Rick Davis
2745 posts
Dec 04, 2013
11:52 AM
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We are ready to take orders for the Memphis Mini blues harmonica amplifier! It is a little monster 5-watt harp amp that nails the vintage "Champ" vibe for only $440.
For all orders placed before January 1, 2014 the price is $440. After that the price will become $490. Our target ship date for the first batch of amps is Feb 1, 2014.
- 5-watts of tone from a single-ended Class A circuit
- ElectroHarmonix 12AU7 preamp tube
- Ruby 6V6 power tube
- Big iron in the transformers
- Weber Signature 8-inch speaker
- Tru-Tone line out
- Lacquered tweed cab
- Tone circuit mods designed by master amp tech Bruce Collins
I and others have played the amp on stage, and everybody has been enormously impressed with its tone and dynamics. The great sounding line out allows you to connect it to a PA sound system and be heard even in the biggest venues.
Click to the Memphis Blues Amps website and go to our Store page. You can purchase online via PayPal or use your card. Get your order in the queue right away! Amps are targeted to ship beginning Feb 1, 2014.
UPDATE: We WILL ship amps to Europe and OZ/NZ with the proper power cables. Contact us at info@memphisbluesamps.com.
You can now use PayPal's "Bill Me Later" when purchasing the Memphis Mini harp amp. Up to 6 months with no payments or interest. Check it out at the Memphis Blues Amps website.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 20, 2013 8:54 AM
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jimr
56 posts
Dec 07, 2013
9:44 AM
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Hi Rick
Who is the proprietor(s) of this business?
Best
Jim
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jbone
1436 posts
Dec 07, 2013
10:27 AM
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C'mon Lotto! C'mon scratch-off! One q: Can this amp- obviously for harp- be slightly tweaked, say with a 12ax7, to work out for guitar? Wife and partner has a thing for matching amps! Right now our Silvertone 1482's do the duty but if I could find a way I'd go for this one.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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Rick Davis
2750 posts
Dec 07, 2013
1:06 PM
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jimr, it is I. Bruce Collins consulted on some of the circuit design.
jbone, there will be a guitar version soon. I have not tried the harp version for guitar.
In my opinion, an amp that is optimized for harp will be a compromise for guitar (and the other way 'round.) It's not just a matter of changing the preamp tube.
Sign up for the newsletter at the website and you'll be notified when the guitar version is ready. I think it will be Feb 1.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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Rick Davis
2751 posts
Dec 07, 2013
1:11 PM
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This amplifier has a big colorful sound with the vintage crunch coveted by blues harp players. It responds beautifully to the pressure you put on your harp microphone, and it rewards your good technique with classic tone and dynamics.
The Memphis Mini is ready to produce superb vintage blues harp tone from the moment it arrives: You won't need to change anything. Plus, it weighs only 18 pounds, but with the line out you can easily connect it to a PA mixer and be heard in any venue, from a small juke joint to a major festival.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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Rick Davis
2752 posts
Dec 07, 2013
1:25 PM
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Hand wired point-to-point on a turret board.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 07, 2013 1:43 PM
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jbone
1438 posts
Dec 07, 2013
4:11 PM
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It is a beaut!
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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Harpaholic
445 posts
Dec 07, 2013
4:37 PM
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All due respect, who installed the tweed on the amp in the two pics?
Will they all look like that or is it just the prototype?
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Rick Davis
2755 posts
Dec 07, 2013
8:19 PM
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Harpaholic, the tweed is not applied with the 4-piece method you see on many other tweed amps, so it looks a little different on the corners. But I can tell you it is well done and solid. There had to be some compromises to get the price down to $440. I considered going with black tolex on the amps but after inspecting the tweed cab I decided it was good. I wanted it to be a tweed amp, and it looks fine.
What really matters to me is the tone. Its got that in spades.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 07, 2013 8:20 PM
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Barley Nectar
208 posts
Dec 07, 2013
9:20 PM
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I wish you the best of luck in your venture Rick. Do you feel that a higher power model is in the future?...BN
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Dec 08, 2013 7:59 AM
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SuperBee
1575 posts
Dec 08, 2013
1:09 AM
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Yeah, I can't build one for that.
