Ian
336 posts
May 17, 2016
2:08 AM
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I've got two questions for you guys today..
They seem related but they're not.
1: what harps do you guys go on holiday with? I'm always in two minds, take harps that I really enjoy (but would be expensive to replace if I lost them ), or take cheaper harps that it doesn't really matter if they disappear. What are your thoughts?
2: I'm looking to get my first proper tube amp. My criteria revolve mostly about it being small in stature as I don't have much room to store a big amp. I'm also based in the UK, which seems to limit my options when it comes to amps (unless I want to pay a fortune for delivery and import duties) . What should I be looking for?
Thanks!
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Killa_Hertz
1400 posts
May 17, 2016
2:52 AM
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Good questions.
1) I am usually thinking the same thing. I usually bring mostly session steels. Because (at the beach or wherever) the salt air im afraid will effect the wood on the marine bands. And i just dint want to bring my manjis or 1847s.
However sometimes i still bring 2 or 3 of them just so I'm not stuck with just Session Steels. I love to switch harps. I never know what ill feel like playing. Sorry if that's not very clear.
2) This one you ll get a crazy range of ideas. I will say the harp train is on sale. I have never played one, but it's something to consider.
Now my real opinion is .. check out the VHT Special 6, it sounds awsome. Especially modded for harp, but you don't have to. I bought mine modded for $150. Plus I've done a few things myself.
Another option is ... the vox ac4tv. I have heard this model a few times and even looked into buying one. It had adjustable wattage and sound great. These are also pretty cheap. They Have a ac4tv mini model that's battery powered aswell.
But if you're looking to spend more money theirs tons of options out there, but that'll kick off the short list of nice budget tube amps.
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STME58
1699 posts
May 17, 2016
8:53 AM
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I usually pick out 14 of my favorite harps and put them in a Seydel soft case and put that in my briefcase. It stays with me as a carry on and my briefcase has my laptop in it, so it is not likely I will forget it. It does usually mean getting pulled aside by TSA to explain why I have so many little metal things that look a bit like ammo magazines. Once in China, I described to the non English speaking security agent what they were by playing them for him.
If I go through SFO I have my harps with me even after my bags are checked, and I can sit in the corridor between the domestic and international terminals and play for a while. The acoustics are good there and, as people are just walking through here and not trapped waiting for their flight, they don't seem to mind. I get a lot of thumbs up and positive comments. If anyone has been bothered by it they have not told me so.
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Goldbrick
1454 posts
May 17, 2016
9:10 AM
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I like the Fender blues jr
Quiet enuff to use at home. Loud enuff for small room gigs
Sounds great for guitar too.
Its funny that even my amp snob friends usually have a Blues Jr. around
Super ez resale too if you dont like it
http://bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/2009/06/fender-blues-junior-revisited.html
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1847
3434 posts
May 17, 2016
10:19 AM
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once again goldbrick hits it out of the park.
we are having a jam on sat, there will be a stock blues jr in the backline.
my buddy will be playing the first set,he plugs straight in. i always laugh out loud about how great it sounds.
i will also bring a mic, quite possibly a fireball to mic it up as things get louder. or i will use a kinder antifeed back to give it a boost.
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bluethird
16 posts
May 17, 2016
1:36 PM
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Sadly the pound has plummeted against the euro again, but this is still a good deal:
http://www.harpelite.com/catalog/it/nuovi/318-stealton-classic-5-amplificatore-valvolare.html
It doesn't look like much, but it's the exact same chinese "handwired" amp that the memphis mini and a few other harp amps are based on, without the extra mojo and dollar they command. It's a basic 5f1 champ circuit, so hard to go wrong. It's a great base for modding too.
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rogonzab
954 posts
May 17, 2016
4:10 PM
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My travel harp are my main harps. I have nver broke a reed, so I dont have backups.
Of all the amps that I have owned, by far the most light weight (and whit good tone) was the Laney Cub 8. Check the specs for the real weight (6kg or so)
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Sorry for any misspell, english is not my first language.
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1847
3437 posts
May 17, 2016
4:33 PM
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there are only two types of harmonica players
those that have broken a reed, and those that are going too.
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Ian
337 posts
May 17, 2016
5:01 PM
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Oh man... I can see an amp hunt ahead of me. So many good suggestions, Thanks guys.
I think the general consensus is travel with harps you enjoy playing. I'll mix it up on my next trip I think... Couple of goodies and a couple of average ones. I'll probably only bring an A, C, G and D.
Re the amp. Do you get all that much more when you pay more? Where's the price break between budget and quality?
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Goldbrick
1460 posts
May 17, 2016
5:08 PM
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I havent owned a bad Fender tube amp
and parts are easily found if needed.
just be careful of the input jack-if you break it -it can be labor intensive to replace
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Barley Nectar
1210 posts
May 17, 2016
5:17 PM
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I travel with the Hohner 7 pack with the zipper. In this is an A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G. I don't really care who makes the harp. I don't find enough difference in them to care.
