-10 for the Harp Showdown,and he also used it for the Tampa Blues fest.
Sorry I forgot to hook up with you-but I got a little confused about how to get the amp up there and back-I was actually stressing a little because I was not able to attend the Tampa Bay Blues Fest-Rod is cool and all,but lending out a 6-10 HarpKing to ANYONE is stressful-again,I apologize,but let me know when you head back for the Thursday night blues session at the Why Not -
Tom.
Last Edited by tmf714 on May 09, 2013 2:19 PM
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