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JellyShakersFacebookPage
JellyShakersTipJar
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Rick Davis
2756 posts
Dec 08, 2013
7:02 AM
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Here is a closeup of the tweed. It is the morning sun in Denver, so the color is a little off, but it shows the detail.
Barley, I don't anticipate building bigger amps. I would not want to compete with Bruce Collins at Mission Amps. He decided to not build a 5-watter so I took on this project.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 08, 2013 7:02 AM
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garry
477 posts
Dec 10, 2013
5:34 PM
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looks great, rick. i hope you sell a zillion of 'em.
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1847
1381 posts
Dec 10, 2013
6:37 PM
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will we get to hear one mic'd up?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Rick Davis
2764 posts
Dec 10, 2013
7:05 PM
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1847, sure. What do you expect to learn about the amp by hearing it mic'ed up? I'm curious...
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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1847
1382 posts
Dec 10, 2013
7:24 PM
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there is a certain synergy
between a 6v6 and a 8" speaker
that cannot be described on paper
it needs to be experienced.
a line out bypasses that completely
i would love to here nick
blast away on that amp with the proper mic
and someone dialing him in.
peace coop. merry christmas
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Rick Davis
2765 posts
Dec 10, 2013
8:16 PM
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I posted this video elsewhere on the forum. It is Ronnie Shellist playing the amp with no line out.
Also, a line out does not "bypass" the speaker at all. On the clip I recorded of Nic playing the amp what you hear is the speaker in the amp. There is a bit of signal in the mains but I am standing between them close to the front of the stage. The are pointed away from me. That's the amp you hear.
I'll put a mic in front of the amp and shoot some video at some point, but I don't think you are going to hear much difference. A good line out signal picks up the reactance from the speaker. You get speaker effects in the line out.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 10, 2013 8:24 PM
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JInx
679 posts
Dec 10, 2013
10:33 PM
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Send one to Adam, let's hear what he thinks…it's his shop after all. only saying
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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Rick Davis
2766 posts
Dec 11, 2013
6:24 AM
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Jinx- Actually, that is in the works.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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5F6H
1713 posts
Dec 11, 2013
7:10 AM
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Best of luck with this venture Rick, it's great value for money.
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www.myspace.com/markburness
http://www.facebook.com/markburness
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Rick Davis
2767 posts
Dec 11, 2013
7:16 AM
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Thanks Mark.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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FreeWilly
378 posts
Dec 11, 2013
7:27 AM
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Congrats Rick. And good luck. If you're as good an amp-dealer as you are a forum-member, these things will fly.
But the question is: how would the MM compare to a nicely modded VHT special 6?
Btw: I tested the special 6 against the notorious Marble max (7,5 watts, 8 inch speaker) and the Max is notably better. Louder, tighter, waaay smaller and lighter. I was very impressed with the special 6, but the Max... holy cow. Very impressive package, and definitely the way to go if money isn't an issue. But... that one will set you back 800 euros.... The Memphis Mini could price-wise actually compete with the special 6 (as it has a line out, and wouldn't need modding). But is it as loud? I'm looking forward to that comparison-video!
Last Edited by FreeWilly on Dec 11, 2013 7:32 AM
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1847
1384 posts
Dec 11, 2013
11:01 AM
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a line out solves one problem
but creates another, same with mic'ing an amp.
they both have advantages and disadvantages
a line out will solve the biggest issue feedback.
but at what cost? it will not provide the best sound.
a mic on the speaker will provide an awesome sound
but at a cost, feedback. there are ways to deal with that.
using a wireless mic will help, a volume control is imperative,
or at least a on/off switch. nothing in the monitors.
you want the amp as loud as possible, then a good mic
a sm 57 with the right placement, will enhance the sound
as it produces a proximity effect, giving a natural compression.
think about it, we buy an amp, spend time and money replacing
the stock speaker, finding just the right one "a little buddy"
or a jensen P10Q, then run a line out, the audience
hears what is coming out of the pa. a mic will capture what is coming out of the speaker.
it will turn a little bedroom amp, into a fire breathing dragon.
i saw jerry portnoy play with eric clapton
he had a bassman in the backline
and a champ sitting on a chair mic'd up.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Rick Davis
2768 posts
Dec 11, 2013
3:56 PM
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FreeWilly, I was among the first harp guys to buy and modify the VHT Special 6. I am familiar with how it sounds stock and modified. It is a very good little amp.
