ledlips
2 posts
Jan 07, 2013
10:23 AM
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I bought a Harp Gear Double Trouble a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love the responsiveness, minimal feedback, lightness and simplicity. Slapping a Lone Wolf delay pedal between mic and amp really filled out the sound. Here's my challenge: the DT will be perfect for gigs, but the volume level needed to reach that super-crunchy Chicago-style tone is uncomfortably high when practicing with my band in a 16 x 16 ft. room. I'm considering buying an HG2 as my practice amp, with the thought that the crunchy tone I'm seeking would be achievable at a lower volume. Is that a valid expectation? Also, should I expect to lose some bottom end with the HG2 vs. the DT? Anyone out there have direct experience with both amps?
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Kingley
2135 posts
Jan 07, 2013
10:31 AM
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I've owned an HG1(the forerunner of the HG2) and a Double Trouble. Both are really killer harp amps. If you can afford to buy one, then yes I'd recommend buying an HG2 as a practice amp in a heart beat. It will give you crunch at lower volumes than a DT. It has a little less bottom end than the DT, but not by much.
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HarpNinja
3061 posts
Jan 07, 2013
10:33 AM
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For practice? Turn down, buy a LW pedal for infront of it, or get something cheap like a VHT or something.
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Kingley
2136 posts
Jan 07, 2013
10:37 AM
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The VHT Special 6 Mike mentions is a great amp too. It's a very good value for money amp. Mike's idea of a pedal in front of the DT to give you some crunch at lower volume is also a good one. Something like the Lone Wolf Harp Attack or Harp Break would be ideal for that I'd think.
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Joe_L
2313 posts
Jan 07, 2013
11:00 AM
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Try a Lone Wolf Harp Octave pedal in front of the Double Trouble. It will make the Double Trouble feel more like a Champ-style amp like the HG2. I like the Harp Octave pedal with the Double Trouble.
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ledlips
3 posts
Jan 07, 2013
1:15 PM
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Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Searching other forums (fora?), it appears the Harp Attack pedal will be a good option to bring more crunch to the DT at lower volumes. It's certainly a lot cheaper than buying another amp. My experience with the Lone Wolf delay pedal has been very positive, so I'm definitely inclined to do business with that company again.
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LittleBubba
267 posts
Jan 07, 2013
1:52 PM
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I might be in the minority with the following opinion, but imo, practice is practice. You don't need the tone in practice that you want on stage. You're practicing to get the tunes down. Yeah, it's fun to have the perfect sound in practice, but imo-- not necessary.
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rbeetsme
1033 posts
Jan 07, 2013
4:00 PM
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The Kendrick Champ clones are awful nice, great tone. The vintage Champs are pretty pricey but some of the clones are really good.
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SuperBee
799 posts
Jan 07, 2013
4:11 PM
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Man, I dream of a situation where a DT would be too loud...
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jim
1363 posts
Jan 07, 2013
4:28 PM
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A passive attenuator should help
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Last Edited by on Jan 07, 2013 4:29 PM
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Joe_L
2316 posts
Jan 07, 2013
4:50 PM
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I have played in many places where the DT is too loud. That's why i own a Champ.
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Willspear
251 posts
Jan 07, 2013
5:20 PM
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Dr z makes a pretty cool attenuator I am meaning to try that you install in an amp. For guitar it works great to take the edge off.
Also people forget that a double trouble is loud if it moved more air the human ear would have no way of distinguishing it from a larger amp. It would take almost 200 watts at the same efficiency to double it.
A little champ type amp is actually quite loud. The VHt special 6 sounds good but to force its breakup takes a decent volume as it is cleaner voiced than a tweed. It compares more to blackface amps.
The harp octave sound really great and due to the midrange it adds it cuts like a hacksaw at any volume in a mix. It has a similar cut to stepping on a tube screamer for guitar. The harp attack sounds like a buzz saw if using it for more than a little gain. Aside from going direct to pa I wouldn't use it.
The harp break works but it really only sounds right to my ears with a big amp that sounds muffled.
I'd honestly try the octave it might save you money on another amp if not it does sound cool
Last Edited by on Jan 07, 2013 5:22 PM
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Kingley
2142 posts
Jan 07, 2013
10:15 PM
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"Man, I dream of a situation where a DT would be too loud..."
I've played lots where it would be over the years. I'm finding that more and more venues are demanding music is played at quieter (hear yourself talking) volumes.
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MN
229 posts
Jan 08, 2013
5:50 AM
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LittleBubba wrote: "I might be in the minority with the following opinion, but imo, practice is practice. You don't need the tone in practice that you want on stage. You're practicing to get the tunes down. Yeah, it's fun to have the perfect sound in practice, but imo-- not necessary."
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I'm with you. Before I'd spend $840 on a practice amp, I'd just play through whatever during rehearsal, and use the extra dough to buy harps. Or beer.
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Last Edited by on Jan 08, 2013 5:52 AM
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artcarny
11 posts
Jul 05, 2015
11:33 AM
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I'm using the harp Break in front of the DT,Sounds like my Meteor 50 at lower volumes
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Gipsy
162 posts
Jul 06, 2015
12:40 AM
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I've got a modified VHT special 6 and it's awesome. However as already posted it needs to be turned up to produce its crunchy distorted tone. I use a harp attack to help simulate breakup but at much lower levels. It works a treat. When cranked up the harp attack isn't needed.
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