As a guy who generally dislikes small amps and 8" speakers, the above mentioned Blues Junior or the
Pro Jr would have my vote...BN
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MindTheGap
1616 posts
May 18, 2016
12:30 AM
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Ian, these are the small amps I've seen (aside from the VHT) that you can actually buy new in the UK.
I have the predecessor to this, albeit modified. £200 http://store.harrysguitars.co.uk/joyo-jta-05-sweet-baby-vintage-tube-amplifier/
With this one they will supply a lower-gain preamp tube if you like £265
http://www.honkin-harmonica-shop.co.uk/honkin-toms-super-chump-amplifier/
Harmonicas Direct sell the Lone Wolf Harp Train £300
http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/accessories/microphones-amps/harp-train-10-harmonica-amp
The Fender Blues Junior is £456 from Thomman. I guess to make a choice you either have to love a particular sound or have a particular reason to need more watts.
Bluethird's 'stealton classic 5' looks good at c. £130, if you were interested in getting into amp mods, a fun hobby.
I don't have enough experience to recommend anything. But I will tell you that I found the small amp makes a nice sound, is very loud and home and pretty quiet amongst even a loudish band. In that sense, it's just a piece of equipment to do a job. So take care not to buy a white elephant.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on May 18, 2016 12:37 AM
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Ian
338 posts
May 18, 2016
5:10 AM
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Thanks for the info mtg. The harp train and the joyo look pretty good so far.
How's the joyo for you? Pre mod....
Its the right size that's for sure..
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ME.HarpDoc
151 posts
May 18, 2016
5:31 AM
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I have the Harp Train. My first, and still favorite, tube amp. It's got a "Balls" circuit that allows you to play as clean or over driven as you want. It's compact and lightweight. I had a little problem with feedback using a hot hi Z mic. Swapped out the 12ax7 tube for a 12ay7 tube and problem solved. Great sound and great value.
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MindTheGap
1617 posts
May 18, 2016
6:22 AM
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Ian. Pre-mod it was all fine. The newer one seems to have different features: better cabinet construction (e.g. corner protectors) but a PCB rather than tag-board construction. That's a consideration if you think you might get into the modding, aside from swapping tubes. I guess less of an issue if you are just going to play through it.
Like HarpDoc I also now use a 12ay7 preamp tube, which is a common, simple and inexpensive mod. The 12ax7 was fine, but the range of clean on the volume was small.
I'll just mention one technical thing, the blurb makes a feature of having a tube rectifier whereas other little amps often have a SS one these days (so I read). They say it provides a prized 'sag' sound but my understanding is that this type of circuit doesn't display sag. Anyway, just a detail, but may be important to you if weighing up features.
I like the look of the Harp Train, with its Balls circuit, and I just think that Lone Wolf have got the right idea generally. I'd guess it would have a higher resale value than a cheaper amp, but just a guess.
Do you really want a tube amp? Just think of all the harmonicas you could buy with that :)
Last Edited by MindTheGap on May 18, 2016 6:28 AM
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2chops
522 posts
May 18, 2016
10:49 AM
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I'll only get in on the harp part of the discussion.
I keep my backup harps in the 5 main keys in my day bag always. They are with me at work and on holiday. They areas follows.
Seydel Blues Favorite..G
Suzuki Blues Master.... A
Lee Oskar......Bb
Lee Oskar.....C
Lee Oskar.....D
The G has a reed starting to go flat. I'm going to get a set of stainless steel reed plates as replacements soon.
The Suzuki isn't one I would buy new. Got a good deal on it used. When it goes I'll replace it with either a LO or a Session Steel.
When I go on vacation, as I am now, I also take my 260 in C & 270 in A. With these 7 harps I can play all my stuff and sit in with most anyone to jam.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
Last Edited by 2chops on May 18, 2016 10:50 AM
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bluethird
17 posts
May 18, 2016
1:25 PM
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Ian,
I'd seriously recommend this one: http://www.harpelite.com/catalog/it/nuovi/318-stealton-classic-5-amplificatore-valvolare.html over the Joyo. The joyo has a pcb, and the one in the link is wired on a turret board. If you have any intention of modding the circuit, the turret board will give you many more options. Other amps, of course, are available!
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Ian
339 posts
May 18, 2016
1:44 PM
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@mtg. It would be one hell of a pile of new harps that's for sure.... I dunno, I guess I want to find out what all the fuss is about !
Thanks for the other suggestions. The lone wolf is definitely interesting. Not too expensive. I think the blues jnr is out of my price range.
I was expecting in the region of 300.
Re my travel harp needs.i think I'll bring a few of my 2nd favorite. I'll leave the crossovers at home..
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Goldbrick
1467 posts
May 18, 2016
3:53 PM
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I usually carry around 2 harps C and D- Lee Oskars- they dont break
C gives me C first, G 2nd, D 3rd
D gives me D first, A 2nd, E third
If I take an amp its a Pignose with ac adapter
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