I donated my VHT amp to a charity auction so I no longer have it and cannot put it side-by-side with the Mini amp. My impression is that the Mini amp is at least as loud and has a better, more colorful tone than the VHT. The 8-inch Weber speaker gives it a killer vintage voice. With the great sounding line out, volume is not really an issue.
The Mini amp is a true harp amp. You won't need to make any changes to get good tone. I'm a pretty mediocre player but I'm loving the sound I get from the amp. Listen to the video of me and Nic Clark - an amazing blues player. Can you hear the commonalities in our tone? That is the amp.
It puts hair on the notes, with a nice early breakup on the leading edges of the notes: the attack. It responds well to the change in pressure you put on it. Listen when Nic and Ronnie hit a chord. It grinds nicely. The distortion has a wonderful organic feel when you play the amp. You can tip it into mild crunch with a percussive breath, and it gets more pronounced as you dig in harder. The distortion never gets rank and annoying, at least not when I've heard the amp played.
As you can tell, I'm pretty excited about the amp. The development process has been fun.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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1847
1387 posts
Dec 11, 2013
6:26 PM
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what i think would be cool
is to hear two or three of these hooked up together
is that a possibility?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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1847
1391 posts
Dec 12, 2013
6:22 PM
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hard to beat a vintage memphis mini
hard to beat a vintage memphis mini
edited by an admin in HTML troubleshooting mode, see if this works.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
Last Edited by Guest on Dec 12, 2013 7:40 PM
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timeistight
1451 posts
Dec 15, 2013
2:06 PM
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What are the differences between the Memphis Mini and the Joyo JA-05?
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Rick Davis
2775 posts
Dec 15, 2013
2:37 PM
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From the Memphis Blues Amps website:
"The Memphis Mini amp begins its life in a factory in China -- built to our specs -- and is completed here in America with rigorous quality control at ever step of the build. Amp techs who know harp tone finish the amp with quality speaker, tubes, and electronics to give it that vintage sound. Every amp is played before it is shipped."
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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rogonzab
428 posts
Dec 15, 2013
4:38 PM
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Rick, that is not the complete answer.
As far as I can tell, the differences are two:
- The material (cheapest possible on Joyo, good ones on MM)
- The circuit: Both are Fender Champs clones, but the MM is tune to harmonica, so it would work better than the Joyo (tune for guitar)
For the US guy the MM is a great deal, but for those of us who dont live in the US the Joyo (and the VHT Sp6) are the closest to a harp amp that you can get.
Last Edited by rogonzab on Dec 15, 2013 4:40 PM
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HarpNinja
3642 posts
Dec 16, 2013
9:19 AM
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I can't find much info on buying the Joyo, especially in the states. It appears the Joyo has a different preamp tube and speaker, though, to go along with an entirely different cab (so that is three readily observerable differences).
I am not an amp builder, but the circuit boards look different too. I mean, regardless of tweed Champ clone, you'd expect them to be LARGELY similar for the simple fact they are a clone of a Champ that is tweed...if it was to deviate much from that, then it wouldn't be a tweed Champ clone.
There are a couple places online that say the Joyo is actually a Blackface clone and not tweed.
If you read the OP:
"- 5-watts of tone from a single-ended Class A circuit
- ElectroHarmonix 12AU7 preamp tube
- Ruby 6V6 power tube
- Big iron in the transformers
- Weber Signature 8-inch speaker
- Tru-Tone line out
- Lacquered tweed cab
- Tone circuit mods designed by master amp tech Bruce Collins"
The transformers are probably a higher volume, the line out could easily be different, and there is at least one tone circuit mod.
So, let's say the Joyo run around $150 (plus international shipping, but let's pretend there isn't) and are a tweed clone (although it might be BF).
The cost of the Weber speaker, transformer, preamp tube and a much nicer cab are going to run $300+, putting the amp in the same range as the MM...don't forget that if you had someone else set it up as such, it'd also cost you bench time.
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My Website
Last Edited by HarpNinja on Dec 16, 2013 9:26 AM
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Rick Davis
2778 posts
Dec 16, 2013
9:57 AM
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rogonzab and Harp Ninja, you are correct. There are lots of versions of this basic amp floating around out there. Ours is different. We order it with certain basic components and without other components. We lacquer the tweed, add a good speaker and tubes and a line out, and modify the circuit to make it a little harp screamer. It sells for more than some of the bottom-bargain versions of the amp, but for half the cost of a similar custom harp amp. And I think it sounds great. The crunch and color in the tone are pretty remarkable.
At the jam at Ziggies last night it was the only amp I brought. We had harp players in every set, so the little amp was played constantly for 4 1/2 hours. It never missed a lick and impressed everybody who heard it.
A good player known as "Jakarta Slim" has heard me play a lot and last night he heard me on the MM for the first time. He said, "That little amp sounds great and I think it has inspired you to play better." He is right.
Here is a video of Gregg MacKenzie playing the amp and doin' it old school: singing through his harp mic.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 16, 2013 10:01 AM
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MindTheGap
102 posts
Dec 16, 2013
9:58 AM
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In case it's not clear, I didn't post about the Joyo amp as some kind of challenge to the MM! :-)
http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/5458721.htm
I'm sure there are superficial similarities, as HarpNinja says you'd expect, and plenty of differences. It does weigh the same 18lbs. There are two models, the old JA-05 and the new JTA-05. The one pictures, the JA-05, doesn't have a line out and doesn't come with that Jensen speaker.
If anyone is interested I could take some more pictures of the internals, but you'd have to direct me as I know nothing of these details.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Dec 16, 2013 9:59 AM
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rogonzab
429 posts
Dec 16, 2013
10:16 AM
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Awesome sound, no doubt about it.
If you look into ebay for a SF champ, they are around the $400. This makes the MM crazy cheap.
I would love to live in USA where the gear is cheap and you have options.
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Rick Davis
2779 posts
Dec 16, 2013
10:27 AM
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Rogonzab, I have a silverface Fender Champ. The MM amp sound MUCH better the the stock Champ.
We do ship internationally with the proper power cords. We already have orders from Poland, France, and Canada.
Here is Nic playing chromatic harp through the MM amp. WOW!
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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BigAl
12 posts
Dec 16, 2013
5:39 PM
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Sounds sweet to me. Even sweeter at the price!
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1847
1407 posts
Dec 16, 2013
5:42 PM
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sounds good to me also
wonder what it would sound like mic'd up
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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BigSteveNJ
36 posts
Dec 16, 2013
7:44 PM
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And, at the risk of tangling two threads together, those two clips demonstrate what good players can do at listenable volume. I actually had to turn my video player UP for once instead of down. I am actually thinking of getting one of these instead of a certain larger and well-liked amp I've heard recently. Hmmm...
Rick, what can you tell us about the MM's place in the scheme of things next to, say, the Mission Delta Sonic? I know the wattage and circuit are different, but is there any reason besides price that would really recommend the Mini over a Mission Delta Sonic? How different of a 'character' do the two amps have?
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Rick Davis
2784 posts
Dec 17, 2013
10:12 AM
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Big Steve-
The Mission Delta Sonic is a better amp, by most measures. That is partly because it costs about twice as much.
I had a lot to do with the design and tone of the DS amp, so I'm surely not going to trash it. I think it is one of the best, most versatile harp amps you can buy. It is a premium custom amp hand built by a master tech. I freaking love mine.
The MM is a bargain amp, but I think of it as a premium bargain amp. I think most buyers will be motivated by the low price and by the honest "Champ" tone. It does not sound or feel like a cheap amp.
The character of the DS is bigger, punchier. The character of the MM is more vintage, and, well, more fun than any amp I've ever played. I'd compare it to a Premier Twin 8 for character.
You should think of buying both amps! Bruce Collins has the basic DS amp (the version I own) on sale for $789. The MM amp goes for $440. That is only $1229 total!! Send me that plus shipping and I'll ship you both amps.
Here is Nic playing the DS amp. Compare that to the videos I posted above in this thread.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 17, 2013 10:24 AM
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Rick Davis
2785 posts
Dec 17, 2013
10:20 AM
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Remember, the $440 introductory price for the Memphis Mini amp will end on Jan 1, 2014. It will go back to the normal price of $490. Get your order in before the end of the year to get the $440 deal.
The Memphis Mini harp amp
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
Last Edited by Rick Davis on Dec 17, 2013 10:29 AM
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1847
1411 posts
Dec 17, 2013
10:25 AM
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You should think of buying both amps!
be nice to hear them linked together
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Rick Davis
2789 posts
Dec 20, 2013
8:52 AM
|
You can now use PayPal's "Bill Me Later" when purchasing the Memphis Mini harp amp. Up to 6 months with no payments or interest. Check it out at the Memphis Blues Amps website.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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1847
1419 posts
Dec 20, 2013
9:20 AM
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be nice to hear two of them linked together
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Rick Davis
2795 posts
Dec 27, 2013
6:56 AM
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Five Days Left to Order the Memphis Mini amp for only $440
Hey, I hope you had a fine Christmas! You still have time to give yourself a great harp amp at a great price.
The introductory price for the Memphis Mini amp is only $440 until January 1, when the regular price becomes $490. Plus, you can use PayPal's "Bill Me Later" plan to get the amp now with no payments or interest for up to six months. How cool is that?
The amp rocks, with the vintage tweed Champ tone you have been searching for. At $440 it is half the price of similar amps, with better tone.
Click to the website to see videos of Ronnie Shellist, Nic Clark, and me playing the amp. Listen to the crunch and the colorful overtones. There are no pedals or effects here, just a bullet mic plugged straight into the amp. Getting this tone out of the amp is easy; even I can do it!
Order before Jan 1 and I will keep you informed on the build. We expect to ship on Feb 1. Go to the Store page at the website to order the amp now.
Thanks!
http://www.memphisbluesamps.com/
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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MN
305 posts
Dec 28, 2013
9:51 AM
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If I were in the market for a new amp and didn't already have a Marble Max, I'd buy this Memphis Mini site unseen. Raw tube tone, durable construction, volume and a tone knob, and a line out to the PA ..... the rest is up to you, guys!
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1847
1436 posts
Dec 28, 2013
11:32 AM
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i wouldn't at all feel comfortable pre-ordering
considering the last harmonica related item i purchased that way
let's just say i am still waiting.
but more so due to the simple fact that, i have asked the same simple questions repeatedly, and they are ignored.
not my idea of customer service.
i will say this..... the amp looks well built.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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HarpNinja
3656 posts
Dec 28, 2013
2:24 PM
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I can't think of a single harp amp site showing their amps linked together.
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Mike
My Website
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LSC
565 posts
Dec 28, 2013
3:21 PM
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@1847 - Your last post complains of not having a question answered but I have scrolled through the entire thread and all I can find is a musing as to what they might sound like with two linked together. To expect someone to take two amps out of the box, link them together, get some sort of sound set up and balanced, record or video the result and them post it on the forum is an awful lot of action to expect just because someone "wonders" what it might sound like. I think Rick has posted all the relevant information that someone would need to make a decision including clips of various people playing through the amp in question. What would two Minis sound like? Me thinks they would sound like one plus one more.
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LSC
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Rick Davis
2799 posts
Dec 28, 2013
4:21 PM
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We are nearly sold out of the first run of amps. Demand for the Memphis Mini has been pretty amazing.
1847 has asked a couple of times that I post a video of the MM amp linked with the Mission Delta Sonic amp. He wonders how they will sound linked together.
They are both 6V6 amps, cathode biased, and they both sound great. If you link them together they will sound... great. I haven't tried it. But I have no doubt the tone would be awesome, just as it is with either amp by itself.
I am focused on the MM amp, not on combinations of amps. You know the character of it's tone, based on all the videos I've posted of various players using it.
Several members of this forum have placed orders for the MM amp. Thanks! Maybe one of them will try it mixed with other amps and make a video. That is really a project for the player community.
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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Rick Davis
2837 posts
Jan 08, 2014
10:53 AM
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A big box o' speakers arrived from Weber today, and I need more!
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-Little Rick Davis
The Memphis Mini harp amp
The Blues Harp Amps Blog
The Mile High Blues Society
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